Can I shim this padlock? (Masterlock No3)

[mccammog]

Ok, so I can pick it within 3 seconds, always.

Easiest lock ever.

However every time I try to shim it using beer shims like the turoail on this site explains, I can't open it. They don't turn, they just rip... wtf?

So: Can I shim a MASTERLOCK NO3? How!?

Thanks. Take care yall.

[darrel.h]

Yes you can shim these locks but the springs for the latch is a bit heavy so you may need to make your shim out of some strong material. As for picking it 3 seconds, how the hell do you do that? I can barely get it open in 5 minutes if I try.

[mccammog]

i dunno... ive just done it soo many times i can just put the hair pins in, wiggle the one, and turn the other.

I feel like maybe this specific masterlock3 has the pins in a certain way that makes it this easy, and id have more trouble with another... but this one is a sinch.

btw: if you're having that much trouble with it make sure once u set it u turn the tension wrench HARD, u need to apply a lot of torque with these locks once u set all the pins for them to move at all.

take care,

cameron

[wallshadow113]

psh....mines a EASIER master lock no.3
takes 5 secs also but i barley have to add any tension to it
^.<

[Krypos]

yeah? try picking a no. 3 with all high lows. thats painful for me sometimes.

key code says 3364, but it looks like 4364. and it can be hard. (sometimes)

no 5 is easy, dunno what the key code is, as i got it with no keys.

and no 532 is kicking my butt hard. mine has 5 pins, at least one security pin, probably pin 2, and has a long pin in number 5, so that ALWAYS oversets. ugg. i HAD* to choose the hardest looking key there......

as for shimming the no 3. i think ya can, though it IS double locking, if you open it, look at the locking side of the shackle, it has the indent fro locking, well look at the other side, it has one too, but lower.

turn the shackle (from the open position) 90' to either side, push the shackle down and hold it there, at the same time move the shackle only horizontally back towards the open side of the lock. then let go. notice it stays locked? thats because it is double locking. you will need to shim BOTH SIDES OF THE SHACKLE IF YA WANNA SHIM IT.

although really, if you can pick in 3 sec, theres no point on shimming. frankly, id go try and shim a regular master combo lock. they are used just as widely, but are better for learning to shim. much easier.

(unless you already know how, in which case shim away...)

[mccammog]

thx for the response, didn't know i had to shim BOTH sides..

and im just learning to shim to expand my skill range.

thanks again.

[LockNewbie21]

use an aeosal can (bottom) jsut becareful and drain it completely over night by taping down the sprayer.

Or The bottom of a pringles can.. this one i love.

[Krypos]

wait. so i was right? woah.

and i gotta try the pringles can thing.....

[mccammog]

wait, do what with a pringles can and aerosal can?

i dont get it.. but sounds awesome.

[d_goldsmith]

They're suggesting other materials to make shims. Pringels can bottom would be stronger than an alluminum can, and an aerosol can would probably be stronger than both, depending on the can. Good thinking.

[Krypos]

only problem with an aerosol can, is that it might be too thick for many locks.

[zeke79]

I have said this many times and will say it again. One of the best materials I have used for diy shims is the steel tape from a tape measure. Go to the local hardware store and buy a cheap 25' tape and cut your shims from that. They are thin and very strong just do not cut your fingers using them.