Combination lock, tips needed

[ROFLCOPTER]

Hi all,

Me and a friend are having a little 'game' to see who's better at cracking combination locks. So far he hasn't got anywhere near cracking a Master lock I gave him. (One with the black dial on the front). Anyway, he gave me a lock with four numbers to be found. I can't get it, even though it's not the hardest I've tried and he can do it. I need some tips on how to crack generic locks like this. I know a few things, and am able to open most small, cheap locks with ease, but otherwise I'm a n00b. Can someone help me?

Thanks.

[Eyes_Only]

Theres a book called "Opening Combination Padlocks" by Carl Black, http://www.amazon.com/Opening-Combinati ... F8&s=books


This book shows you how to manipulate combination locks and open them by using a chart to deduce the combination. I personally just use a padlock shim because manipulation just takes too long.

[Exodus5000]

Short of posting a picture of the lock you're talking about I'm not sure we can help you. It'd be nice if you could post a picture of the actual lock in question in your hand as well, people might get suspicious of you manipulating people in the forums here so you can break into your schoolmates lockers or something.

[Cybernation]

If its an older master padlock you could try using a shim... If this is the road you would like to try then make sure before hand by looking into the lock and see if it has a ball peice or more of a square. Shims wont work on the square ones... Also check to see if you need to do one side or both. There are a number of threads on the forums that goes into detail on how shims work.

[ROFLCOPTER]

Short of posting a picture of the lock you're talking about I'm not sure we can help you. It'd be nice if you could post a picture of the actual lock in question in your hand as well, people might get suspicious of you manipulating people in the forums here so you can break into your schoolmates lockers or something.

Trust me, I'm not. I'll post a picture next time I have the chance. Anyway, I'm not into breaking into people's lockers or stuff, I just like messing around with locks, and it's fun being able to open one and have people wonder how I did it.

Thanks for the info guys.

[TOWCH]

Why would you make a bet like that if you weren't already good at it and needed advice?

If you are up to no good, you're lazy, put more effort in to it and you wouldn't have to make up lies. The information you're looking for has been covered a thousand times on here if you searched.

If you aren't up to no good, you're lazy, and a sucker. Fortunately for you, your friend is a bigger one who is also of the "anything you can do" variety. Once again, the information you're looking for has been covered a thousand times on here if you searched.



What is it with people who pretend they can open locks? I downplay and avoid the hobby for social reasons, yet these people want to play "me 2!" when they find out. It's like, they think I'm lying, but want in on the image and attention.

They can have it, if you haven't proven it, people think you're a try-hard liar, and if you have, anyone but close friends won't trust you.

[ROFLCOPTER]

I'm not lying about it, I am able to open locks, and I know a lot more than the average person but I'm just not as good at it as you guys. What I know about it is what I've found out from fiddling with spare locks when I'm bored. I'm definitely not up to no good, if I wanted to get into someone's locker I would find quicker and easier ways than cracking the lock.

I'm just looking to be pointed in the right direction.

[TOWCH]

Good deal. The common consumer combination locks are all of a fairly limited number of designs. There's multiple opening methods for each of them on this site. You just have to find them. For a master style combination padlock, go for the beer can shim.