Padlock Shims

[Hellfire666]

Hi, I am quite new here and have just recently signed up. I have spent alot of time just reading threads and trying to learn the basics before I pop on here and sound like an idiot.

I guess one thing I haven't seen much about on here are Padlock Shims. I have seen them on other sites, but haven't heard much about them. Do these things things acctually work on newer padlocks...like Master locks etc....

The idea sounds like it would, I guess what I am asking is have they changed new locks so it's not possible anymore?

Or are there any brands that just can't be done?

Thanks guys/gals!

[pointofview]

Hello Hellfire666, and welcome to LP101.

If you do a search on padlock shims, you will see that there actually has been a fair amount of discussion on this topic. I've seen a link posted here to a video showing you how to make your own shims out of a pop can, which I have tried and it worked quite well for me. However, padlock shims have a very limited use now, as most new padlocks use the double ball locking mechanism.

And there is a reason why there hasn't been a HUGE amount of discussion on this topic; This site is about lock PICKING. Though different methods of bypassing locks are explored, you'll find the therads are mostly geared towards picking.

[Murph]

I have made a couple padlock shims out of pop cans. However, I didn't have any luck with them. I did get them inside the lock, but was not able to open the shackle. I put that idea to rest for a while. I imagine they'll work well on older locks.

[pointofview]

For what it's worth, the lock I was able to use them on was a brand new Buffalo lock. They're pretty cheap, and to be honest, I've never seen them used anywhere... everybody around here uses Dudley.

[Hojo]

Padlock shims are a way of bypassing a locking system, as this site is lockpicking related there isnt as much talk on the topic, but there is a little bit lying around, personally, I have only every shimed one lock and it was a cheap peice of crap that could be opened just by sliding the locking system inside the keyhole, Dont worry if that made no sense, but I think if it can be shimed it would be just as easy to pick...

[kodierer]

I bought a set of shims, and and some different padlocks, one was a master combination lock, in which any of the shims would work on like a charm. And one was a brinks lock, with a real tight case, that I just couldn't get a shim into, and the other was a Mountain Security lock, which I could get shims into, but for some reason still wouldn't pull open. I did manager to pull that one open once, but I almost broke the shims, and I had to pull real hard once I knew both shims were in far enough.

[pointofview]

Remember that if the lock uses the double-ball locking mechanism, using padlock shims will get you nowhere. How can you tell if you're up against this mechanism? Just open the lock (if you're able) and look into the body... you'll be able to tell. The double-ball mechanism also makes a more substantial "click" to be heard and felt as you open the lock.