Combination Lock Pwnage >=)

[Fallen_Pin]

Hey hey's
I was checking out the combination lock on my locker, and tried analyzing all the variables that made it a lock. Basically the dial and the latch. So I tried to turn the dial slowly and get some feedback, no dice. Then I decided to pull the latch away with my thumb while putting in the combination. When I neared the corect number, the latch would 'jump' a couple millimetres or so. After the second number was put in the dial wasn't turning easily, so I lessened the tension until I got to the final number. After a couple tries I was able to both turn the dial and pop the latch when the lock was set =). I tried this little technique out on an old spring loaded combination lock at my grandfathers and the sucker popped open without giving me any trouble.
Is this technique of combination lock popping mentioned in faq or anywhere else on this site? I'm rather proud of myself for stumbling across it =)

[SFGOON]

What you just did was "feel out" the lock. Most combination locks work via disks with indentations in them, and by entering the combination you line the indentations up with the latch so it can be raised. You didn't discover the technique, but you did figure it out all on your own and that shows some commendable ingenuity. Be forwarned that modern combo lock disks have one big indentation, and lots of other little ones serrated over the disk to thwart your technique. (It will give the latch false jumps.) You seem like a young guy with a quick head on his shoulders. Stick with the lockpicking, it could take you places.

[Fallen_Pin]

I've come to find in life that if you've done something, chances are it's been done before you a thousand times, So while I am amused and proud for coming across this method, I've made sure to humble myself and take no credit for it
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement SF =D

[poisoned]

Stick with the lockpicking, it could take you places.

Anyways I just realized that I dont have any combo locks I have to go buy some today

[ApolloCreed]

Does this technique work at any rate when working against safes?

[CSballer89]

actually, you cant do that since theres no latch to pull on

[Chucklz]

Actually this technique works well for safes, well with some modification of practice, and a small addendum to theory.

[silent]

you can even measure what you feel on a safe, that way its quicker...

[omelet]

i figured id give a try to just rotating a combination master lock i have to see if i could feel the disks lining up inside. was surprised to find that i could open it after not that long of a while, and then could repeat the results almost entirely by feel once again. very satisfying, but most likely that the lock is old or worn down or something...

[raimundo]

really old ones like more than 30 years ago, didn't even have the false gates.

[NKT]

Some of the newer, low-end safes don't. I've got one apart upstairs, and it has no false gates. It does have a rather neat set-up that means there are not clicks to indicate anything being lined up, but it does when you "pick up" each disk as you turn it (you can also feel the weight change).

This flaw means that, with the key (to turn the "handle") at least, you could determine one of the numbers - the last number of the set in this case. You cannot know which position it is in, though, unless you already know the combo.

Of course, once I cut some false notches in it, it will be that bit more secure!

I like the challenge of picking locks, but I also like to take my locks apart and re-key them to be stronger, add false gates, that sort of thing. That way, even an expert who has seen a hundred locks/safes/etc. of the same sort will have some learning to do before opening things!