Decode Master 178

[sisk]

So here's the story: a friend of mine had a lock he'd forgotten the combo for and asked me to help. I got the lock open easy enough (through methods we don't discuss on open forums) but he also wants to reset the combination. Is there a way on one of these that's open to change from an unknown combination?

Note, please don't reply with things that will work on a closed lock. I've got this thing open and since they're used on lockers let's not tell people how top get into them.

[mseifert]

I assumed you used a method of opening the lock that doesn't use the combination.. The Combination can be deciphered and then the combo changed or just reused..

[ltdbjd]

Assuming you obtained the combo to open it through the the typical bypass, you should just be able to use the combo change key to set up a new combo. If you don't have the change key, you should be able to use a warded pick to change it.

[sisk]

I'll try that again then. When I was trying it before I couldn't get the change key to go in far enough to engage, but maybe I was just catching it on something.

[ltdbjd]

I haven't used a 178, only a 175. On the 175, if the numbers are slightly off, meaning they show but haven't quite "dropped" into place, you may not be able to change the combo. The flat parts (I'm sure you know which flat part I'm referring to) all have to be lined up nicely. Again, at least on the 175.

[mseifert]

Assuming you obtained the combo to open it through the the typical bypass, you should just be able to use the combo change key to set up a new combo. If you don't have the change key, you should be able to use a warded pick to change it.

For this to work you have to have the dial set to the correct combo.. I am assuming that the lock was opened another nondestructive way

I believe the M178 and the M175 are for all intend purposes the same lock .. If I remember correctly the material the body is made out of is the differences..

Since I work in the construction industry and these locks are everywhere .. I always have the tools needed to deal with these ..

UPDATE : -- Just found where the difference in the M175 and the M178 is that the body of the M178 is painted black to blend in with its surroundings..

[cledry]

Assuming you obtained the combo to open it through the the typical bypass, you should just be able to use the combo change key to set up a new combo. If you don't have the change key, you should be able to use a warded pick to change it.

For this to work you have to have the dial set to the correct combo.. I am assuming that the lock was opened another nondestructive way

I believe the M178 and the M175 are for all intend purposes the same lock .. If I remember correctly the material the body is made out of is the differences..

Since I work in the construction industry and these locks are everywhere .. I always have the tools needed to deal with these ..

UPDATE : -- Just found where the difference in the M175 and the M178 is that the body of the M178 is painted black to blend in with its surroundings..

Not quite. One is brass and the other isn't. It isn't just a different colour.

[mseifert]

Assuming you obtained the combo to open it through the the typical bypass, you should just be able to use the combo change key to set up a new combo. If you don't have the change key, you should be able to use a warded pick to change it.

For this to work you have to have the dial set to the correct combo.. I am assuming that the lock was opened another nondestructive way

I believe the M178 and the M175 are for all intend purposes the same lock .. If I remember correctly the material the body is made out of is the differences..

Since I work in the construction industry and these locks are everywhere .. I always have the tools needed to deal with these ..

UPDATE : -- Just found where the difference in the M175 and the M178 is that the body of the M178 is painted black to blend in with its surroundings..

Not quite. One is brass and the other isn't. It isn't just a different colour.

Now that I have a little more time to research this .. You are correct .. the 175D is Brass and the 178BLK appears steel and painted black

[dontlook]

You can't change the combination on these without knowing the correct combination. There are wards in the bottom of the lock body that block the fly wheels from separating from the dials. Even if you could, you would just be offsetting the current number by the number you turned each dial.