old American combination lock

[ospa]

I found American combination lock in old family "garbage", of course without numbers.
I search web and find lot of advices and guides how to find combinations for Master locks or even combination tables (none worked for me), but nothing for original American Lock co series.

Any advice (or number combination for this particular luck) would be very helpful!
Thanks!

[bitbuster]

There are many videos on youtube, such as this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzpSs9arTb4

[ospa]

Thanks.
Almost all videos on youtube deal with model with keyhole, lockpicking. This is not my case, mine has no keyhole. I also find one italian (i think) video shimming this type of lock, but it doesn't lead do decoding combination.

The way in video you linked is a bit destructive, popping off the back.. and the model of lock is also different, so I will give it a try only as a last resort.

Any further suggestions? Thanks!

[Raymond]

I had two of these combo locks. My normal method of getting the combo was to shim the locking bolt at the shackle. I would then read the wheels for the opening gates through the shackle hole. Use a thin, sharp probe and a flashlight. It is easier to hold the lock on the edge with a vise. Line up the opening gates and transfer approximately 10 units to the side opposite the open shackle. Don't lock the lock to test, just raise the bolt up with a probe. This system is pretty standard for older Masters also. The newer ones are harder to open because of the narrow bolt.

BUT, the shackle on the Americans is very tight and the bolt is hard to push back. American also messed with my mind by putting the locking bolt on my two locks on the OPPOSITE SIDES OF EACH OTHER.!!!!! . The two locks look identical but the insides are mirror opposites.

So, good luck.

[Joe Momma]

Try this combination 8-29-4

To open the padlock,
Turn the dial 3 turns to the right then stop on 8
Then turn the dial to the left, past the 2nd number once, then stop on 29
Then turn the dial to the right again and stop on 4
The padlock should now open.

[ospa]

Thanks for both advices.

First I tried proposed combination but without success. I even watched some "how to unlock" video just to make sure, I don't make some trivial mistake.

I will try Raymond way...

[stratmando]

I had two of these combo locks. My normal method of getting the combo was to shim the locking bolt at the shackle. I would then read the wheels for the opening gates through the shackle hole. Use a thin, sharp probe and a flashlight. It is easier to hold the lock on the edge with a vise. Line up the opening gates and transfer approximately 10 units to the side opposite the open shackle. Don't lock the lock to test, just raise the bolt up with a probe. This system is pretty standard for older Masters also. The newer ones are harder to open because of the narrow bolt.

BUT, the shackle on the Americans is very tight and the bolt is hard to push back. American also messed with my mind by putting the locking bolt on my two locks on the OPPOSITE SIDES OF EACH OTHER.!!!!! . The two locks look identical but the insides are mirror opposites.

So, good luck.

I found the Offset different through different Years on Master Padlocks. Imported thing is to get accurate alignment of disc's. If 10 doesn't work. Try adding 11, then 12, 13...,all else, try 9,8,......
Good luck.