How to Open a Combination or Padlock

Allows you to open combination locks or padlocks with a couple different methods. This will allow easy entry without damaging the lock.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Padlock shims
• Aluminum can
• Bump key

1. 
    
   Bump Key-This key has 5 bumps on it because there are 5 pins in the lock. They are all cut to 9, or the shortest height.

   ---First Method: Bump Key
   
   Obtain a key that fits the lock. Have the key cut as short as they will allow. If they ask you what number to cut it, have them cut it to all 9. A hardware store may have difficulty doing this because they can only copy keys. You may need to go to a locksmith.

2. ---Second Method: Padlock shims
   
   You can order padlock shims online or make them with an aluminum can. Ones made out of a can are flimsy but are also really cheap and easy to obtain.
   
   You slide the padlock shim in the left shackle of the lock, on the side facing you. This makes it easier to slide all the way down. If you are facing the wide side, the padlock shim will also facing you.

3. 
    
   Insert shim in all the way and twist inwards

   Once the padlock shim is all the way in you will twist the shim around the shackle until it opens. Some padlocks need to have a shim on both shackles so you may need two padlock shims like show in the picture above.

4. 
    
   Cut into this shape. Fold bottom. Fold top. Bend around a pen where red line is.

   To Make Padlock shims:
   Cut an aluminum can into a flat sheet, discard top and bottom. Use picture as a template. Fold on dotted lines, the bottom folded first. Take a pen or use shackle to bend the shim along red line. It should be a curved bend so the finished product looks like the shims in the picture at the top.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut aluminum can as smoothly as possible. Any jagged edges can cut you or cause the shim to tear when using.
• Be careful when making shims. The aluminum will be sharp.
• Don't break law. E.G. opening locks that aren't yours