How to Open a Master Lock Without the Key
If you have forgotten your Master Lock combination, you may be able to open it without needing the combination. Depending on how old the Master Lock is, there are two ways of unlocking it. Older versions are easy to pick, whereas the newer Master Locks require a different technique. Fortunately both techniques are simple and will only take a few minutes at the most.
Instructions
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Old Master Lock
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1
Pull up on the clasp. Turn to the left until it will no longer move. Add five to the number you reach. This is the first combination.
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2
Spin the dial a few times. Go back to the first combination number. When you get to the first number, pull on the clasp and turn. Eventually, the knob will fall into place.
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3
Pull the clasp and turn. If it is loose, move onto the next number. If it is stiff, you have your second combination.
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4
Spin the dial. Enter the two combination numbers in order. Spin the dial to the right and pull the clasp at each number. Eventually the lock will open.
The Shim Technique
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5
Get a shim. If you do not have a shim and need to make one, you can easily do so using a can. (See Resources)
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6
Place the shim on the lock. The part of the shim that points down should face the inside. It should also slide down towards the lock.
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7
Squeeze and push down on the shim. Pull up on the lock at the same time as you push the shim down.
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8
Wait for the click. If you have done it right, you will have successfully opened a Master Lock using a shim.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The old Master Lock technique will only work on the older models. The company have since been informed of its mistake and have changed the mechanism.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit ICHIRO/Photodisc/Getty Images
