#Padlock shim how to
#Padlock shim series

Their specialty is opening laminated type padlocks (the most popular variety in use today), though. The shim picks unique design makes them amazingly successful. Empty the can completely and rinse it out with warm water. This 20 piece Padlock Shim Pick Set is a fantastic alternative to picking, and in many situations is the only way to open a padlock in seconds. The only requirement is that the sides of the can be smooth (without ridges), since you will be using the metal from the sides to make the shim.

You can use just about any aluminum soda or beer can. What kind of soda can can can be used for shims?

#Padlock shim how to

Here’s how to create and use a shim made from an aluminum can. How do you make a shim out of an aluminum can? 3 Some locks require that you insert a shim into both sides of the shackle (both holes where the shackle enters the lock). Insert a padlock shim between the shackle and lock body and twist to open. 2 Once you have driven the shim into the shackle housing, take the tabs you created and pull on them from side to side. Open padlocks without a key using this 20 piece spring steel padlock shim set. Most older locks, and many of the cheaper newer locks can be opened, however, so give it a try before you resort to cutting a lock or calling a locksmith.ġ Using a shim takes a bit of practice. Not all padlocks can be opened with shims, particularly those with a double-ball locking mechanism. If using a hair pin or paper clip, first bend it open so you have a long, straight bit of metal. You can even use a bamboo skewer from the kitchen, or a cotton swab with the fluff removed from one end.

Ideal choices include a small screwdriver or hex wrench, a hair pin, or a heavy-duty paperclip. What household items can you pick a padlock with? What is an anti shim lock?īlockGuard Anti-Shim technology is a new latch assembly where the latch has a small profile that does not overhang the shackle, so there is no target for the shim tool to hit. When a key with matching notches was inserted in the keyhole, it would unlock the bolt. They were designed with a set of obstructions, sometimes shaped as circular plates, which kept the lock mechanism secure.

#Padlock shim series

For more on the practice us using lock picking during real life emergencies, consider picking up our 'Tactical Lock Picking' book as well and/or purchasing our 'Tactical Lock Picking 101' video series at a discounted rate (available at a pre-completion discount of over $100 off while we finish the editing and uploading of the final few lessons).By the Middle Ages, some warded locks made by English craftsmen were quite intricate. *Make smart and responsible entry choices. 4 different sizes are included (5x shims for each size).These can be made from the metal sheeting of empty soda cans, they can be rubber coated on the outer wings to prevent your fingers from taking too much edge pressure, and some manufacturers have made these out of flat pre-perforated wallet storage cards to be bent and folded once needed. Even though, still, I absolutely 100% recommend them for anyone's 2nd Line Gear bag.Ī few different sizes are included in our Padlock Shim pack, meaning: you should keep in mind that if you only carry one, or a twin pair of these then even if the padlock CAN be shimmed, you might not get access due to the size of the shims being to small or too large. Have you lost the key to a padlock You could call a locksmith or cut the shackle, but you may be able to quickly and easily open it with a shim, a thin piece of metal that you slide into the locking mechanism. An easy way to open many padlocks is to utilize Padlock Shims It’s made of very thin spring steel our padlock shims come in several sizes to fit the contour of the hasp of the lock. And again, some padlocks may not be susceptable to this attack vector.Įven though these don't easily carry in a pants pocket, even though these only give you access to a small percentage of padlocks, when they are the right choice for entry, they are invaluable. Some padlocks require only one side of the shackle to be shimmed to gain access, some padlocks require both sides of the shackle to be shimmed before access is gained.

If (and that's a big if) the padlock is susceptable to being shimmed open along the side of the shackle, then these commercial-grade padlock shims will give you a really high percentage chance of gaining entry.