What about wheel combination locks/padlocks?

[cyrano138]

I know there are some methods for decoding some using a very thin piece of metal and feeling for notches in the wheels of some combination locks, but I had no luck with this method. does anyone have an interest in or experience with the subject?

[Josephus]

Oldfast does.

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=50135



I have a pile of Sesamee locks. I just bypass them. Been meaning to decode them, change combo and maybe sell. I have a four wheel vertical lock that I can't open consistently. Used a slight difference in sound to differentiate the gates and had to rotate all wheels a set amount to get it open. Could just be dumb luck as I have only done it a few times. Xeo has a video on his channel of manipulating a vertical three-wheel master using the normal technique. Apply tension, spin top wheel one place, check next wheel for change in resistance, repeat until done. Only have the one four wheel and have not been successful using that technique.

[Mikeh727]

The method Oldfast discovered works great on the newer 1500 locks. I believe he's mentioned somewhere that it isn't effective on the older 1500's.

[Oldfast]

Haha! My very first youtube vid, lol. Haven't watched that in a while.
What a dork - I almost talk like I think I know somethin'. LOL

The method Oldfast discovered works great on the newer 1500 locks.
I believe he's mentioned somewhere that it isn't effective on the older 1500's.

Right. That's been my experience anyway.

I actually really enjoy working with various combination padlocks. Great 'portable fun'!
Start scanning ebay - there's literally 100's of different old ones. A lot of different types.
MANY of them without a combination

For some time now I've planned on starting a thread..... "Combo Corner"
Unfortunately summer doesn't leave me with much time for writing, but I've
documented a number of them and how I went about cracking each one.

A lot of the older ones have no false gates. I find a methodical game of parking
wheels will usually reveal one, two, or even all three gates. Some of the older
ones even used four wheels.

But yeah, they're great fun. The only downside is that many of them on ebay
seem to be priced a little beyond their value (well, in my opinion anyway).

p.s. A good book to check out: "Opening Combination Padlocks - No Tools, No problem" by Carl Black
I found one on ebay. Think I paid maybe $10 or so. It received some bad reviews, but I think that's cause
people were expecting some James Bond secrets or some shit, lol. Decent read though & requires practice.

[jones]

Oldfast does.

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=50135



I have a pile of Sesamee locks. I just bypass them. Been meaning to decode them, change combo and maybe sell. I have a four wheel vertical lock that I can't open consistently. Used a slight difference in sound to differentiate the gates and had to rotate all wheels a set amount to get it open. Could just be dumb luck as I have only done it a few times. Xeo has a video on his channel of manipulating a vertical three-wheel master using the normal technique. Apply tension, spin top wheel one place, check next wheel for change in resistance, repeat until done. Only have the one four wheel and have not been successful using that technique.

There is a tool for opening sesamee locks, but I never bought it. I read a tip the other day that said to pull on the shackle to get the wheels to bind and then dial them 5 numbers to the combination, I haven't needed to try it out yet. Last couple I opened on my milling machine a couple years ago by drilling through the retainer & then bashing in a new retainer, after decoding the locks.
My Dad used to just sit & watch TV and try every combo until they opened. I like to put a bright light to the wheels and move them to one side or the other while peering intently inside. Each combo wheel has a "V" shaped gate and there is a sidebar that fits into the 4 "V" gates, on the rear side of the padlock. I like to also use a weiser shim pick to push between the wheels seeking the combo and the sesamee opener tool has something very similar on one side of it. I believe the tool was made by ESP

[jimylongs]

I have to 2nd... 3rd or whatever oldfasts method. I love picking up 1500's and going at them. I'm still not as quick as oldfast is in his video but I can get them open in usually a minute or two.
It did take me a few hours to figure out how to replicate oldfasts video. It helped once I got the right idea on how to use a reference point.

[cyrano138]

has he posted instructions anywhere?

[Oldfast]

has he posted instructions anywhere?

Josephus provided a link to the write up I did on LP sometime ago.
However, both the vid and the write up I feel could be much better.

I think the whole thing could've been conveyed in a more simplified manner.
I do have some revised drafts saved here on KP with plans of posting it.....
just never seem to get around to finishing it. Anyway, take a read through
the original posting over on lp101 - give it a try - and feel free to PM me
with any questions Jack. I'd be more than happy to help.

[cyrano138]

Thanks, oldfast. I'll check it out. I also ordered the book you recommended so I'm looking forward to seeing what's in there, as well.

Keep it up!