Padlock Shims

As most of you know a padlock which uses a spring loaded latch can be very easily bypasses with padlock shims such as these:

9fb764872e82e4b366efceda332e10f6_shim3.jpg

It is possible to open a padlock by simply slipping padlock shims in between the shackle and the lock's casing. Wiggle the shim gently until the shackle pops up, the picture below clearly illustrates how this works. This technique is nice because you get to ignore trying to defeat the actual locking cylinder where the key is placed.

shimmer.gif

Padlock shimms are very easy to make, here is a quick example:

shims2gy.jpg

Added By JoshuaCodyWilson
in some cases, cases in which the shackle has 2 locking mechs, you would need to use two shims. one on each side...

Added By Atomicmuffin
and of course, ball bearing locks cant be shimmed...

[Josh]

dont forget to mention that in some cases, cases in which the shackle has 2 locking mechs, you would need to use two shims. one on each side...

[atomicmufin]

and of course, ball bearing locks cant be shimmed...

[ChipShuhart]

Don't forget that padlocks aren't the only thing that can be shimmed. Just about any lock, or locking mechanism, that has a spring loaded latch or catch can be shimmed. If you can close the lock while in the locked position then there is a good chance you can use a shim of some sort to bypass it. Interior doors in houses can usually be opened this way by shimming the door latch with a shov-it tool or similar. In a stretch you can also use a shoelace and feed it behind the latch with a bent paperclip and pull out on the lace and handle at the same time.

[ChipShuhart]

By the way, I noticed in the picture that someone has made a shim out of a floppy disk, seems like a great idea and better than a soda can. Props on that idea!

[Josh]

By the way, I noticed in the picture that someone has made a shim out of a floppy disk, seems like a great idea and better than a soda can. Props on that idea!

they last so much longer.
i made one about a year ago and it still works good as new.

[atomicmufin]

yeah the floppy disk ones are a godsend

[Josh]

especially if your at school and someone locks themselves out.
you just run down to the computer lab and cut one out.
but you need to find a way to flatten the folds...
i usually just use the back of a screwdriver from the computer maintenance room.

[russianESI]

you can also just use one shim on the double locking locks and then bypass the other side like you would with a luggage lock by useing a striaght knife bypass tool or any pick.

[WOT]

dont forget to mention that in some cases, cases in which the shackle has 2 locking mechs, you would need to use two shims. one on each side...

It would be really stupid for someone to bother using dual-locking mechanism using spring loaded wedges.

Decent locks use a dual ball-bearing locking mechanism that is immune to shimming.

Schlage padlock


The only way to open this lock is by rotating the cam, which is attached to the cylinder, so the balls can be pushed into the grooves.
The spool on the long end of the shackle prevents the shackle from being removed from the lock when it is open.

[Houndour]

Awesome image there WOT.

[xlockpick]

you can also use a car gauge/ gapper, the same material that others use for making auto jigglers.

Don't forget that padlocks aren't the only thing that can be shimmed. Just about any lock, or locking mechanism, that has a spring loaded latch or catch can be shimmed. If you can close the lock while in the locked position then there is a good chance you can use a shim of some sort to bypass it. Interior doors in houses can usually be opened this way by shimming the door latch with a shov-it tool or similar. In a stretch you can also use a shoelace and feed it behind the latch with a bent paperclip and pull out on the lace and handle at the same time.

Correct, somewhat.

Privacy or Passage latches can be shimmed. Just because you can shut it in the locked position, Does not mean it can be shimmed. All entrance sets have a deadlatching feature that will allow the latch to be depressed while shutting, but when the deadlatch is engaged by the striker in the doorframe, this prevents the latch from being depressed, unless being retracted by the handle.

Look at your front door latch, then at your bedroom door or toilet door. The toilet\bedroom will have a privacy\passage set latch, the front door will have the same latch, and another little piece called the deadlatch. Push the deadlatch in, and the main latch will not depress.

Mortice locks use a similar system, but the deadlatch is usually above the latch, rather than behind it.

[withoutakey]

Hi,
It is always worth taking a look at the same sort of padlocks that you want to shim whilst it is open - if possible. That way you will know whether that type of lock can be snap closed and therefore shimmed or not.

Trying to get hold of as many padlocks as possible and if possible taking them apart is a great way of knowing if they can be shimmer or bypassed by other
methods.

Nice image Wot.

[CrookieMonster]

By the way, I noticed in the picture that someone has made a shim out of a floppy disk, seems like a great idea and better than a soda can. Props on that idea!

they last so much longer.
i made one about a year ago and it still works good as new.

i actually tossed all of my floppys because they all seemed to tear at the crease when i tried making them