Newer combination locks feature preventative measures against aluminum shims.
Combination locks are a step above those that require keys, as tumbler locks can be picked with the right utensils. The combination resides not on a key chain, but within the mind of the owner. Unfortunately, humans can be an absent-minded bunch and occasionally forgot things like lock combinations. Even so, you can open most combination locks using an aluminum can and pair of scissors. A custom shim takes only a few minutes to make and will last for years.
Instructions
1. Remove both ends of an empty aluminum can with a pair of sharp scissors.
2. Cut along the aluminum cylinder from end to end to create a flat sheet of aluminum.
3. Fashion a tear-drop shaped piece of aluminum with the scissors that is roughly the same size as a guitar pick--about 1 inch x 1 1/4 inches.
4. Place the shim along the inside face of the combination lock loop. The pointed end of the shim should be pointing downward toward the lock innards.
5. Press the shim downward into the lock. Doing so will disengage the metal pin from the lock hoop.
6. Pull the lock hoop away from the lock. Retain your shim for future use.
Tags: aluminum with, from lock, lock hoop
