#29 How I struggled to retrieve / decode the lost code of a Zhege combination lock

I had difficulties in finding the lost code of this four wheel combination padlock using the normal methods, so I had to modify the indirect method, to find a more repeatable/dependable way of obtaining the code. While not proven I suspect this method would work for similar versions made by Grifema, Diyife and others. Suitable for gym school lockers or travel?

[@roysammons2445]

Paul that's amazing. Combining two methods together seems to be a winner with this lock. What a great find. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@sotonlock7894]

Thanks Roy, I had no idea it was going to be this difficult. You can’t judge a book by its cover. Thanks for your continued support.

[@roysammons2445]

​@@sotonlock7894Lock picking is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Swynndla]

Well done on finding a modified method! Keep up the good work. I love your thorough investigative approach you have to solve these puzzles. Cheers!

[@sotonlock7894]

Thank you the compliments, it means a lot. It took me several months of playing with this lock to come up with this solution. I have yet to find out if this method works on other combinations. Thanks for watching and your kind comments.

[@Swynndla]

@@sotonlock7894 I see I was able to use the plain indirect method in my video 185

[@sotonlock7894]

@Swynndla Good going, that’s how I expected mine to open. I must just have a difficult lock with bad tolerances. I tried the normal indirect method several times, but without success. Thanks for the feedback.

[@jimbob2hats925]

Is this not the same as the 3rd lock in video #16 (branded NRG I think, you did mention there are many rebrands of it) - it looks very similar!

[@sotonlock7894]

You are absolutely correct. I’ve just checked the one from video #16 and they look identical, however they don’t decode the same. The one from #16 opens very easily, this one gave me a headache for months. I’m beginning to think this one has very poor tolerances and is cheap and nasty. I have four NRG’s and they all fall open fast. Very observant of you, well done. Thank you for pointing this out to me.

[@jimbob2hats925]

@@sotonlock7894 No worries. As it happens, I just got rid of an identical one rebranded as Rhino Locks (which could be decoded the standard way in 2 mins) and have the Zhege coming tomorrow so will see if that fairs any different!

[@sotonlock7894]

Please let me know how it goes with the Zhege.

[@jimbob2hats925]

@@sotonlock7894 Got my glamorous assistant to code the new Zhege today. IMO very similar to my old one (perhaps a little looser - QC?) and was in in a few minutes but bear in mind that's my second ever decode. Reckon you might have a duff one!

[@sotonlock7894]

@@jimbob2hats925 I’m hoping it’s a QC issue rather than me losing my touch! Thanks for letting me know. Well done on getting yours open without too much trouble.

[@rusty_yass4277]

I have one of these, and I can’t crack it to save my life😭

[@sotonlock7894]

Thanks for your comments, it gives me some kind of idea that my lock wasn’t the only problematic one. Sorry to hear that you can’t open your lock, try the various techniques shown in my videos. Don’t give up and let me know how you get on.

[@Gazz_R]

I've seen these on eBay and always presumed that they were an easy decode, obviously not. Thanks for sharing Paul and take care mate.

[@sotonlock7894]

I assumed that as well. They are either made with good tolerances, poor tolerances or I’m loosing my touch! At £5 each I’m hoping it’s poor tolerances! 😂🤣😂 Having said that the last Zhege I played with (video #21) was challenging as well. Many thanks for watching and your comments. Best wishes to you both.