Anti-Shim Padlock Gets Shimmed

Newer versions of the classic "Master Lock Combination Dial Padlock" now feature "anti-shim" protection (which is mentioned on the packaging). This video discusses how the lock design has changed in order to frustrate shimming attempts.
This video also shows, however, that this new feature makes the locks shim /resistant/ but not shim /proof/. It should be understood that this is NOT a double-ball mechanism or any other sort of hardware device that relies on more than spring pressure to stay shut.
It is still possible (with some effort, practice, and perhaps a touch of luck) to shim these padlocks open.
Stay safe out there!

[@DeviantOllam]

@ShmeeSLG yes... not only does folding the "top" portion of the shim make it more durable (my main reason for doing so) it also goes a LONG way toward preventing injury, etc.

[@jamq3815]

Do you know the tool lock picking lawyer uses? It has an orange handle its in the anti shim video he's able to bypass through the anti shim

[@DeviantOllam]

@woodenvideo well, once you have a double-ball (or some other non-shim mechanism) you're in an entirely different world of security. from there, it's really more a matter of how secure the key or combo mechanism is. Abloy Protec locks remain my favorite, particularly for padlocks. But you can get nice double-balls in the Schlage and Master Pro series, which can be made pretty secure if you swap in a high-end core (like a re-pinned Primus made bump-resistant).

[@DeviantOllam]

sounds like a plan... you get Shimano to put their awesome craftsmanship into new locks, and we'd be happy to check them out and see how well they work. =)

[@DeviantOllam]

the strangely-named "Speed Dial" lock (odd because nothing is "dialed" when you operate its one, large button) also known as the 1500i padlock cannot be shimmed. while it does not use a double-ball, it does use a locking bar mechanism that is held shut by more than a simple spring. the only way to open it is to remember the combination or to use Michael Huebler's attack which take a while, requires a force/strain gauge, and requires some advanced math.

[@DeviantOllam]

@pelanor hmm... if you are having difficulty shimming, i'd suggest looking for the "extreme" version of this product... it's the version of the dial combo lock that often is colorized, etc. the colorization is handled by using aluminum in the fabrication process as opposed to steel. while it's much easier to anodize, the overall construction of those locks is of much lower strength. look for those colored ones and try shimming... it's much easier if you're starting out. good luck!

[@DeviantOllam]

correct. a proper padlock will have a mechanism that is shim-proof, not merely shim-resistant. double-ball mechanisms cannot be shimmed at all. (of course, as ScowtTech points out, they can be picked if the lock cylinder is weak)

[@DeviantOllam]

@woodenvideo Abloy Protec series locks are my current favorite. Available in huge, high-security models (for a lot of money) or available for as little as $30 in smaller types (still fine for lockers, etc) from a company like Security Snobs.

[@DeviantOllam]

@DeludedSaint from much of what i can tell, no. the pre-fabricated "professional" shims (made of spring steel stock and available through locksmithing catalogs) would not easily bend "around" the various ridges of the retaining latch within the body of the lock. also, no on said you have to make ten shims to make this work. a single shim is all you would need... the rest of the empty can could just be thrown away or recycled.

[@DeviantOllam]

@SchuylerTowne, yes it is frustrating when you see a "better tech exists but it's not being used" situation... but of course we have to consider the /massive/ economies of scale at work here with the original three-wheel-pack dial combination design. There's a HUGE degree of technological determinism there nowadays. How many factories do you think produce nothing but this lock right now? It would take almost nothing short of a force of galactic proportions to disrupt that market pattern.

[@NicholasAarons]

Cool Shimming. Keep up the great work. Nick.

[@DeviantOllam]

Well, i suppose that even inexpensive bikes do need decent protection. I would say that Abloy locks tend to be my favorites. See securitysnobs,com for Abloy products. The PL330 is a great value. Also, the Schlage and Master Lock "Pro Series" locks are both really strong and can be configured with keys that match other locks... so your house key could also secure your bike, that sort of thing. A locksmith can help you out there.

[@meow1708]

I just did this to my Master lock 1590D anti-shim combination lock which I'd forgotten the code for. I inserted the shim and did exactly as the video described, but I didn't think it worked so I pulled the shim out (it was very much jammed in) and then wiggled the hasp and it opened.

[@bstrickler]

Zephyr actually makes a better designed anti shim feature. When they stamp the shacke, they actually make it so there's a nipple sticking out right where it enters the lock body, so even that attack won't work. They also don't fall into the Masterlock code breaking fault. Once I find mine again, I'll cut it open to see what security measures they have that are better than Masterlock. But their false gate protection definitely is above that of Masterlock. IIRC, I only found one major false gate that tricks you into thinking your found a real gate, but it's nowhere near a number in the code.

[@blenheimears]

Master Lock has also recently introduced "BumpStop" keyed padlocks that are supposed to prevent lock bumping. I was able to bump one and I have the video on my channel.

[@keeff1404]

That is so cool.....I`m a New Toool member , learning all I can and I gotta try that.

[@charlesg6583]

I bought a set of shims from covert instruments which seem good quality, and they do not seem to work on the Masterlock 1500D combination lock which uses antishim technology. Is there a better tool to shim it?

[@ganzonomy]

Deviant, What are your thoughts on the master lock 2000-series combo locks?

[@josephbattaglia3690]

excluding the soda can, are there any other shim tools that could be used? I cant do it with the soda can.

[@mork6668]

give it the old up down,up down,left right,left right ,BA ,Start!!

[@whatabouttheearth]

If I remember right it was probably "A, B, Start"

[@mork6668]

@@whatabouttheearth man,now you're making have doubts, lol

[@ShmeeSLG]

@therealcarbine15 If you notice, it looks like (to me anyway) he does two folds on the top of his shim to prevent just this.

[@AbuGalib]

What attacks would this lock be vulnerable to? Link atoot 75mm 9 levers(India).

[@travelsonic]

Wonder if those smaller Master Lock locks [1533TRI Mini Combination Lock] suffer from these flaws as well.

[@markmarkey4357]

what if the item its locked on blocks the inside area. can you still use this method?

[@ScowtTech]

could also just get a lock that uses double ball locking mechanism for defense against shims. it can be picked. but at least someone has to know what theyre doing

[@orionhawj9708]

cant seem to open my 1590d pad lock can u help

[@turtleh]

Upvoted for Jumex, tasty stuff.

[@isaiahhernandez5143]

i need ti help !!

[@pelanor]

I cant shim this g*damn 1500d lock I just got a Wal-Mart to save my life, ugh.

[@charlesg6583]

Same here. The 1500d doesnt seem to allow shims.

[@ShmeeSLG]

This a good video. I still prefer picking though. :D

[@Goatkid76]

Very Awsome .