(picking 271) ABUS 165/40: Open shackle decoding a 4 wheel combination padlock, locked up open state

Many questions to my decoding videos (ABUS 165/40) • (picking 115) ABUS 165... and (Master) • (picking 206) Master 4... arose what to do if the lock is locked up while the shackle is still open. This video answers this question: Decode it to the closed state - only true gates are involved.

[@nuttybarrrr2047]

I know it’s an old video, but I had no idea what the code to my lock was and couldn’t find a single video about the lock in open stage until yours. Just tested it out on a completely different lock brand and it works! Very happy not to need to throw the lock out. Thanks!

[@Glennefox]

I found a locked Abus 165/40 in work today. Locked in the open position. This video tutorial worked very well. Figured out the combination in 30 seconds! Thanks very much

[@pettersvard5990]

Thanks! My kids had been playing with the lock and managed to change the combination to something unknown. It didnt work first time but I watched the video again and listened carfeully to what you said, and I got the lock open :) So nice not to have to throw the lock away.

[@clides7264]

Omg after 3 years Im finally able to use my lock. But it was a 3 number combination so it was more easy thank You!! Other youtuber have tutorials of how to open a closed lock but u made the vid i wanted. Very thank you!!

[@kani-]

Stumbled on this on an old reddit thread, managed to open a lock stuck in a similar fashion within 3 minutes. Great help, thanks !

[@muhammedjaiteh7575]

Thank you so much . I have a problem with my padlock 2 days back .I was try to regulate it but I couldn't. I came here found your video. Great thank for give me way out

[@Potti314]

You're welcome - glad you were successful.

[@vampivicous]

THANK YOU!!! I forgot the combination when it was open and this helped me solve it in SECONDS!!!

[@Potti314]

Cheers :-) Happy it helped.

[@johnrogers2957]

Thank you very much, didn’t think about doing the process from the bottom wheel

[@yoonchang]

genius! i was really doubting on your video until it was working. Great video!

[@melvis2017]

Thanks for the update and the way you explain things thanks once again for the efforts and for sharing this with us appreciation 🙏👍🇩🇰

[@smartkid1303]

Yess it worked. I was struggling to find a video for whne the lock is in an open state, andp you were my saviour, amd for that you get a like. Very satisfied

[@Potti314]

Thanks for the nice comment - appreciate it.

[@arjenritzerfeld6567]

Thanks! This video saved my friend a lot of hassle :)

[@trekmaster30]

Excellent Demonstration. You've explained that lock very well. I've not come across many combination locks to decode, but based off of this and other good demonstrations, I believe I could pull it off.

[@Potti314]

Thank you. I believe sooner than later you will able to test your assumption ;-)

[@nurksmurf7167]

Thank you ! My son had messed up the setup of his new lock and coudn't get it locked. Solved in 5 minutes.

[@bobbykeyz1263]

I really love to play with these locks. You turned me on to them a while back. Thanks for these awesome videos Potti.

[@Potti314]

Thanks for the compliment - makes me happy that I could infect you with the combo virus ;-) Have fun :-)

[@noakeswalker]

Just tried this on my Abus 165/40 and it's exactly as you described for me too. The shackle on my lock barely locates in the locking hole - less than 0,5mm (20 thou) I estimate, so it's easy for it to pop out whilst picking ! Thanks for another educational vid :o) Dave

[@Potti314]

Thanks for the feedback. Funny that many people have the problem of a locked up combination padlock in the open state. By the way: There are locks that have a different mechanism to disengage the inner from the outer wheel (needed when changing the combo). These locks need very light pressure as heavy pressure would just cause the inner wheel to stay in place: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHnSpYuEftyVjas

[@noakeswalker]

I've looked at that vid before - I guess the much better build quality of the Abus means that it doesn't go into 'combination change mode' when you push-pick, whereas the cheap lock does...but you found the secret of how to push-pick the cheap one anyway.

[@Potti314]

Just waiting for people complaining that the heavy push method of this video "just doesn't work" on their lock ;-)

[@noakeswalker]

:o)

[@redcatimaging]

Wow, I had to try it out instantly with my 165/40 ;D. It works amazingly well. Thank you for sharing this Potti, it is actually a situation I never thought of before ;).

[@Potti314]

Thank you. Many question arose for that situation. Seems this happens to people sometimes in reality. Happy that you can approve the method :-)

[@redcatimaging]

Never happened to me, but now in case it ever happens, I'm well trained by the number lock master :D.

[@paulribera3475]

I stumbled on that video, quickly realised it wouldnt help me cause my lock is stuck in open position (180 degrees position). I shuffled the numbers anyway pushing pretty hard for 2 minutes… heard a big click and it was done. I’ll leave a thumb up anyway for how randomly helpful this was

[@she0011]

same here

[@sachinmaske890]

Excellent demonstration. Works perfectly

[@TheSuccubus92]

Warm thanks to you for sharing your experience with us and the great explanation :) it helped me within seconds :)

[@Potti314]

Glad to read - thanks for the feedback.

[@GisborneDAVE]

Thanks alot!!!!! Fixed my Yale lock with your instructions. Awesome

[@Potti314]

Cheers and thanks for watching.

[@fillemon10minecraft]

Thank you so much! It worked great after 20 minutes.

[@Jo-gm2fi]

ja i hab 30minuten gebraucht keine hilfe

[@Potti314]

Glad you had success.

[@thunderrumbling2627]

You are my hero for making this video. I almost gave up

[@Potti314]

Haha, glad you had success. Thanks for sharing.

[@oliversales3718]

Great video. Helped me sort my lock!

[@shadabtamboli]

Thank you I was able to decode in 5min

[@mapleleafs5782]

Thank you very much for your help!

[@MikePergl]

Very nice video. One never know when such advice can be very handy. Thank you for it.

[@Potti314]

Thank you.

[@JPsLifestyle]

You are amazing!!! Totally saved me!!

[@makakakakakaka]

woow thank you for the great explanation! it helped me 😊

[@AROC1988AI]

I have a brinks lock stuck in open state but with the shaft facing backwards. I cant figure out how to get it out of that position

[@krishnapriyats9504]

I think i almost got the first 2 (most resistent ) numbers, but the other 2 are too loose,as well as the shakckle has got a bigger hole to move around freely. 🥺

[@mohammednooman1]

What should I do because I forgot the combination after changing since then I can't close it.

[@Zane_0311]

I can’t turn my shackle around it’s stuck in the set a new combination position but I can wiggle it a bit

[@TallanPick]

Great vid again buddy, it´s a pleasure to see you working in wheel combination padlocks, you share your fun ;-))) Cheers!

[@Potti314]

Thank you - a lot of fun for me with these combination locks. Don't believe the manufacturers have ever thought people would buy these products for entertainment ;-)

[@TallanPick]

Yes, they have a toy factory without knowing it LOL ;-)))

[@geezhur1752]

My lock is stuck pushed in where you would change the passcode and I can’t push it up

[@mattseemike]

Hi! Thanks for the great video, but I cannot get it done on my 145/40 which is in an open state. Can you help please?

[@soilgrasswaterair]

I hope this works! Found this great padlock in a box at home and I wanna use it for gym. /a student who do not wish to buy a new lock

[@saurabhkushwaha9561]

Thank you so much dear love u a lot

[@missurpi]

thanks for the video. If you can't align the shackle in the closed position, how can i unlock it?

[@Potti314]

What exactly prevents aligning the shackle correctly?

[@missurpi]

@@Potti314 the lock has a raised surface when locked. So the shackle cant reach the closing point.

[@Potti314]

Can you try to decode the lock when pulling out or pushing in the shackle located in the change-position? Do you feel resistance on the wheels?

[@makiyuki7016]

This is very helpful!!! Thank you!!

[@Potti314]

Glad it helped.

[@Markus15152]

It worked. Thank you :D

[@Arjiwonder28]

Can you do it with a 3 wheel padlock

[@relaxingnlearning5191]

You did not show how to release schakle while schakle is in pressed state?

[@aleksanibble]

Thank you so much for the awesome tutorial and explanation. Your decision of sharing your knowledge with us has been very helpful!! Cheers!

[@nachox011]

Thank's for this vid, your explications are very clear!

[@Potti314]

Thank you - your feedback makes me really happy :-)

[@Potti314]

Thank you.

[@sameersheriff8631]

Thanks a lot for the help

[@sofakaiser3477]

Thank you, i did it in like 4 min

[@hannatn6024]

Do you know what to do if the lock is Stuck in the "Code changing" position? It is Turned 180 degrees and is pushed down but does not come up again.

[@Potti314]

Not really, play around with pulling or pushing and feeling if you get resistance on the wheels.

[@nickelodeonnickelodeon7677]

Did you figure it out? This is where mine is stuck

[@nickelodeonnickelodeon7677]

Update, I was able to get it to pushed back up but now it’s stuck in the same position as the video and I can’t figure it out 😭

[@nickelodeonnickelodeon7677]

Got it :)

[@Namuhni]

Mine is stuck this way, too. It was stuck open like in the video, I got it decoded and closed it, and it locked up when I went to change the combo. Don't remember what the old combo is, and can't get all the wheels to bind very well now

[@MiguelJimenez-ps8cb]

What if it’s locked and the hook is facing the other way

[@Jasonlonge]

ok i have a question i tried this now for 2 or 3 hours and i m still not getting in there are 10k possible answers now i found out of the 10k 200 and are there locks that cant be closed like this?

[@ChrisKoMusik]

Omg thank you so much 🙏

[@TheDocValerian]

Wow. It worked. Thanks

[@JM-hk9ej]

Bonsoir, C'est valable pour tous les cadenas à code à 4 chiffres et n'importe quelle marque de cadenas. J'ai un cadenas à 4 chiffres et il ni a pas de marque. Merci.

[@vs4571]

Well mine must be broken. When I turn the shackle all the wheels/numbers turn in the up position. But doesn’t lift high enough to go over the edge and into the lock hole. Pushing down everything gets smoother to turn and no tension and when pulling up I can feel tension on the wheels but I can’t get them to move unless I release tension on the shackle? And if I think I get one and move/rotate the shackle all or most the wheels turn along with it. It’s crazy.

[@emmaobrien6055]

Same with mine did you fix it yet. If you did can you explain it to me thank you

[@itsjireel6790]

So mine is stuck in reset and not turning. Not getting any feedback from the lock

[@Potti314]

Oh, I can just say try pulling or pushing on the shackle and wiggling the wheels. Good luck.

[@itsjireel6790]

@@Potti314 ok thx

[@meliodassama988]

hmm almost the same, but the shackle is stuck in resetting mode... cant turn around to the hole.. p.s. what is shackle? i just meant the curvy steel...

[@Potti314]

Yes the shackle ;-) Can you pull or push the shackle and feel resistance of the wheel. If yes, you might be able to decode it.

[@nickelodeonnickelodeon7677]

My lock is stuck in the open position but won’t move. 180 degrees from the open position.

[@Potti314]

OK, try pulling or pushing and decode it. Hope you'll have success.

[@learnevritime8562]

Thanks for video

[@speshulk1976]

Bought two locks. Changed the combination on the first one without issue. The second one opened but its stuck and swings from 90 degrees and 180 degrees only. Can’t get it back to original 0 degrees where you instruct us to push down with tension. Anybody have any ideas?

[@Potti314]

Can you pull the shackle and decode it?

[@speshulk1976]

I have tried that. Yes there are numbers that are tough to turn but unlike some you I have ZERO skillz on feeling for the correct number to try. I have no patience but there is something within me that wants or needs to be able to crack it. Takes me back to all the swearing I did over Rubiks Cube and the sweet feeling I got after cracking it. Thank you for trying to help. 👍🏻

[@Potti314]

Well, if you have no patients, then leave it alone. I love to play with combo locks for fun not for getting a job done.

[@hvnt3rexe727]

Weird thing is that it didn't work for me, I spent almost 2 hours trying this and nada..

[@ablurida]

Mine is locked in the open position, and the top bit cannot be moved

[@Potti314]

Try playing with the shackle height.

[@LockNoob]

Great video. have a Squire cp50 combination lock I have been trying to find a way of decoding for a while with no luck :-( I'd love to send it to you for your analysis if you fancy a challenge?

[@Potti314]

Thank you :-) Well, I have checked the website where they show the squire locks and also watched a video where they demonstrated the use (they seem to be really tough - also one with guarded shackle is available). It could be built in the same way like the TOKOZ (kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5_LlGaCisebfKM ) where you cannot directly tension the locking mechanism (similar to a safe lock). So I suspect that it cannot be decoded by normal techniques. Maybe you need to attach a stethoscope (which I tried without success on the TOKOZ) or need to find other creative ways. Well, I will never say no to a lock. But I doubt that I will be successful in decoding. Also I might need to keep it for a while until I find the time to focus it. So if you still wanna loan it, I'll send you my address.

[@Potti314]

And thank you for your kind offer, anyway. Cheers, Michael :-)

[@LockNoob]

Potti314, yes email me your address today as I'm going to the post office in the morning. My email address is in all of my vid descriptions or you can pm me via uklocksport. Don't worry about time. It's yours to keep and assess at your leisure

[@nathankoroush7918]

Nailed it. Thanks

[@dgphi]

My lock seems to have false gates on the reverse sides of the wheels 😑. I could decode it easily when it was in a closed state, but I can can't get it closed now that it is locked open. Update: I bought a brand new lock, and this one I can easily decode when it is locked open. There is a distinct click when I fall into a gate. I don't know what is up with the old lock. I still can't get that one closed. I bought it second-hand, so I don't know how old it is. Maybe ABUS have changed the design to make these locks easier to close if they are locked open. Or maybe there is something wrong with my old lock.

[@mick19421]

Tried what you have suggested on 4 wheel Masterlock that is locked open didn’t work for me, could lock be broken.

[@Potti314]

Yes, could be broken, but I doubt it. If you are not experienced in understanding the feedback it might be hard to correctly apply the method. Can you explain the type of feedback you get?

[@NoctisMotus]

Nice observations and tips. What happened to your thumb? Did a lock bite back? :)

[@Potti314]

Thank you. Yes, the thumb - without band aid you would have seen an ugly and terrible bloody fingers which perhaps would have caused the video to become censored ;-) All my locks are tame and would never bite me by purpose. But just like when feeding animals, sometimes accidents happen ;-)

[@NoctisMotus]

Aah, hungry animals. You may need to invest in some chain maille mittens. :)

[@AnthonyOyeniyi]

what if the shackle is locked in the opposite position in reset mode

[@Potti314]

I would pull or push (depending what is needed) and decode it accordingly.

[@radarundetectable]

Sorry to say but it didn't work out for me... I got the last 2 digits in place but then found that atleast one of them is incorrect as I tried the other 2 by trial and error but none worked.... HELP ME SOMEONE PLEASE

[@Potti314]

I can just say that you need to line up the shackle as good as possible and vary the pressure to get best feedback.

[@unorganized3911]

Hey man I has an aristrocrat lock (3 wheel) and this isnt working can anyone help

[@richardkilgore1011]

Thanks. I think I have a different problem. With a 165/20 the combination is still 000. When I try to change it by rotating the shackle 180 degrees and pressing it down, the 3 wheelswill turn to a new set of numbers, but then the shackle cannot be pulled back up. So I can not move the shackle back 180 degrees. If I change the wheels back to 0-0-0, the shackle can be pulled back up, rotated 180, pressed down and locked as it was originally. I would appreciate any ideas. Defective lock? My error?

[@Potti314]

Not sure but it sound to me that you didn't push down the shackle deep enough and hence your lock is actually not in change-mode.

[@harsha6225]

Find a solution for my 3 wheeler lock which was locked in open state you're only the who can help me to my problem I tried you're video. But it could not work on my master lock

[@Potti314]

I tested it with my master 4 wheel combination lock. It works in the same manner but it requires some feeling. Try pushing the shackle with different power and see if this changes the feedback on the wheel.

[@pearlmygreatdane]

Hello! Thank you for the video. I would love to be able to fix a lock of mine that is having this issue. I was wondering if somebody could help me. Due to the design of my lock there is a piece of plastic in the way that prevents me from being able to line up the shackle directly over the place where it goes into the lock, as I have to be able to lift the shackle up and over this plastic piece, which I cannot do because it is stuck. Do you have any advice?

[@Potti314]

You could try to decode it open. What happens when you pull on the shackle and turn the wheels? Do you feel resistance?

[@aguilargutierrez4]

Thanks just got mine open 342

[@Potti314]

Thanks for the feedback :-)

[@captain0taz]

Hello, I am trying this method on a Co TRAVEL TSA005. But it did not work at all, the dials are all snug when I try to turn them while applying pressure on it, it’s perfectly aligned with the hole but it’s not working. Any advice?

[@Potti314]

Try with less pressure.

[@Potti314]

If the wheels bind up tightly try with less pressure on the shackle and start with the one that stays binding.

[@captain0taz]

It worked!!! Wow I guess I kinda got lucky with it I dunno how. I just kept on trying. It’s a difficult lock. But I would not have done it without your help! Thanks 👍🏻

[@Potti314]

Thank you for letting me know. Appreciate your kind feedback. Cheers.

[@adapena7050]

Thanks you so much for you explanation! it takes patience and a bit of sensitivity too

[@Potti314]

Yes, it requires patients and sensitivity, but I love decoding just because of that. Thanks for the feedback.

[@beauderoche1447]

This works on the Abus 145/30 as well , thanks

[@Potti314]

Thanks for the feedback - glad you could use the info from my video.

[@Salt_Thief]

What if the lock is locked where you're suppose to reset it, but it doesn't go high enough to lock it and its just stuck there.

[@Potti314]

Then it's locked up in the change position. Guess you have to decode it to get it fully open. Pull on the shackle and try to decode it. Good luck.

[@Salt_Thief]

@@Potti314 yeah I was moving it around and I guess I got lucky now its fixed

[@mickbanks6290]

I have a 4 combination Master locked in open state. Tried what you have done on this a us, nothing happens any suggestions please. Mick

[@Potti314]

I'll check with my Master lock - just make sure the shackle is really well aligned over the hole otherwise it will never bind.

[@Alex-xz2bh]

thank you for your video! do you think this technique also works on the abus 145/30 (coloured 3 wheel lock)? or is it better to apply the soft push pick method? i tried but i was not abe to push pick on the abus 145/30, any tipps? :)

[@Potti314]

I only have a 145/20. On that lock you cannot lock up the lock if the shackle is open. Pull picking it is fairly easy (no false gates): kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHiXhmSQm7Kogsk Try different tension methods and especially check that the shackle is perfectly aligned when trying to close-pick the lock.

[@Debbiesco11]

Thank you!

[@Potti314]

My pleasure :-)

[@paradigmshift99]

Thanks

[@bendavis6045]

I have this issue with a 5 number lock. Is the technic the same?

[@Potti314]

It doesn't depend on the number of digits / wheels.

[@giovanniriccio9432]

Thank you, i have this problem whit the cisa 211/40

[@Potti314]

So you could solve your problem?

[@Swynndla]

Very well explained! :D :D

[@Potti314]

Thank you :-)

[@oresthss1329]

i have a cisa 211/40 lock and i cannot open it becose i forgot the namber ... can you help me ? please?

[@Potti314]

Does it have false gates? Checked out my play list on combination locks (kzbin.info/aero/PLuSaKS-pr3L81psh-vAVyp7R6Te1n5M37), especially this kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3_LfIWJptOWj9U which covers a method for defeating false gates.

[@4gaze792]

Can’t get mine re lock /:

[@karinadu3174]

i have 4 digit combination lock shackle stuck and will not turn

[@Potti314]

Try decoding it open.

[@harsha6225]

Pls make a video on 3 wheeler master lock

[@Potti314]

Sorry, but I make videos when I have time and I feel inspired. You need to wait or buy a new lock. Sorry.

[@harsha6225]

Sir please find a solution to my problem i have a 3 wheel master locker that locked in open state

[@Potti314]

OK, I'll see if my master lock behaves any different than shown in this video.

[@codyjr1000]

I also have this problem

[@waddac2]

Great tutorial my friend ;o))))

[@Potti314]

Thank you - I really like combination locks :-)

[@harsha6225]

Pls upload a video IN OPEN STATE in 3 WHEELER LOCK

[@Potti314]

It's the same technique as for 4 wheels. What lock do you have and what did not work when your tried to decode it to the closed state?

[@harsha6225]

Sir I have 3 wheeler master lock problem is open shutter

[@Potti314]

Please try the same method as show in the video. I will see if I can test the method on my 4 wheel master lock and let you know about tricks / tip. Might take one or two days.

[@tempa2010]

Brilliant wideo

[@Potti314]

Thank you.

[@tempa2010]

Potti314 although for mine I had to turn the shackle 90 degrees to change it as it had a couple of notches one for it to sit in the locking chamber and 1 to reset

[@sarfrazahmed747]

Thank you sir i did open my lock

[@Potti314]

Thanks for the kind feedback :-)

[@yolen123]

I simply can't do it, it is soo frustrating... still good video though :(

[@nasimakhter5634]

Like excellent but better to explain in urdu open locked stuck position.

[@chanansh]

Cannot replicate this with a 4 digits black lock. Seems like first digit is free. Tried reversed. Nothing

[@Potti314]

The color does not matter ;-) Any wheel can be the first binder.

[@amaltahir1727]

Does this work on a Dudley 4 word lock

[@Potti314]

I'd say so, but I haven't tried it yet.

[@pickbeard2690]

Do you think this process works on most/all combination locks. Would another method be needed for say a Squire combo lock??🤔🤔🤔 Great vid btw buddy😘😘😘👍

[@Potti314]

Thank you. I believe this will work on all combination locks with the same type of mechanism (beside of very cheap ones where you actually only turn the outer wheel and lock the inner wheel when applying too much tension). The Squire might be a different sorry as they sell theses locks as very secure; also one with guarded shackle is available. So I think that a different mechanism is used there. Maybe the same as in the TOKOZ kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5_LlGaCisebfKM There you cannot directly tension the locking mechanism. For decoding I have not found a method yet, nor I have seen one decoding them. But I tested changing the combination on my TOKOZ while it was open. You can simply push in the shackle and the padlock is locked up. Maybe it behaves the same for the Squire.

[@MikeLuziFer]

i push hard as i can but no resistance ??!!?!

[@Potti314]

Maybe the shackle is not aligned perfectly above the hole. Also try every wheel.

[@MikeLuziFer]

I tried every wheel but there isn't any resistance even when the bump is perfectly lined

[@Potti314]

It not possible for me at a distance to tell what's going on with your lock - I'm sorry. Technically the shackle can be pushed in if nothing is in it's way. Possible obstacles are the inner wheels (not in a gate), the bump on the shackle (the side where the shackle stays in the lock) and the open side of the shackle above the hole. Maybe you can figure out the reason why the wheels do not bind. Also check if the ring with the cutouts (the side where the shackle stays in the lock) is twisted. Good luck. If you like, you send me pictures or make a video so that I have something to look at ;-)