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ABUS Bypass Driver – Open ABUS 72/40 Padlock
What is a bypass, how did my test with the ABUS Driver on my own lock go, and which padlock is better to choose?
Author: Ties
Door Ties from Grimbergen · professionally checked by Wim Vos · Last updated: October 2026
A bypass opens a lock without picking the pins: you bypass the mechanism. The ABUS Bypass Driver shows that some ABUS 72/40 padlocks can be opened this way. For you as a buyer, the lesson is: pay attention to anti-bypass protection when choosing a padlock. For lock sport enthusiasts, it is an interesting exercise on their own lock.
Only practice on locks that are yours or for which you have permission – and never on locks that are in use. Also read if lockpicking is legal.
What is a bypass?
In lockpicking, you set each pin to the correct height. In a bypass, you do not touch the pins, but directly move the component that holds the shackle. This only works if the design allows for it.
My experience with the ABUS Driver
I initially thought the Driver only worked on the American version of the 72/40. Still, I wanted to test it on my own lock. The first attempts were unsuccessful.
What helped: lightly polishing the Driver so that it glides more smoothly along the inside. Read how that works in polishing lockpicks.
After that, it worked. In my video, you can see the result. The main insight: it’s about patience and feel, not strength.
Tip: if it doesn’t work, don’t force anything. A bent Driver is unusable. Take a break.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ABUS Driver work on every ABUS padlock?
No. It is made for the 72/40 series and does not work on every version. Better ABUS series have extra security.
How do I protect my padlock against bypass?
Choose a padlock with anti-bypass and anti-shim protection, such as a better padlock from our padlocks. Also read opening a padlock without a key for more about vulnerabilities.
Is a bypass tool legal?
Ownership is generally allowed in the Netherlands and Belgium; only use it on your own locks. Read is lockpicking legal.
My advice
Use an ABUS 72/40 only for low risk, such as a garden shed. For valuable items, choose a padlock with a higher security class.
Getting started
Do you want to learn to pick this lock as a hobbyist instead of bypassing? Read picking the ABUS 72/40 and check out the ABUS 72/40 practice lock. More about lock types: what types of locks are there.
Next step: picking the ABUS 72/40: your first real challenge
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