ABUS Bypass Driver – Open ABUS 72/40 Padlock

Have you ever bought an ABUS padlock thinking your belongings were safe? Then I have bad news for you. The popular ABUS 72/40 has a design flaw that allows you to open the lock in just a few seconds – without any lockpicking knowledge.

In this article, I will tell you everything about the ABUS Bypass Driver. This is an alternative way to open an ABUS padlock, much faster than with a traditional lockpick set. While with lockpicking you have to learn how to set the pins individually using picks and tension wrenches, with the Bypass Driver, you simply push all the pins back at once. No technical knowledge needed, no feel for feedback – just push it in and you’re done.

What is the ABUS Bypass Driver?

The ABUS Bypass Driver is a simple piece of metal specifically designed to exploit the security flaw in the ABUS 72/40 and similar padlocks. Unlike traditional lockpicking, where you learn to manipulate the pins one by one with a beginner lockpick set, you bypass the entire lock mechanism with this tool.

Interesting to know: The term “bypass” literally means “to circumvent.” Instead of opening the lock in the intended way, you find an unintended way to manipulate the mechanism.

The difference between lockpicking and bypassing

With lockpicking using a traditional lockpick set, you learn:

• How to apply tension with a tension wrench
• How to feel and set pins one by one
• How to interpret feedback (clicks, resistance, binding pins)
• To develop patience and precision

With bypassing using the ABUS Driver, you actually do none of this. You simply slide a piece of metal into the keyhole and push all the pins down at once. That’s it.

Why does this method work on the ABUS 72/40?

ABUS locks are well-known for effectively securing or fastening your cherished belongings. Our mailbox sometimes overflows with reports of design flaws in some ABUS locks.

The lockpicking community has indeed found a flaw in the very popular ABUS 72/40.

With an ABUS Bypass Driver, you can open the lock without any knowledge and without a key.

These flaws have been known to security experts for years, perhaps even decades. Yet, ABUS continues to sell their locks with these shortcomings, which is unacceptable.

Here’s a brief explanation of how this flaw works and can be exploited.

My experience with the ABUS Bypass Driver

Recently, I fiddled with the ABUS Driver and initially struggled to open the ABUS lock with it. It seemed as if ABUS had succeeded in better securing their lock against the Bypass Driver.

After some searching on Google, I thought the ABUS Driver would only be suitable for the American version of the 72/40. Still, I couldn’t believe this and kept fiddling with the 72/40 locks.

After much blood, sweat, and tears, it turned out to be a matter of building the right feel to get the lock open. I managed to open several 72/40 locks with the ABUS Driver.

Here I used the Sparrows ABUS Driver.

It was necessary to polish the Driver from Sparrows with some fine sandpaper, as is also recommended with other lockpicks.

Step-by-step: How to open an ABUS 72/40 with the Bypass Driver

Step 1: Polish your ABUS Driver

I used a very small piece of sandpaper with a fine grit. I placed this paper on my wallet, the edge of the table, and on a flat table so that I could polish the Driver everywhere. The result was that the Driver slid much easier into the 72/40.

Pro tip: Use sandpaper with a grit of 1000 or higher for the best results. Too coarse sandpaper can cause scratches that make it harder for the Driver to push in.

Step 2: Position the Driver correctly

It is also important to thrust the Driver into the lock in the correct position.

You can see this best in the video I have attached. You do not push the driver above the pins into the lock, but you push it tightly over the pins. This way, you push the pins back into their chambers.

Step 3: The critical movement

Then you reach a point where there is still 1cm of the steel of the Driver remaining. This is now the most difficult point to get the Driver further in, but with the right movement (about a 10-degree turn with a subtle push), you can push the Driver another 0.5 centimeters into the keyhole.

What do others in the lockpicking community say?

I am not the only one who struggled with the ABUS Driver. In online lockpicking communities, I have read similar experiences from people trying this for the first time.

Common frustrations

A frequently heard complaint is that the Driver does not go far enough into the lock. Many people then think that their specific ABUS lock might be a newer version that is protected against this attack. But usually, it’s just a matter of applying the right technique.

Increase success rate

Discussions in the community reveal that the following factors can increase your success rate:

• Polishing the Driver: Almost everyone emphasizes how important this is
• Light pressure while pushing: Do not push too hard, but maintain constant pressure
• Finding the right angle: This is often trial-and-error, but once found, it works consistently
• Trying different ABUS locks: Some individual locks are slightly easier than others due to production variations

Comparison with other bypass methods

Interestingly, there are also people in the lockpicking community who have tried other bypass methods on ABUS padlocks. Some, for example, use various bypass tools such as shims (thin metal strips that you slide between the shackle and the lock).

The general consensus, however, is that for the ABUS 72/40, the specific Bypass Driver is the most reliable and fastest method.

Other ways to open an ABUS padlock

1. Traditional lockpicking

Of course, you can also open an ABUS padlock in the traditional way with a lockpick set. This does require more skill and practice, but it is a reliable method that works on almost any lock.

For beginners, I recommend starting with a beginner lockpick set and practicing on simpler locks before attempting an ABUS padlock.

2. Shimming

With shimming, you use thin metal strips to bypass the locking mechanism between the shackle and the lock. This does not work on all ABUS padlocks, but some older models are vulnerable to this technique.

3. Bumping

With a bump key and a hammer, you can also open some ABUS locks. However, this technique is noisier and does not work on all models.

Note: For educational purposes, it is good to learn multiple techniques. But remember: use this knowledge only on locks that you own or for which you have explicit permission!

Are there safe ABUS padlocks?

Yes, fortunately! ABUS also offers padlocks in their range that are well secured. The ABUS Granit series, for example, has much better protection against both physical attacks and lock picking.

If you are looking for a reliable padlock, look for models with:

• Anti-pick pins (spool pins, serrated pins)
• Reinforced shackle
• Hardened steel
• A high-quality cylinder construction

Frequently asked questions about the ABUS Bypass Driver

Yes, it is legal to own bypass tools and lockpicking tools in the Netherlands, as long as you have no criminal intent. It is illegal to use these tools on locks that do not belong to you without permission. More information about legality can be found in our article on lockpick legality.

No, the ABUS Bypass Driver is specifically designed for the ABUS 72/40 and a few similar models. It does not work on all ABUS padlocks. High-quality models such as the ABUS Granit series have better protection against this type of attack.

With some practice, you can open an ABUS 72/40 in 5 to 30 seconds with the Bypass Driver. The first few times it may take longer until you master the right technique. This is much faster than traditional lockpicking, which can take minutes to hours if you are still practicing.

Technically, it would be possible to make your own bypass driver if you have the right metalworking skills, but it is much easier and safer to buy a professionally made version. The Sparrows ABUS Driver is made of high-quality steel and has the exact dimensions needed.

Yes, absolutely. The Bypass Driver does not require technical knowledge of how locks work. With a normal lockpick set, you have to learn how to apply tension, interpret feedback, and manipulate pins individually. With the Bypass Driver, you simply push all the pins back at once – much simpler, but you also learn less from it.

No, when used correctly, the Bypass Driver does not damage the lock. You are only pushing the pins back, just like a key would do. However, if you use too much force or bend the Driver, you can cause damage to the keyhole.

This is a good question that many people in the security community are concerned about. It is probably a trade-off between production costs and the level of security they want to provide for this price range. The 72/40 is an affordable padlock for low-risk applications but should not be used for valuable possessions.

The ABUS Bypass Driver is specifically made for the ABUS 72/40 and a few similar models. Other padlocks often have different constructions that require different bypass tools, or that can only be opened with traditional lockpicking techniques.

No, that is precisely the point of the Bypass Driver – you do not need lockpicking knowledge. However, if you are interested in lockpicking as a hobby or skill, I do recommend starting with a beginner lockpick set and learning how locks actually work. That gives you much more insight into security.

You can order the Sparrows ABUS Bypass Driver at Lockpickings.com. We deliver quickly and discreetly throughout Europe.

Conclusion: An important lesson in security

The ABUS Bypass Driver demonstrates an important lesson: even popular and seemingly solid locks can have serious design flaws. The 72/40 looks sturdy and feels heavy, but can be opened in seconds by someone with no lockpicking experience.

This is exactly why it is so important to delve into security. If you understand how locks work and where their weaknesses lie, you can make better choices about which locks to use for which applications.

Want to learn more about lockpicking?

If this article has sparked your interest in lockpicking as a hobby, there are many more techniques to learn. Unlike the simple Bypass Driver, traditional lockpicking teaches you to truly understand how locks work. This is not only more interesting but also much more useful if you want to delve into physical security. Also, check out how to lockpick your first ABUS padlock.