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Padlock Opening Without a Key – Complete Guide 2025
Padlocks have been used for thousands of years, but many models are vulnerable to simple bypass techniques. In this article, I discuss the construction of a padlock and the weak points that you can exploit with shims, comb picks, warded lockpicks, and decoders. We also explain which modern padlocks have anti-shim technology and how to recognize them, plus what Dutch law says about lockpicking.
Author: Ties
Padlocks have been used for thousands of years to protect our valuable belongings everywhere and anywhere from theft.
If you, like millions of other people in Europe, think that most padlocks are very secure, then you are mistaken.
On this page, we will discuss some weaknesses of padlocks so that you and hopefully many others in your vicinity can arm yourselves against them.
The components of a padlock
To visualize the components of the padlock, there is nothing more handy than a transparent padlock.
A padlock typically has various weaknesses that can be defeated with different types of lockpicks. The pins can be manipulated with a classic lockpick set, but there are other methods as well.
A. Shackle
B. Locking pawl
C. Pins and spring
D. Cylinder
The padlock is sensitive to various attacks at different points.
Firstly, you can lockpick the padlock with a classic lockpick set. By quickly moving the pins to the break line using the rake technique, you can open a padlock in as little as five minutes.
If the rake technique does not work, you can always apply the SPP technique to open the lock.
Other techniques to release the shackle (A) often involve pushing back the locking pawl (B). For this, you can use shims.
With the shims, you can often open the lock in just a few seconds.
There are more types of bypass tools to make lockpicking padlocks easier.
I will explain below which tools we offer to open a padlock.
Weaknesses and security of modern padlocks
Did you know? The Dutch lockpick expert Barry Wels from TOOOL Netherlands made worldwide headlines when he opened an American school locker padlock in less than 2 seconds with a simple shim at the American HOPE conference. This led to a global reevaluation of padlock security.
| Type Padlock | Security Level | Vulnerable to Shims | Average Opening Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic brass padlock | 1/5 | Yes | 2-10 seconds |
| ABUS 64TI/30 | 2/5 | Partially | 30-60 seconds |
| ABUS 82TI/70 | 4/5 | No (anti-shim) | 5-15 minutes |
Padlock Shims
Are you looking for a very simple way to open padlocks? Then you should use SHIMS! There are many padlocks whose shackle is locked by a simple spring. You can easily reset this spring by pushing a shim along the shackle. Once you have done this, the padlock will spring open immediately. We sell two different padlock shims that you can order online. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Video Tutorial: Shim Technique Demonstration
BosnianBill demonstrates various shim techniques on popular padlocks
Comb Picks
Every new lockpicker wants to break open a lock quickly. With some padlocks, this is possible with Comb picks.
Comb picks look a bit like keys, but unlike a key, Comb picks have a more spiky appearance. There are many different locks with varying distances between the chambers.
With the Comb picks, you open a lock slightly differently than with a lockpick set. You not only place the closing pin under the cylinder core but also the key pin. Below you will find a compilation of all our products with Comb Picks.
Warded lockpicks
Padlocks occasionally still have a warded lock. You can recognize this type of padlock by its unique keyhole. With a Warded lockpick set, you can easily break open these padlocks.
Trick to open combination locks
Combination locks do not require a physical key to be opened. However, you can break them open with a handy lockpick. Sparrows has created a handy tool to unlock the combination of a combination lock.
By pushing the thin rod of the Ultra Decoder between the number wheel and the housing of the lock, you can feel what the correct combination of the padlock should be.
Product Highlight: Sparrows ULTRA Decoder – €13.50
Specially designed tool for decoding combination locks.
Handy tool for opening padlocks
If you are just getting to know lockpicking, you probably want to open your first padlock quickly without too much effort. By pushing a thick piece of metal, shaped like a kind of dagger, into the keyhole of a padlock, you can easily break open the lock.
With a lockpick Shank, you can skip all the pins in the padlock and directly move the lever that locks the shackle with a spring.
Product Highlight: Sparrows SHANK – €15.99
Direct bypass tool for vulnerable padlocks.
Anti-Shim Technology and Modern Security
Note: Modern padlocks often have anti-shim technology.
- Double locking on both sides of the shackle
- Ball-bearing locks
- Mention of “Anti-shim” or “Double locking” on the packaging
- Higher security ratings (SKG★★ or higher)
How to recognize an Anti-Shim padlock?
- ⟦T52Test the shackle movement: Gently pull on the closed shackle.
- Check the brand: Premium brands like ABUS 80TI series typically have anti-shim.
- Look at the price: Padlocks under €10 rarely have good anti-shim security.
Legislation in the Netherlands – Is Lockpicking Legal?
Yes, the possession of lockpick tools is completely legal in the Netherlands. These tools do not fall under Article 461 of the Penal Code (burglary tools) as long as they are not used for illegal purposes.
Article 461 Penal Code – What does this mean?
This article only criminalizes the use of tools for illegal purposes, not possession. TOOOL Netherlands even organizes public meetings where lockpicking is practiced and taught.
TOOOL Netherlands Demonstration
TOOOL Netherlands was already on television in 2001!
Learn to pick locks with a padlock
It’s very fun and challenging to try out your lockpicking skills for real, but you don’t want to completely drain your bank account.
A practice lock should therefore remain educational but also affordable. Many of the techniques mentioned above can be tested on this, but you can also approach it with a lockpick set.
A transparent padlock gives you the opportunity to see all the components in the lock move while you try to pick it.
Do you have any questions? Then take a moment to ask us and we always try to respond quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Padlock Lockpicking
Do shims work on all padlocks?
No, shims only work on padlocks without anti-shim protection. Modern padlocks from brands like ABUS (80TI series and higher) have ball-bearing locks or double locks that block shims.
What is the difference between shims and comb picks?
Shims work on the locking mechanism of the shackle. Comb picks, on the other hand, manipulate all the pins at once by pushing them below the shear line.
How do I recognize an anti-shim padlock?
Anti-shim padlocks usually have double locks, ball-bearing mechanisms, or explicitly mention “anti-shim” on the packaging.
What is the fastest method to open a padlock?
For vulnerable padlocks, shims are the fastest (2-5 seconds). For locks with anti-shim, rake lockpicking is usually the fastest.
Can I buy lockpick tools as a private individual?
Yes, in the Netherlands, anyone can buy and own lockpick tools. It is only illegal if you use them for unlawful purposes.
Which padlock is best to start with?
Start with a transparent practice lock (€14.99) to understand the mechanics. Then switch to an ABUS 64TI/30 (€7.50) for your first real challenge.
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