How Do You Use A Padlock Shim?
Lost the key to the padlock on the shed or a locker? Before you pay a locksmith to let you in or to open something up, consider using a shim on the lock yourself. A shim is a faster alternative than picking or cracking the combination to padlocks. Padlock shims are thin pieces of metal inserted into the base of the shackle (U or n-shaped thing) that triggers the lock to think you put in the right combination or twisted the key, releasing the shackle. • Stick the projecting bit of metal in the bottom middle of the shim into the left base of the shackle, on the inside, so the two handles of the shim should be facing outwards. • Wiggle the shim a little bit so that it goes in completely without bending it. • Insert a second shim, also facing outwards, into the right side of the shackle if it is a Master or more advanced lock. • Use one fluid motion to twist the shim or shims to trigger the release mechanism. The direction does not matter. Listen for an audible click. If you hear it, try p
• Stick the projecting bit of metal in the bottom middle of the shim into the left base of the shackle, on the inside, so the two handles of the shim should be facing outwards. • Wiggle the shim a little bit so that it goes in completely without bending it. • Insert a second shim, also facing outwards, into the right side of the shackle if it is a Master or more advanced lock. • Use one fluid motion to twist the shim or shims to trigger the release mechanism. The direction does not matter. Listen for an audible click. If you hear it, try pulling the shackle apart from the body of the lock. If you didn’t hear it, try again.
