The renowned combination lock, impervious to our tension wrenches, lock picks, and traditional lock picking methods, exists within the realm of lock picking artistry.
While there are still many other ways to bypass a combination padlock, including the use of a shim, bolt cutters, locksmiths, or even a blowtorch, none are quite as elegant nor non-destructive as old-school combination cracking.
A standard 40-digit Master Lock has 64,000 combinations which would take the average human about 180 hours to crack by using random combinations.
This guide will aid you in reducing that absurd number to only 80 combinations and instruct you on how to crack a Master Lock in 10 simple steps.
It may also be possible to pick a master combination lock using a lock pick set, only if it has a keyway on the back.
If you would like to take this router, refer to my beginner's guide on how to pick a lock. However, to crack a master lock combination, you do not need lock pick tools—but they're always nice to have for other circ*mstances.
In this guide:
- Determine Your Model of Master Lock
- Clear the Lock
- Place Tension On the Shackle
- Finding the First Sticking Point
- Finding the Second Sticking Point
- Finding the Remaining Sticking Points
- Cracking the Third Number
- Cracking the First Number
- Cracking the Second Number
- Cracking the Combination
You may also like to read:
- 9 Best Locks To Quickly Learn Lock Picking
- The Absolute Best Beginner Lock Pick Set - The Ghost Set
1. Determine Your Model of Master Lock
Before we spend time learning how to crack a combination lock, it's important that we first determine if this method of cracking will work on your model of lock.
Some Master Locks require additional or different procedures to crack as they use different algorithms.
The model number of your Master Lock can be found on the back of the lock. If your lock's model number begins with 800 or 908, this method of combination cracking may not work. Many people have had success cracking 800XXX model Master Locks using this method, but there is no guarantee.
2. Clear the Lock
The first step in picking any type of lock is to set a standard starting point.
In the case of a Master Lock, we simply clear the lock. This is accomplished by rotating the dial, at minimum, three times past the zero mark in the clockwise (right) direction. Additionally, be sure to stop the rotation at the zero mark as well.
3. Place Tension On the Shackle
Now that the lock has been cleared and is set at zero, our first objective, which will seem backward, is to find the third number in our combination.
Begin by applying a tense pulling force on the shackle of the padlock. A great method of doing this is to grasp the lock in one hand while using a finger to push upward on the shackle.
While maintaining this upward pressure on the shackle, begin to rotate the dial slowly in the counterclockwise (left) direction.
Note here that there may be a chance the dial will be stuck on the zero mark while force is applied to the shackle and will not allow you to rotate it.
If this is the case, release the force on the shackle and rotate the dial one or two numbers counterclockwise.
Reapply the upward pressure on the shackle and, once again, try to rotate the dial counterclockwise.
4. Finding the First Sticking Point
While rotating the dial of the lock in the counterclockwise direction, you will shortly come to a point where it will jam and no longer allow you to rotate it freely.
The dial will be stuck in a rut between two numbers. You should be able to turn the dial slightly in the clockwise (right) direction and back again while still holding pressure on the shackle.
This is our first “sticking range.” Write down both stopping points in this rut.
For example, the counterclockwise (left) stopping point could be 8, while the clockwise (right) stopping point could be 6. In this example, our sticking range would be 6 to 8.
Next, we have to find the "sticking point." This is done by simply taking the middle number of our sticking range.
In our example, this would be 7.
Be aware when finding your sticking range that the dial can also stop between numbers or, that is, halfway.
An example of this would be when turning the dial in the counterclockwise direction to find your stopping point and it instead stops between 8 and 9.
Your counterclockwise stopping point would then be 8.5. In addition, when you rotate the dial in the clockwise position, it stops between 6 and 7 giving you a stopping point of 6.5.
The resulting sticking rangewould be 6.5 to 8.5 and our sticking point would be 7.5.
5. Finding the Second Sticking Point
Now that we have found ourfirst sticking point, we can move on to the second sticking point.
Release the upward tension on the shackle and rotate the dial counterclockwise until you are just past the higher number of your last sticking range.
For example, if your previous sticking range was 6 to 8, rotate the dial to 9.
Next, reapply the upward tension on the shackle, and just as before, turn the dial in the counterclockwise direction until it once again jams.
Take note of this counterclockwise stopping point and, with tension still applied, rotate the dial clockwise until it stops once more, giving you your clockwise stopping point.
Once again, record the sticking range and determine the middle number to find the sticking point.
6. Finding the Remaining Sticking Points
We now have 2 of the 12 sticking points we need to crack the third number of our combination.
Repeat the following steps of rotating the dial in the counterclockwise direction and finding the sticking points until you have 12 numbers recorded.
Below is an example of the sticking ranges and sticking numbers I collected while cracking the combination of my Master Lock.
7. Cracking the Third Number
If you take a look at the sticking points you have recorded, you might notice that there are seven fractions and five whole numbers. Cross out all of the fractions leaving only the five whole numbers. In our case, we are left with 0, 10, 20, 27, and 30.
If you did the steps above correctly you will notice that all of your remaining numbers end with the same digit, except for one.
This oddball is our lucky winner as it is the third number in our combination.
For example, my numbers are 0, 10, 20, 27, and 30. All of which end with 0, with the exception of 27. The third number of my combination is therefore 27.
8. Finding the First Number of the Combination
Now that we have cracked the third number of our combination, we can determine the ten possibilities regarding the first number of our combination.
The first step is to take the newly found third number of our combination and divide it by four. In my case, 27/4.
Of this new resulting number, we are only concerned with the remainder, or that is the decimal point. Write this number down. In my case I resulted in 6, making my remainder 3.
Also note that with these locks, the remainder will always be either 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Now that we have our remainder, it's time to find our ten possibilities for the first number in our combination.
Begin by adding four to the remainder and write it down.
Then again add four to that result and continue adding four to each resulting number until you have a total of ten numbers. In doing this, your tenth and largest number should be a number available on the dial.
One of these ten resulting numbers is the first number in our combination. In my case, the remainder was 3, and as I continuously add four, I resulted with the numbers 3. 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39.
These are my ten possibilities, one of which is the first number in my combination.
Be aware if your lock is of the 800XXX models, this set of numbers could possibly be for the second number in your combination instead of the first number.
9. Finding the Second Number of the Combination
To find the second number in our combination, we again need to look at the remainder we used in the previous step.
If your remainder was 0 or 1, then add two to it.
If your remainder was 2 or 3, then subject two from it. Take this new number and add four to it.
Just as we did in the previous step, continue to add four to the resultant until you again have ten resulting numbers.
In my case, the remainder was 3, so I would subtract 2 giving me a new number of 1.
I then continuously add four to my new number giving me the following 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37.
We can narrow these ten numbers down slightly more by removing any number within two of our three combination numbers.
In this case, because my third number was 27 I can remove 25 and 29, leaving me with 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 33, 37.
These are my eightpossibilities, one of which is the second number in my combination.
Once again, if your lock is of the 800XXX models, this set of numbers could possibly be for the firstnumber in your combination instead of the secondnumber.
10. Cracking the Combination
We now have all the possible first and second numbers for our combination and have for certain our third number.
We have taken a possible 64,000 combinations and diminished it to 80 possible combinations.
The next step is to simply hash out all the possible combinations until one works.
Let's start by entering our first possible combination. In my case, it would be 3 - 1 - 27.
First, you must again clear the lock by rotating the dial a minimum of three times in the clockwise direction. Then while continuing to rotate the dial clockwise, enter your first number.
Mine is 3.
Next, rotate the dial counterclockwise past your second number and continue to rotate it until you land on that number again.
Mine is 1, so I rotate past 1 and keep turning until I once again land on 1.
Finally, rotate the dial once more clockwise to your third number.
In my case, it was 27.
It is very likely that your first combination won't work. But continue to clear the lock and enter every possible combination until you find those magic numbers.
My combination ended up being 19 - 5 - 27 and took me roughly 15 minutes to crack.
You now know how to crack a Master Lock!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the art of combination cracking offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of lock picking. While there are various methods to bypass a combination padlock, the elegance and non-destructive nature of old-school combination cracking make it a skill worth mastering.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce the number of possible combinations, allowing you to open a Master Lock with greater efficiency and ease. Whether you need to open a locker or simply want to explore a new skill, the knowledge gained here will undoubtedly prove useful.
Remember, the techniques discussed here should only be used responsibly and within the boundaries of the law. Ethical considerations and respect for others' property should always be a priority.
I hope you found this guide helpful, and that it has empowered you with the knowledge to tackle combination locks in a skillful and non-destructive manner. With practice and patience, you can become a master at cracking combinations while honing your understanding of the intricate world of lock picking.
Happy picking!
