How to open a master lock
One of the most frequent locksmith-related problems is when a person can’t open the lock because they don’t have the key or they forgot a code. All of us probably have been in a situation like that at least once in our lives. In most cases, we can’t open the lock when we’re the busiest and have no time to deal with it. Usually, it leads to panic and stress.
How can you avoid all of that and open a master lock quickly? There are a few ways to do that. You can try picking the lock, bumping it, breaking it, guessing all kinds of combinations, etc. However, trying to resolve the problem yourself might cause more harm than good. So, the most intelligent way to resolve any locksmith issue is to ask for the assistance of a professional. Sure Lock and Key is ready to tell you everything we know about master locks and provide you with our services if needed.
What is a master lock
Master locks are one of the most popular combination locks out on the market. They’re used for a variety of purposes. Many people choose these locks to secure their personal belongings or their vehicles. Many safes are equipped with this type of combination lock.
Master padlocks are widely used in public schools for lockers. You probably dealt with them every day while you were in school. They also might be used for lockers in gyms and luggage storage.
Even though this type of lock is really popular, some people don’t really know how to use a master lock. So, all these locks have a shackle, a dial and an indicator. To open the lock, you’ll need to turn the dial and enter the combination. First, turn the dial 3 times until the first number of your code meets the indicator. Then turn it to the left, pass your first number and position the second number with the indicator. Start turning it to the right until your last combination number lines with the indicator. After you enter the combination, you may open the lock by pulling up a shackle.
When it comes to standard 40-digit master locks, they can have up to 64,000 combinations. How wild is that? We can’t even imagine how much time it’ll take to guess it if you, unfortunately, forget the combination.
So, here we want to discuss how to open a master lock without a key and without a combination.
How do you open a master lock without a key
There are different types of master locks, the ones that require a combination and the ones that are operated with a key. If you’re using the second type, there’s always a possibility of losing the key. As a company with years of experience, we can tell you that it is one of the most common locksmith issues. So, how to unlock a master lock without your key? There are a few ways to deal with it.
- First of all, don’t panic and try to look for a spare key if you have one.
- You may try picking the lock. If you have a paper clip, bobby pin, or screwdriver at hand, you may use it to pick the lock. However, we recommend not performing this operation yourself if you haven’t done it before and you’re not confident you can do it accurately.
- You can try to open it with the help of a shim. You can either buy it or make it yourself, from an aluminum can, for example. When you’re using a shim, you’ll need to insert it into the shackle hole, not the keyhole. Start moving it around until it clicks and the lock opens.
- Another option is to break the lock. You may use a drill, hammer, or power saw. Some people use bolt cutters to cut the shackle part. However, we strongly recommend avoiding all these methods as they’re destructive and there’ll be no chance of restoring your lock. You’ll need to purchase a new one.
We understand that not being able to open the lock might be stressful, especially if you are in a rush. However, instead of destroying the lock to resolve it fast, you may use emergency locksmith services. Professional technicians will reach you asap and open your lock in minutes.
Are all Master lock keys the same
As many padlocks are used in public spaces, people tend to think that all the keys used for them are the same. However, it’s not that simple. It depends on the type of system the owners of the locks choose. They might use locks that are unique and require a different key to open each. Sometimes, they choose to use keyed alike locks. This system can be used for different models of padlocks as well as for the lock models that are the same.
What exactly keyed alike system is? It means that you can use one key to open many locks. It’s a good option if your employee, for example, needs to open a few locks, but you don’t want to provide different keys for all of them. However, it decreases your security in a way because it gives broader access.
So, if you decide this system is not suitable for you anymore, you may consider rekeying. The technicians will rearrange the pins inside the lock and make new keys for each of them.
Summing up
Master locks are extremely popular in public spaces like schools, gyms, storage rooms, etc. They’re cost-effective and easy to use. There are two types of master locks, the ones that require a key and combination locks. With both options, there’s a possibility that you wouldn’t be able to open it at some point. You may accidentally lose your key or you may forget the combination. Things like that happen quite often. So, how can you deal with it? Some people try picking or breaking the lock. However, in most cases, it causes even more damage. So, the wisest choice is to ask for the assistance of a professional. Sure Lock & Key is always ready to assist you. We work 24 hours a day, so we’re ready to provide you with any locksmith services at any time.
