This video (and series) was the one that brought it home for me: there are *lots* of Master 1500x series lock decoding videos, and so many of them are just dead wrong: they might work accidentally for the one lock they're opening, but aren't reliable and repeatable. I bought 8 locks to learn to decode, and this series is the only one that reliably applied to all 8. A few notes: - For the first number method in this video, the "moving back over the bump; if it disappears, that's your number; if it doesn't; that's a disc 3 gate" was absolutely the critical insight for me - it was the most important thing I learned here. I just couldn't reliably get to where I had only one bump on most of my locks (as most videos lead you to believe will happen). The best strategy is to loosen to where there are only 2 or 3 bumps, and doing the 'roll back over to see if it disappears' technique. Much more reliable, with clearer feedback. - The one exception was one of my 8 locks I just couldn't find the first number 'bump'. Every bump was a gate on disc 3. I finally determined that the first number's bump was coincident with, and hidden behind, a large disc 3 gate bump. Evidently not all locks are constructed where the first number's 'catch' location protrudes further than the third number's gate positions on the 3rd disc. Based on my results for the third number in the combination, I went back and determined that the first number had to be even, and so would the first number (multiple of 4x difference), and therefore the 'bump' location would be at an odd number (i.e. subtracting 5 from an even number). There were 3 candidates, and I just brute forced using all 3. One of them worked. - However, the counter-clockwise 'hard catch and add 14' method I haven't found to reliably work. On most of my locks, I just didn't get the same number as I got with the above method. Strange. [Edit: Ok, this mostly does work. On a few locks it was 1 digit off. But on one of my locks, I got a completely different number; but as it turns out that number actually *works*. On that one strange lock, I've found FIVE different combos that actually work to open the lock. Again, strange.] - I find that it's better to skip right to the third number in the combination, and do that first. As you point out, correctly, that's the most reliable number you're going to be confident in. Once you have the third number, you *know* that the difference between it and first number is going to be divisible by 4. So when doing the 'feeling' for the first number, and get a candidate, adding 5, you have a 'sanity check' data point: If your best candidate for the first number is, indeed, 4x stops away from the third number you got, then you can be pretty confident you've got the right numbers. - So many videos suggest methods for decoding the 2nd number, and I find them all to be unreliable and just wrong over multiple locks. Your series is clear and upfront that you can't decode the 2nd number, and you have to brute force it. Pretty clear you're right. but by that point there are only 10 possibilities you need to check, so it's trivial to get it.
This comment was a critical insight for me. I have the small version lock. My first number bump was being hidden by the third, none would "go away" (even double checking after I got it open). First has to be multiple of 4 from third, so in my case 0, 4, 8, ... This means the first number bump is expected at 35, 39, 3, ... However most bumps I could feel were on even numbers. As above comment, only a few bumps were candidates. Took five minutes to find the combo, and I wasn't lucky (or talented). Watch the video for retrying 2nd number without reentering the first. You too can do this! Good lock to anyone struggling with a forgotten combo :)
Finally!! The first video Ive encountered that talked about the first number not being easy to find!! Your counter clockwise post helped immensely. I have attempted on and off to open this lock for 2 years and finally got it thanks to you!
This series of four parts is the first one that worked for my small (but normally colored chrome / black) Master lock. Getting the first number on these smaller locks is tricky and this series is the only one I found so far that covered it.
am i dumb? I'm trying this, and also have watched other videos from several other guys telling how to do this, but I simply just can't get it. Nothing I've tried works.
I don't know what mine is. It is actually open. I had tape on the back with the number and it disappeared. How do I with it open.... reset with a new number?
I've found several of these locks in the trash. Maybe people forget the combinations or they just don't want them any more. In any case, I've tried these methods on all of them and so far I haven't ever been able to open any of them. I have one of the smaller ones here that I DO know the combination to. When I pull up slightly on the shackle, it doesn't catch at all. When I pull up harder, it catches solid at a bunch of different numbers. One of them happens to be exactly 5 less than the first number, but it also catches at about 5-6 other spots. As much as I try, I can't tell any difference between the right catch spot and the wrong ones.
I have a locker combination lock. It uses a deadbolt instead of a shackle. Can I load up the deadbolt somehow and use the same techniques to get the combo? I think it is model #4719.
For the second turn when I turn back (counter clock wise as if unlocking and not decoding, I feel it one number over the actual number which is the last number). Is this standard or is it pure luck that it ended up working there?
Particularmente hice una base de datos en Excel con diferentes videos y codigos de apertura de candados. Pude comprobar que los metodos para abrir los candados son generalmente correctos en un 70% de los casos.
My clasp engages the first rotor before the clasp catches on the third rotor. There's no way for this method to work. I've tested this by seeing how far out the shackle must be for it to catch when I have it open. I can't open it that far when it's locked. Is there another way of determining the first number?
Thanks for posting. Is it possible you do a video one the smaller purple style lock where the shackle is marked with a black line in its normal position. Than a second line showing how far you’ve pulled up on the shackle to get an idea how much tension is needed to feel the bumps. I’m been trying to unlock a purple combination lock for a few days with no luck. Thanks!!
Master Lock has three generation of similar locks. If you have a Master Lock with a colored body like purple then getting the first number is by trial and error. The first two generations of Master Lock have silver bodies and the first number can be found. Watch the video of the guy actually opening a Master Lock with a colored body, purple.
Does this application also work with the Master padlock 2050XD with the bottom dial design? Lost my combo years ago and would like to try to get it back!
I don't think this always works. For instance.. my lock only catches at 16 which would make the first number 21. But the actual first number is 12.. are there any other methods?
Presumably the "catch" at 7/8 when going CW goes away when you go past it and then comes back when you spin around again? If so ignore the CCW catching. Have you determined the last number yet? If the last number is even then the first number is 8. If it's odd the first number is 7.
I have watched a lot of videos to get my combo. Taking their tries and numbers, it still wasn’t working. I knew my 1st number with their help but wasn’t sure on 2nd and 3rd. Your video finally got my correct 2nd number and opened my lock!!!
The lock I got from my daughter's school, for her locker, has the same first and third number. But those are American locks. Probably made by master too, though, right? LOL
The multiple of 4 x difference between the first and last number didn't work on my Master Lock when I initially found the combo using Swynndla's method at ruclips.net/video/hVYRIp9YOlo/видео.html. The difference between the first and last numbers was 37, not a multiple of 4. Then I changed the first number so that the difference 36, a multiple of 4 and it worked also.
A few years back Master modified the shape of the latch to be “shin proof”. You can still shim them but now it’s quite hard. The small ones still shim easily though.
I watched every other video that was shorter than these and I just couldn't get the second number. None of them ever said to add 14 on the second number. That's probably the easiest direction so far. After than just keep pulling on every number to get number 3. 17, 18, 32 This lock is from middle school 36 years ago.
So are you gong to credit Samy Kamkar? He was the one that found this out ruclips.net/video/YcpSvHpbHQ4/видео.html years ago, now you are literally explaining it the same exact way as though you found this venerability yourself. Do not be a hack.
This video (and series) was the one that brought it home for me: there are *lots* of Master 1500x series lock decoding videos, and so many of them are just dead wrong: they might work accidentally for the one lock they're opening, but aren't reliable and repeatable. I bought 8 locks to learn to decode, and this series is the only one that reliably applied to all 8. A few notes:
- For the first number method in this video, the "moving back over the bump; if it disappears, that's your number; if it doesn't; that's a disc 3 gate" was absolutely the critical insight for me - it was the most important thing I learned here. I just couldn't reliably get to where I had only one bump on most of my locks (as most videos lead you to believe will happen). The best strategy is to loosen to where there are only 2 or 3 bumps, and doing the 'roll back over to see if it disappears' technique. Much more reliable, with clearer feedback.
- The one exception was one of my 8 locks I just couldn't find the first number 'bump'. Every bump was a gate on disc 3. I finally determined that the first number's bump was coincident with, and hidden behind, a large disc 3 gate bump. Evidently not all locks are constructed where the first number's 'catch' location protrudes further than the third number's gate positions on the 3rd disc. Based on my results for the third number in the combination, I went back and determined that the first number had to be even, and so would the first number (multiple of 4x difference), and therefore the 'bump' location would be at an odd number (i.e. subtracting 5 from an even number). There were 3 candidates, and I just brute forced using all 3. One of them worked.
- However, the counter-clockwise 'hard catch and add 14' method I haven't found to reliably work. On most of my locks, I just didn't get the same number as I got with the above method. Strange. [Edit: Ok, this mostly does work. On a few locks it was 1 digit off. But on one of my locks, I got a completely different number; but as it turns out that number actually *works*. On that one strange lock, I've found FIVE different combos that actually work to open the lock. Again, strange.]
- I find that it's better to skip right to the third number in the combination, and do that first. As you point out, correctly, that's the most reliable number you're going to be confident in. Once you have the third number, you *know* that the difference between it and first number is going to be divisible by 4. So when doing the 'feeling' for the first number, and get a candidate, adding 5, you have a 'sanity check' data point: If your best candidate for the first number is, indeed, 4x stops away from the third number you got, then you can be pretty confident you've got the right numbers.
- So many videos suggest methods for decoding the 2nd number, and I find them all to be unreliable and just wrong over multiple locks. Your series is clear and upfront that you can't decode the 2nd number, and you have to brute force it. Pretty clear you're right. but by that point there are only 10 possibilities you need to check, so it's trivial to get it.
This comment was a critical insight for me. I have the small version lock.
My first number bump was being hidden by the third, none would "go away" (even double checking after I got it open). First has to be multiple of 4 from third, so in my case 0, 4, 8, ... This means the first number bump is expected at 35, 39, 3, ... However most bumps I could feel were on even numbers. As above comment, only a few bumps were candidates. Took five minutes to find the combo, and I wasn't lucky (or talented). Watch the video for retrying 2nd number without reentering the first. You too can do this! Good lock to anyone struggling with a forgotten combo :)
TL;DR
This is only video series helped me to open my lock, thank you so much.
OMG! I did it! I haven't been able to use this lock for years! I can't believe I did it! Thank you so much!
Finally!! The first video Ive encountered that talked about the first number not being easy to find!! Your counter clockwise post helped immensely. I have attempted on and off to open this lock for 2 years and finally got it thanks to you!
I did it! Other videos = no help. Your 4 videos = I cracked the code!!!!! Thanks so much!!
Commenting on each video 1) to say thanks and 2) because you're literally the only who didn't overcomplicate this while sufficiently explaining.
This series of four parts is the first one that worked for my small (but normally colored chrome / black) Master lock. Getting the first number on these smaller locks is tricky and this series is the only one I found so far that covered it.
Excellent information-no other video explained the alternate methods to use to find the first number if there are multiple catch points. Thanks!
am i dumb? I'm trying this, and also have watched other videos from several other guys telling how to do this, but I simply just can't get it. Nothing I've tried works.
Holly sh*t! It worked hahaha.
Saw several videos. Yours made most sense to me. Saved me some money. Thanks!
Success, between my memory and the thorough explanation with extra hints herein I was able to open an stubborn lock. Thanks.
I don't know what mine is. It is actually open. I had tape on the back with the number and it disappeared. How do I with it open.... reset with a new number?
Worked like a champ! Thank you Sir!
that is exactly what I have been encountering. I got many blocks many clicks not just one spot and I don't know which one is which.
Después de analizar tis videos, lo logré, muchísimas gracias.
0:25 at *ONLY* 1 spot on the dial.
I've found several of these locks in the trash. Maybe people forget the combinations or they just don't want them any more. In any case, I've tried these methods on all of them and so far I haven't ever been able to open any of them.
I have one of the smaller ones here that I DO know the combination to. When I pull up slightly on the shackle, it doesn't catch at all. When I pull up harder, it catches solid at a bunch of different numbers. One of them happens to be exactly 5 less than the first number, but it also catches at about 5-6 other spots. As much as I try, I can't tell any difference between the right catch spot and the wrong ones.
I have a locker combination lock. It uses a deadbolt instead of a shackle. Can I load up the deadbolt somehow and use the same techniques to get the combo? I think it is model #4719.
For the second turn when I turn back (counter clock wise as if unlocking and not decoding, I feel it one number over the actual number which is the last number). Is this standard or is it pure luck that it ended up working there?
Particularmente hice una base de datos en Excel con diferentes videos y codigos de apertura de candados. Pude comprobar que los metodos para abrir los candados son generalmente correctos en un 70% de los casos.
My clasp engages the first rotor before the clasp catches on the third rotor. There's no way for this method to work. I've tested this by seeing how far out the shackle must be for it to catch when I have it open. I can't open it that far when it's locked. Is there another way of determining the first number?
Worked for me, and just as I was about to give up. Be patient, it works
hi, thanks so much for this. I have a few questions...can we discuss?
It's hard to have a discussion in youtube comments. What do you have in mind?
Have you ever had one you couldn't get??? Im having a hard time, goin nuts. Cant find the first number
if I haven't number what can I do
Does this work with Dudley's lock too?
Why does neither the Part 1, Part 2, nor Part 3 show how to find the second of the three combination numbers?
Thanks for posting.
Is it possible you do a video one the smaller purple style lock where the shackle is marked with a black line in its normal position. Than a second line showing how far you’ve pulled up on the shackle to get an idea how much tension is needed to feel the bumps.
I’m been trying to unlock a purple combination lock for a few days with no luck.
Thanks!!
Master Lock has three generation of similar locks. If you have a Master Lock with a colored body like purple then getting the first number is by trial and error. The first two generations of Master Lock have silver bodies and the first number can be found. Watch the video of the guy actually opening a Master Lock with a colored body, purple.
I'm feeling the catch at the same place no matter what rotation
Does this application also work with the Master padlock 2050XD with the bottom dial design? Lost my combo years ago and would like to try to get it back!
I've never seen one of those before. It's probably a completely different mechanism. I'll buy one and see if I can decode it.
Amazon says they're unavailable but based on the description it's definitely a different mechanism so the same decoding procedure isn't going to work.
Great Job! Thanks (:
I don't think this always works. For instance.. my lock only catches at 16 which would make the first number 21. But the actual first number is 12.. are there any other methods?
it doesnt work on every type of master dial. There are older models that don't have the same flaw. any chance your lock is older than 2010?
@@Roymunson_ I have an old old lock and can’t for the life of me genuinely find the first number (I know the combo). Third is cake, super loose gate.
so I got a big lock that is catching at CW 8 through 7 (so what 7.5?) but CCW at 3.5&7; WTH?
Presumably the "catch" at 7/8 when going CW goes away when you go past it and then comes back when you spin around again? If so ignore the CCW catching. Have you determined the last number yet? If the last number is even then the first number is 8. If it's odd the first number is 7.
Worked for me
Lol. I've been trying to remember this combo for a couple hours. I was close but no cigar. The plus 13 method helped.
I have watched a lot of videos to get my combo. Taking their tries and numbers, it still wasn’t working. I knew my 1st number with their help but wasn’t sure on 2nd and 3rd. Your video finally got my correct 2nd number and opened my lock!!!
The lock I got from my daughter's school, for her locker, has the same first and third number. But those are American locks. Probably made by master too, though, right? LOL
The multiple of 4 x difference between the first and last number didn't work on my Master Lock when I initially found the combo using Swynndla's method at ruclips.net/video/hVYRIp9YOlo/видео.html. The difference between the first and last numbers was 37, not a multiple of 4. Then I changed the first number so that the difference 36, a multiple of 4 and it worked also.
What if it's a master letter lock?
. . . . . ..all that and you didnt show how to get the other numbers 😭😦😢
Quicker to just shim open the lock and look for the combination through the hole.
A few years back Master modified the shape of the latch to be “shin proof”. You can still shim them but now it’s quite hard. The small ones still shim easily though.
@@bmenrigh Didn't know that. Thanks for the information.
I watched every other video that was shorter than these and I just couldn't get the second number. None of them ever said to add 14 on the second number. That's probably the easiest direction so far. After than just keep pulling on every number to get number 3.
17, 18, 32
This lock is from middle school 36 years ago.
I assume the 2nd number is when you feel the definite catch going counterclockwise
Did you find a piece of paper in my jacket pocket with numbers on it ? With the letters LRLRLRLR? Yeah thats the one! I never saw it.
Gets a little to confusing!
Hi
So are you gong to credit Samy Kamkar? He was the one that found this out ruclips.net/video/YcpSvHpbHQ4/видео.html years ago, now you are literally explaining it the same exact way as though you found this venerability yourself. Do not be a hack.
Eff all that. I’ll buy a new lock. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
I just threw away the Lock ..
First
Luis Gamboa no me first
Carter Swinney lmao
Just joke😂
Too complicated to follow
Bud, I could not finish watching your video, way to much jumping around, stick to one lock and finish it !!!!!
Your dialogue is horrible and confusing, no have not stated a comprehensive consistent or concise method. Too much talking with no direction
You talk confusing