Combination Lock Manipulation Techniques

Cracking

• Commonly featured in movies, the act of "cracking" a combination safe or lock involves slowly turning the lock and either listening or feeling for changes in the layout of the tumblers inside. Different noises and sensations tell the locksmith about which numbers open tumblers and which do nothing, allowing him to figure out the combination. If a lock is opened via this method, there will be no visible damage to the lock.

User Weakness

• The weakest part of a combination lock is the owner. Many people write down important combinations and passcodes and fail to keep this information secured, giving easy access to the code that will open a lock. Additionally, all combination locks and combination safes come with a default combination from the manufacturer. If a lock owner fails to update the code, all you need to do is run through the default combinations.

Structural Compromise

• Safes and locks are very secure, but sometimes must be broken. The death of a relative, loss of the combination or code key and other random events can force owners to seek the help of a locksmith or safecracker. Every safe manufacturer publishes a list of "drill points," or weak spots, in the safe. Locksmiths use this information to break safes. In the case of a combination lock, the lock is usually stronger than the material the lock protects. For instance, it is easier to break the wood surrounding a lock on a shed than it is to break the lock.