Padlock Shim Picks

GL1007

The 20-piece padlock shim pick assortment is a fantastic alternative

to picking and, in many situations, it is the only way to open some
padlocks in seconds. Popular with locksmiths and extremely easy to
use, this 20-piece set is a must when padlocks are involved.

For Use with Keyed Locks:
• American 300 and 300K
• Gougler (all models)
• Master (all models)
• Slaymaker
For Use with Combination Locks:
• Chicago 6840 • Corbin P65 and P75
• Eagle (some models) • Fraim (all models)
• Ilco 125 • Lockwood
• Sargent 752HS and 753HS • Slaymaker 78
• Master 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, • Taylor 781
22, 66, 77, 500, 1500 • Yale 774, 797, 798, 840

Operation: Keylocks Shim

Steps
1. Insert the correct size shim into the gap between the shackle and
body of
the padlock.
1A. There must be a large enough gap between the shackle and the
Latch
lock body. Some padlocks are manufactured to more stringent
tolerances which may not permit the shim to be inserted into the
lock.
1B. Do not insert the tool directly above the latch. This will result in
damage of the shim material. It is very important that the tool
begins on the side of the shackle, and is slowly turned toward
the latch (with the handles toward the exterior of the lock).
1C. Insert the shim into the gap between the shackle and body of
the padlock. Start with the shackle on the side closest to the top
of the keyway.
1D. The shim picks function best when the top of the lock body is flat,
rather than round. Although the shim picks are most successful
on the “laminated” type of padlocks, many locks with forged or
die cast bodies can be easily opened.
1E. If the shackle diameter does not match any of the sizes in the
shim pick assortment, find the shim which is closest in size and
form it around the shackle. If bent slowly, the material used to
manufacture these tools can be reshaped without fracturing.
1F. For small sized padlocks with a shorter inside shackle height,
the shim must be shortened to function properly. This can be
accomplished by cutting the shim with either scissors or a wire
cutter. For optimum perfomance, try to duplicate the original
contour of the pick.
...continued on next page

800.654.0637 • Fax 859.885.1731 salesinfo@lockmasters.com • www.lockmasters.com

2101 John C. Watts Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356
GL1007INSTPDF Copyright © 2011 Lockmasters Inc. 10/11
Padlock Shim Picks
GL1007

continued from previous page...

1G.In order to make the shim picks most effective, a very thin material has been used.
Because of this fact, they are perishable items, often showing wear after only a few
openings. However, lubricating the shims with a silicone based lubricant can greatly
enhance the life of the picks.
1H.If the lock is “frozen” (due to rust or corrosion), the situation must be corrected before
attempting to use the shim pick, thus reducing the liklihood of damage to the tool.

2. The tip of the pick should enter the lock on either side of the
shackle, and be depressed fully before rotating inward to retract
the latch. If the lock utilizes two latches, an additional shim must be
used on the other end of the shackle while the first one is in place.

Latch

3. During the rotating procedure, the contoured tip of the shim gradu-
ally retracts the latch and allows the lock to open.

Latch

Operation: Combination Locks

Steps
1. Insert the shim next to the shackle, entering the lock in the 11 o’clock position. Make sure the
blade of the pick is formed to the exact size of the shackle.
2. Lower the shim about one half of the way down. This procedure becomes easier by raising and
lowering the shackle as you work the shim downward.

Note: This operation should only take a few seconds longer than opening a standard type padlock.

800.654.0637 • Fax 859.885.1731 salesinfo@lockmasters.com • www.lockmasters.com

2101 John C. Watts Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356
GL1007INSTPDF Copyright © 2011 Lockmasters Inc. 10/11