Lockdown!

November 8, 2006 6:01 PM

PadLockFilter: My tech teachers in school both have these really soft-edged "mickey mouse" keys (they have two holes in the head of the key, like mickey's ears) that open pretty much any key padlock (all Masters, and some other generics).

Are these availiable to the general public? Because if you are only locking things casually it seems really handy to have a key that opens all the padlocks you have...

Also, they have some keys that open combo locks (the little keyhole on the back)
I'd love to get one of these to open a combo lock when I lose the combo...
I query the hive mind!

posted by weaponsgradecarp to grab bag (12 comments total)

Do they open all locks or just a whole bunch purchased by your school? A lot of institutions purchase a set of locks that can be opened by individual keys, or a subset of keys, and then a few master keys.

So a person can be issued one key for one lock, or one key for a series of lock he's allowed access to. That key won't open another subset of locks but the masters will open them all.

Same as the combo locks. The combination acts as the individual key, and then the master keys open them all, my high school used this technique for locker locks.
posted by Science! at 6:08 PM on November 8, 2006

The one for padlocks, anyway, is a really really soft-edged key very rounded off, no "peaks", that opens even padlocks I brought in to challenge it...
posted by weaponsgradecarp at 6:10 PM on November 8, 2006

They're called "padlock shims"

You can make one yourself out of a beer can.
posted by amuseDetachment at 6:12 PM on November 8, 2006 [1 favorite]

Oh, and check out Locksport

Don't break into locks you shouldn't, and always always always check for security cameras. Oh plus get in good with the security department, they can open locks for you when you actually forget a key. Sometimes as a guard is unlocking a door he mentions the security camera you didn't see and then you and your buddy freak out a little because you would have been caught the next week, even though you checked and checked for any cameras.

Damn, that weekend woulda been awesome...
posted by Science! at 6:16 PM on November 8, 2006

I don't think these are padlock shims he's talking about.

Mr. Carp, should you get a chance, get one of these keys and lay it on a flatbed scanner. Scan it at a known resolution- let's say, 600DPI. From this scan anyone should be able to make a copy of the key with a file and some patience. I know the Internet would love you for it.
posted by fake at 6:49 PM on November 8, 2006

If you aren't fussy enough to make your shims, you can buy them, along with basically any lockpicking tools you'd need, at Southern Ordinance
posted by craven_morhead at 7:25 PM on November 8, 2006

Google for "bump keys."

Sounds like what they have, though, is just a master key. Master makes locks that they sell to schools, which come with a master key for the whole series. They don't open every Master lock ever, just the ones the school buys. Helps the janitors save your ass when you forget your combo or lose your key or whatever. 'Course a pair of bolt cutters is about as useful in that case.
posted by autojack at 7:47 PM on November 8, 2006

I just locked my keys in my car a few days ago, and the guy who opened the door for me told me that there are certain unlocking tools that you need a license for. Becoming a certified locksmith will also bring in a pretty good income, he indicated. This happened in Washington state, and I'm sure laws vary by jurisdiction.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 8:04 PM on November 8, 2006

Unlocking your car's a whole separate deal; the tool 'the guy' used was a slim jim.

What do you mean by 'soft-edged' -- it's not metal? And the master combination locks I know have no 'little keyholes' in the back...
posted by Rash at 9:25 AM on November 9, 2006

Crouton, I did some research on the subject of lockpicking tools when I was into UE. In Minnesota at least, it's illegal to possess theif's tools (including lockpicks) outside your home without a liscence. Something to keep in mind.
posted by craven_morhead at 9:34 AM on November 9, 2006

Rash writes "And the master combination locks I know have no 'little keyholes' in the back..."

The school versions do.

craven_morhead writes "In Minnesota at least, it's illegal to possess theif's tools (including lockpicks) outside your home without a liscence."

Note that intent counts. A crowbar, brick, hammer or battery operated saw can all be considered thieves tools if your either a thief or are caught breaking into something (even if your not using the tool but merely have it in your possesion).
posted by Mitheral at 1:17 PM on November 9, 2006

By soft edged I mean that its very smooth and rounded, rather than the jaggedness of other keys, and it literally opens 95% of all padlocks, most notably every master in the entire school, ranging from about 20 years ago to last year in age.
posted by weaponsgradecarp at 2:08 PM on November 9, 2006