How to use a Combination Lock Bypass Tool

A combination lock bypass tool is a slim, tool that lets you open certain types of padlock style combination locks without knowing the combination.

What This Type of Bypass Tool Does

This style of combination lock bypass tool slips into the space beside the number wheels of a padlock. Inside these simple locks is a thin pressure plate that lifts only when the correct numbers line up. When that plate lifts, the locking bar can move, and the shackle pops open.

The bypass tool presses that plate directly.
You are not guessing the combination.
You are not decoding the wheels.
You are lifting the plate yourself.

This only works on older or simpler lock designs that were built without internal shields.

→ All Items with Combination Lock Bypass Tools

How These Locks Work

Most small three digit and four digit combination locks use this system:

A row of rotating wheels
A single flat pressure plate
A locking bar connected to the shackle
A spring pushing everything back into place
Open gaps beside the wheels

When the correct numbers line up, each wheel exposes a notch. The pressure plate rises into those notches. When the plate rises, the locking bar can move, and the lock opens.

If the wheels are not lined up, the plate cannot lift.

A bypass tool reaches beside the wheels and lifts the plate manually.

hwo to use a combination lock bypass tool

Step by Step Guide

Step 1. Apply light tension

Pull up on the shackle gently. This puts tension on the locking bar and makes the pressure plate easier to feel when your tool touches it.

Too much tension and the parts bind.
Too little and you lose feedback.
A light pull is perfect.

Step 2. Insert the bypass tool beside the wheels

Slide the tool down between the metal lock body and the number wheels. You are trying to slide the tool behind the wheels, not into them.

You will feel the tool slide past the wheel edges.
Keep it flat and steady.

Step 3. Find the pressure plate

As the tool slides deeper, you will feel:

A small open space
A soft stop
Then a thin flat piece of metal

That thin piece is the pressure plate.

When the tool touches it, you will feel a slight flex, as if you pushed against a tiny spring.

Step 4. Lift the plate

Use upward or inward motion to raise the plate.
This mimics what happens when the correct numbers line up and the plate rises into the wheel notches.

If done correctly, the locking bar will move.
When it moves, the shackle pops open.

Sometimes the plate needs a very small lift.
If you push too far, it will bind.
Slow, steady pressure works best.

Step 5. Open the lock

The moment the plate rises far enough, the shackle will release.
Let go of tension and remove your tool.

Padlocks This Pressure Plate Bypass Works On:

how to use a combination lock bypass tool

Older three wheel or four wheel combination padlocks

These are the classic cheap travel style or toolbox style combo locks.
You usually see them with:

Three or four turning number wheels
A small thin metal body
Wider spaces between the wheels
No visible shielding around the wheels

These older locks leave a small gap to the side of the wheels where a bypass blade can slip in and touch the pressure plate.

These locks are extremely common on:

Old lockers
Old gym bags
Cheap metal cash boxes
Low cost travel luggage
Tackle boxes
Lockers in older schools
Little lock boxes and diaries
Old style gym lockers (not dial types)
File cabinet combo locks

If the wheels spin freely and you can see daylight through the side of the wheel pack, that is a strong sign it is bypassable.

Cheap luggage and suitcase combination locks

These are usually:

Thin
Lightweight
Three wheel
No anti bypass plates
Often made from zinc or pot metal

Most of these are built with the classic pressure plate design.
They are some of the easiest locks to bypass with this method.

Many toolbox and cash box combo locks

If you’ve seen metal cash boxes with pop open lids and three wheel dials, those often use the simple pressure plate system that is vulnerable to this tool.

Older versions are especially easy to bypass.

Older Master Lock combo padlocks with wheel packs

Master Lock used to sell several three wheel padlocks (not the dial types) that were built without internal shields.
These are fully vulnerable to plate bypass.

Newer ones are not.

Padlocks This Tool Will NOT Work On:

Padlocks with anti bypass plates

Most modern combo locks include internal shield plates that block access beside the wheels.

If you see extremely tight spacing between the wheels and the body, assume it is shielded.

Dial style gym locks

The ones with the big rotating dial.
Completely different mechanism.
This tool is useless on them.

Heavy duty combination padlocks

Bigger outdoor rated models have:

Shielded wheel packs
Better internal design
No side access path

These are not bypassable with a plate blade.

TSA combination locks with built in keyways

Modern TSA locks often have internal blocking plates.
Many are fully resistant to this method.

Locks with very narrow wheel spacing

If you cannot slip even the thinnest feeler gauge beside the wheels, the tool cannot reach the plate.

The Quick Visual Test

Here is the simple rule of thumb:

If you can see space beside the wheels and you can slip a thin strip of metal between the wheel pack and the lock body, it is bypassable.

If not, the lock is either:

Newer
Shielded
Reinforced
Or designed specifically to defeat this method

Good Materials for a Pressure Plate Bypass Tool

any improvised tool must be:

Thin enough to slip beside the wheels
Smooth enough not to snag
Strong enough to lift the plate
Long enough to reach the plate

Here are the best improvised options, ranked from most reliable to “only in a pinch.”

Strong Improvised Options

1. Feeler gauge strip

If you have an old feeler gauge set (like for spark plugs), you can cut or snap off a thin strip.

Why it works:
Feeler gauges are already the perfect thickness, springy, and very strong.

How to shape it:

Trim the end to a narrow tip
Round the corners
Slide beside the wheels like a normal bypass tool

This is one of the best improvised options.

2. Wiper blade insert

The thin metal spine inside a windshield wiper blade is nearly perfect.

Why it works:

Thin
Flexible
Smooth
Strong enough to lift the plate

How to use:
Cut a 3 to 4 inch section, file or sand the tip smooth, and narrow the front if needed.

3. Metal from a tape measure

Old tape measure metal is surprisingly good.

Why it works:

Thin spring steel
Already slightly curved for control
Very strong

How to shape it:
Snip a narrow strip, file the tip smooth, and flatten it so it slides beside the wheels.

4. Thin putty knife or scraper metal

If you can cut the metal, the steel from a putty knife is strong and smooth.

Why it works:
It has the exact firmness needed to lift the internal plate without bending.

How to use:
Cut a thin strip and round the corners.

Good improvised options for easier locks

5. Soda can metal folded several times

Aluminum alone is too flimsy, but folded aluminum becomes stiff enough for some cheap luggage locks.

Fold it at least three layers thick for strength.

Use this only on soft, cheap locks with large wheel gaps.

6. Metal food can lid strip

The thin metal lid from canned food is stronger than soda cans.

How to use:

Cut a long, narrow strip
Smooth edges
Slide beside wheels

Stronger than aluminum but weaker than feeler gauge steel.

7. The metal strip inside a binder clip

Take apart a large binder clip.
The two flat silver pieces are thin, smooth, and springy.

These actually make surprisingly good bypass tools for simple locks.

Practice Tips

Practice on a cheap travel lock so you can feel the plate movement
Try different angles when locating the plate
Keep tension on the shackle light
Slide the tool slowly beside the wheels to avoid getting stuck
If the wheels turn too easily when probing, shift angle slightly

The pressure plate has a unique feel. Once you feel it, you will recognize it every time.

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FAQ

Q: What makes this different from other bypass tools
A: This one works beside the number wheels and lifts the pressure plate. Other bypass tools reach the locking bar through the shackle path. They are two totally different bypass styles.

Q: Does this work if the wheels are in the wrong combination
A: Yes. That is the entire reason the tool exists. You lift the pressure plate yourself instead of lining up the wheels.

Q: How do I know I am touching the pressure plate
A: It feels thin and springy. When you press it, it flexes slightly. If you are scraping rough metal or turning wheels, you are not on the plate.

Q: Why does the lock not open when I lift the plate
A: You may be lifting too far or too hard. Pressure plates often need a gentle, controlled lift. Too much pressure causes binding.

Q: Does this break the lock
A: No. You are moving the plate exactly the same way the wheels do. You are not forcing anything.

Q: What locks are easiest to learn on
A: Cheap luggage locks and simple three wheel locks. They have wide wheel gaps and soft springs.

Q: Why does my bypass tool get stuck between the wheels
A: You are inserting at the wrong angle or hitting the wheel ridges. Keep the tool flat and parallel to the wheel faces.

Q: Can I keep this tool in my wallet or Altoids tin kit
A: Yes. This style of bypass tool is thin and made for everyday carry.

Q: Why does this not work on newer locks
A: Newer locks have anti bypass plates that block the path beside the wheels. If the tool cannot slide behind the wheels, the plate cannot be reached.

Q: Is this the same as decoding the combination
A: No. Decoding uses feel and feedback from the wheels. Bypassing ignores the numbers completely.

Disclaimer

This guide is for lawful use only. Always follow local laws and only use these skills on your own locks.