Master Lock Algorithm
A while ago I had come across the following cool tip and graphic on how to recover a combination for a Master Lock padlock you’ve forgotten.
The technique is a little algorithm that exploits a mechanical weakness in the lock to narrow down the last digit in the combination. You then use what is basically a lookup table to run through the possible combinations till you open the lock.
So last night, I found myself in need of a padlock and managed to scrounge up an old Master Lock. And of course I had no recollection of the combo. So I pulled up the instructions online and presto… 15 minutes later, I had myself a working padlock.
You gotta love it when a little algorithm like that can so easily solve what seems like an insurmountable problem.
