Combo Padlock Lookup

[J.B. Wood]

Hello, all. I often see large groups of used combo padlocks being
auctioned on flea bay without the owner's knowledge of the combinations.
A lot of these are often old Master, American/Junkunc, Dudley and
other brands from past decades. Some appear to be leftovers from
schools' and other institutions' locker facilities.

Even new these locks probably retailed for not much more than $5 each.
If an individual shows up with such a lock(s) at a locksmith's shop what
is the customary charge to lookup/obtain the correct combination
(assuming such data is available)? Thanks for your time and comment.
Sincerely,
--
J. B. Wood e-mail: arl_1...@hotmail.com

[Jay Hennigan]

If you ask politely here, some people will provide it for free by email.
Far fewer than before the September That Never Ended, but there may be
a few lurking about. I would estimate a dollar or two for most lock
shops. Showing up with the lock is probably a good idea if possible, at
least that way there isn't any question that it's yours.

The older ones are very easily manipulated, another possibility. Newer
ones also can be manipulated but not quite as easily.

Unless you have a use for several of them them and you're buying a large
lot, or they have collector value, buying used common Master combination
padlocks on EBay seems somewhat counterproductive. A new one is, as you
say, about $5. Postage on a single padlock would likely be about $2 at
a minimum.

[Tao]

How do I post to the member area I joined?

[Jay Hennigan]

On 1/21/12 5:02 PM, Tao wrote:

> How do I post to the member area I joined?

You just did.

[Tao]

I'm sorry but I jumped someone else's thread.

I want to post a long explanation in a new threat and attach photos.

I attempted to do so by going to + new post but it would not allow a
post.

[fred]

In article
<dce3fd9c-7cce-416b...@g41g2000yqa.googlegroups.com>, Tao
<tztao...@gmail.com> writes

I don't use google groups for posting but in general you are not
permitted to post pictures to groups that do not have 'binaries' in the
group name and this may be why you have been refused. The normal way
round this is to post a link to a picture on a site such as
http://www/tinypic.com .

If GG has permitted you to reply to an existing thread, it looks like
you already have posting privileges so perhaps try to post a test text
message. While groups such as alt.test are intended for test posts, I
doubt the regulars here would object to a single test here if it helps
you get going.
--
fred
it's a ba-na-na . . . .

[J.B. Wood]

On 01/21/2012 02:00 AM, Jay Hennigan wrote:

> If you ask politely here, some people will provide it for free by email.
> Far fewer than before the September That Never Ended, but there may be
> a few lurking about. I would estimate a dollar or two for most lock
> shops. Showing up with the lock is probably a good idea if possible, at
> least that way there isn't any question that it's yours.
>
> The older ones are very easily manipulated, another possibility. Newer
> ones also can be manipulated but not quite as easily.
>
> Unless you have a use for several of them them and you're buying a large
> lot, or they have collector value, buying used common Master combination
> padlocks on EBay seems somewhat counterproductive. A new one is, as you
> say, about $5. Postage on a single padlock would likely be about $2 at
> a minimum.

Thank you for replying to my OP (you're the only one who did). I
wouldn't think of requesting a combination lookup without the lock(s) in
my possession and showing it to the locksmith. Sincerely,

[Tao]

On Jan 22, 6:59 am, fred <n...@for.mail> wrote:
> In article
> <dce3fd9c-7cce-416b-9204-147eaaabf...@g41g2000yqa.googlegroups.com>, Tao
> <tztaoba...@gmail.com> writes

I added NoScripts about a week ago and it was stopping the script fro
GG in the post section.
Once I figured out which script I needed to allow posting was no
problem.
My post is up and I really hope someone will help. Please take a look
and help if you can.

[Jay Hennigan]

On 1/23/12 3:49 AM, J.B. Wood wrote:

> Thank you for replying to my OP (you're the only one who did). I
> wouldn't think of requesting a combination lookup without the lock(s) in
> my possession and showing it to the locksmith. Sincerely,

That's kind of difficult if it's locked on the shed in your backyard.

I doubt if most locksmiths will require you to present the lock. None
that I'm aware of refuse to cut keys by code from just the number
without the lock being present. Combinations aren't likely to be any
different.

It probably varies by the locksmith and the appearance and attitude of
the person requesting the combination.

[J.B. Wood]

On 01/23/2012 03:00 PM, Jay Hennigan wrote:
> I doubt if most locksmiths will require you to present the lock. None
> that I'm aware of refuse to cut keys by code from just the number
> without the lock being present. Combinations aren't likely to be any
> different.
>
> It probably varies by the locksmith and the appearance and attitude of
> the person requesting the combination.

I the case of the shed scenario the bolt cutter solution would be in
order ;-). Granted, although the type of locks referenced in my OP can
easily be cut off (I'm not considering the S&G padlocks used by the U.S.
DoD), it's hard for me to imagine a reputable locksmith providing a
combination or keys to a first-time customer who only supplies the mfr
and SN and no further proof of ownership. Sincerely,