Lock-cracking robot to unlock your master lock

Are you afraid that you might forget the combination of your turn-dial lock? Don’t worry, here’s an easy way to open your master lock. A team of students - Jessica Noglows, Aiswarya Kolisetty, Jessica Bethune and Robert Sobecki - at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, invented a device known as the ‘LockCracker’. This device can find the number combination of your specific lock. This lock cracking robot helps you crack your lock combination code in the normal way, instead of damaging the costlier lock system entirely.

lock cracking robot

Even if you know any part of the combination or none at all, this lock cracking robot will help you unlock the system in just under two hours. This robot will be a great investment for schools and universities which supply turn-dial master locks to students for their lockers. This lock cracker can also work as a companion in crime. However, if you do so, remember, it’s at your own risk!

The Mechanism:

The 'LockCracker' consists of a clamp, which is capable of holding the lock in place. It uses a thumb-screw and a puller. It also consists of a solenoid-controlled grabber which is used to yank the loop of the lock to try to open it, as it tries every combination of numbers. A stepper motor, an important part of this robot lock opener, is used for turning the knob and dials in the different combinations.

After fixing the lock in the clamp, the next step is to start the software, dubbed as “LockCracker” which helps in finding the codes. It is software written in Python, and it tests all possible combinations to find the codes. Enter the numbers you remember, or let the cracker work blind. Start the process and enjoy the Entertainment Galore (click on), as you wait out the code cracking process. When it is complete, the lock cracker will tell you the number code, so that you can remember it and next time open the lock yourself.

The only negative about this lock cracker is that it has long wiring, which can cause a short circuit if not handled carefully.

Via: TheProject/Wired