Read The Disclaimer

Disabling Local Padlocks With Lockshims

Suggested TTPs (We do not create Army Doctrine)

Roughly 80% of the padlocks in Afghanistan (and many in Iraq, and most of the third world) can be quickly disabled and opened in under 20 seconds using padlock shims. Using this asset will reduce (but not remove) the need to carry bolt cutters, reduce the number of doors kicked down, and reduce tensions with locals. It helps us to win hearts and minds by not breaking innocent locals' doors and trunks. It also makes your job a lot easier.

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Tools

Tool

Gerber / Leatherman

Brain

Supplies

Part	Source	Part Number	Cost
Padlock Shims	www.southord.com	Size 4 (the smallest) ONLY	~20 for $30
Practice Padlocks	From an "in-country supplier"	Show them the picture of the two sizes	~$1 each

Ordering Information

We have had excellent service and support from Southern Ordnance, who will custom package the shim size we need for the Afghanistan AO. When you contact them, ask for their "4" size, or smallest of the shims that they have (they normally ship 4 different sizes, and we only need the smallest size for Afghanistan). Tell them you're going to use them in Afghanistan, and they will know what you want. If you have any problems, ask for Megan or Larry. PN SPS-20, specify just the size 4 (smallest).

Southern Ordnance
800-854-1930
sales@southord.com
ww.southord.com

Background and Prep

Most of the locks are one of two sizes as shown in the image. Locks larger and smaller than these sizes are very difficult to disable and are probably not worth the effort.

Tip: Buy both sizes of locks from the locals to practice before a mission. Every "kit" we handed out to soldiers had one of each size padlock, lockshims, and instructions. Having practice locks prior to missions greatly increased the usage of the shims.

Previously, the shims came in four sizes. We have now narrowed it down to a single size shim for both lock sizes. You will have to trim the right side "wing" as shown below (e.g. with a Gerber) to be able to twist it through the lock. Do so BEFORE the mission. Use one padlock shim on the smaller size padlocks, two on the larger padlocks.

Directions: Smaller Padlocks

1. Exert some pressure on the shackle (the U-shaped bar part of the lock) to open as much of a gap as you can between the shackle and the body of the lock.
2. Insert the "tongue" of the shim into the clearance on the outside of the shackle. Twist and push the shim down as far as possible.
   
3. When it is fully inserted, rotate the shim counter-clockwise (generally works best on these locks) around the shackle so that the tongue of the shim approaches the inside; you may have to keep pressuring the shim down into the lock as you rotate. Once the shim has been rotated until the wings of the shim are pointing outwards away from the lock, it is likely that the latch has been sprung and the shackle can be pulled up to open the lock. If not, then it was probably not pushed down enough as it was rotating, and you must start again, remembering to exert downward pressure as you rotate the shim.
   

Directions: Larger Padlocks

1. The larger locks have two internal latches, thus you must use one shim on each side of the shackle before it will open. Follow the directions for the smaller locks, but make sure each shim is twisted to the inside of the shackle before the lock will open.
   

Tips and Notes

• Field experience has shown that with a little practice, one should be able to open about 80% of the padlocks in under 20 seconds. The remaining 20% are not able to be opened due to rust, insufficient gap, or tight latch springs.
• With some experience, you'll be able to quickly look at the top of a lock and determine if it's worth trying to shim or not.
• Padlock shims are a disposable item: they WILL break after opening anywhere from 5-20 locks. When it breaks, throw it away, and get another.