Bolt cutters are the common tool of choice for to cut padlocks during forcible-entry. Unfortunately, most padlocks are made of case-hardened steel, which is very strong in comparison to the materials that bolt cutters were intended to cut.
To cut a lock, all you need is a pair of bolt cutters. Hold the lock at an angle as you cut through it, which will make the cutting process easier. You can also cut through a lock with an angle grinder. Make sure to put on gloves and a face shield first, since grinders can produce sparks.
This is a less hassle way on how to break a padlock without tools. All you need to do is find two wenches. Put both of their U-shaped clasp between the shackles and quickly pull closer until their handles meet. This will help in detaching the locking mechanism between the shackle and the body of the padlock.
It takes effort to stop thieves. “A determined thief with an angle grinder and enough time can cut through nearly any lock,” says Master Lock's Justin Matuszek. “But more often, the thief has a bolt cutter and is trying to work fast.”
If you misplace your key or forget the combination to a lock, you may need to cut through the lock to get it back. Most steel locks can be opened by either using bolt cutters, an angle grinder, or a hacksaw.
Fashion a lock-pick using household items.
Bobby pins or hair pins work best, but you can also use heavy-duty paperclips, or other stiff bits of wire. First create your pick by opening out one of the bobby pins or paperclips until it is straight. Then bend the last 1/8" of the pick up at a 20 degree angle.
Jiggle the screwdriver while thrusting it in and out of the lock. Slide the blade of the screwdriver back and forth slowly. At the same time, work the handle of the around at different angles to engage as many pins as possible.
Another handy way to cut a lock is to use a dremel tool. With a dremel, you will need a cutoff wheel, which is quite similar to that of an angle grinder. The best dremel tool usually is smaller than an angle grinder.
Angle Grinder
This can be the best way to cut a lock. Known as a side grinder disc grinder, this is a mobile machine used for sharp cutting and honing. The 60 grit disc, which is 3⁄64 inches (1.2 mm) in thickness, is the ideal size. It is compact but can be used to cut thick metal shackles.
If you want to remove a lock without damaging the lock or breaking it all together, call a locksmith. Locksmiths have the proper tools to remove it, and LPI locksmiths are trained in all the proper techniques.
A reciprocating saw is a saw with a blade that moves back and forth in front of the saw. Equipped with a metal grinding blade, this reciprocating saw can be used to cut through the bolts on the lock. Always wear safety goggles and a face mask while sawing metal to prevent metal dust from getting in your eyes or lungs.
Insert a pair of scissors into the hole of the lock as deeply as you can. The blades should be thin enough to fit into the whole of the lock. ... Turn the scissors counter clock wise, from left to right, once the scissors are deeply inserted into the lock. Shift and move the scissors around until the lock is opened.
You might be able to take apart a mechanical pencil and use some of the sturdier metal components to pick a lock, but a wooden pencil probably wouldn't work. However, you can use pencil lead to lubricate a sticky lock if you don't have powdered graphite on hand!
Stanley Laminated Steel Padlock Review
Its body which is laminated hardened steel protects it against physical attacks. Since the shackle is also made up of hardened steel, the latter will resist other kinds of attacks such as cutting and sawing.
Disc locks are the industry standard and they were made specifically for self-storage units. Disc locks cannot be removed with bolt cutters because the hasp (or the U-shaped part of a padlock) cannot be reached. A disc lock cannot be broken apart with a hammer, either, as a padlock or keyless lock could be.