Engineering Students Invent Masterlock Padlock Cracking Machine

Created by a team of students (Jessica Bethune, Aiswarya Kolisetty, Jessica Noglows, and Rob Sobecki) at the Olin College of Engineering, the LockCracker is a machine that can bruteforce any the combination to any Masterlock padlock. In English it means, the LockCracker basically tries every possible three-digit combination while spinning the dial until it is successful in opening it.

The LockCracker is automated such that the user inputs as much information as they know about the lock (any part of the combination, or none at all) and with the click of a button on a PC, the LockCracker will run until the correct combination is found.

This project involves several important components including a mechanical system, electrical system, and a software system.

You can watch the demonstration below. Hmmm, now if only they could make a portable one.

Source: Wired