Most of us trust small combination locks more than we should. Put one on a gym locker, backpack, suitcase, or storage box, and instantly it feels secure — like a miniature vault protecting whatever’s inside.
Understanding how to protect your belongings from vulnerabilities, such as a Number Lock, can make a significant difference.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Some of these locks, particularly those categorised as Number Locks, can be opened without the code, without force, and without anything more advanced than a thin strip of paper.
Also read: Tiny Wings, Big Questions: The Rise of Insect-Sized Surveillance Drones
How These Locks Are Designed
Inside a typical number lock, each wheel has a small groove called a gate. When all the gates align with the locking bar, the bar drops into place and the lock opens. If even one number is wrong, the bar can’t fall into the gates — that’s what keeps the lock closed. It’s simple engineering, and it works well enough for everyday use. But here’s the twist: the mechanism isn’t silent. It gives feedback — just not the kind we notice unless we’re trying to feel it.
Where the Paper Comes In
Sliding a thin piece of paper behind the shackle changes everything. By gently pulling upward while turning the wheels, the paper acts as a sensor.
As you rotate each wheel:
- The locking bar presses against the wheel.
- When the correct number passes underneath, the gate lines up.
- The locking bar subtly drops into that gate.
- The paper allows you to feel that drop.
It’s extremely subtle — not a snap or click — more like a small shift in resistance. You repeat the process for each wheel, and eventually the lock opens.
- No brute force.
- No damage.
Just mechanical feedback.
Is This a Security Flaw?
Not exactly — at least not in the way people think. These locks were never designed to stop someone determined. They’re meant to stop casual interference, not deliberate attempts.
Think of them like:
- Zip ties
- Suitcase locks
- Velcro straps
They’re a deterrent, not a defence.
So while this paper method feels like a hack, it’s really just a reminder of what these locks were always intended to be.
Why This Trick Went Viral
When a lock opens without the code, it feels like magic — especially when the tool is something as ordinary as paper. That’s why videos of this spread quickly online.
But beyond curiosity, there’s a deeper takeaway: Most people assume security means “unbreakable.” But in reality, many systems rely on the idea that breaking them isn’t worth the effort. Once something becomes easy — and widely known — the illusion fades.
A Final Thought
This isn’t just about locks. It’s about trust, assumptions, and how we interact with everyday systems. Sometimes security fails because it’s weak. Sometimes it fails because someone finds a workaround. And sometimes — like in this case — it fails simply because someone finally paid attention to how it actually works.
A sheet of paper shouldn’t open a lock. But the fact that it can is a reminder: Technology isn’t always as secure as it feels — and understanding the mechanism is sometimes the real key.
