Decoding locks
This is a technique for decoding the combination of a lock.
This process comes in many versions and applies to a very large number of models, brands, but also systems.
Thus, we can use decoding processes on groove locks, disc padlocks, pin cannons or even safe locks!
Depending on the systems and flaws found, we prefer an optical decoding, manual, by means of a decoder or by taking a fingerprint … There are many processes.
Many use this practice without even being able to name it, without measuring its potential, so that we miss the flaws without “seeing” them while decoding techniques are often the most effective to open high security securities.
Here are 2 examples of rudimentary visual decoding:

At first glance this photo does not reveal any information, yet we already get the placement heights even though we have not yet tried to crochet them!
Indeed, the cylinder on the left has its key hooked, but just look at the combination of this key to know the placement heights. The first and third are high sizes unlike size 5 which is very low:

We also notice that this cylinder has 6 pins, in thin opening it is advisable to use the key concerned to progress, it is the exploitation of a fault like any other. As long as the combinatorial part of the key is visible, it is an exploitable resource.
As for the padlock on the right, it also reveals a placement height, it is the first pin whose gap line is seen.

We know, simply by looking at the toy concerned, without even touching it, that its first pin is placed in the low position.
Of course this visual decoding technique also applies to cylinders:

These modest decoding methods are deliberately simplistic examples, but we can already see the effectiveness of the approach…
The art of decoding makes it possible to open systems that are extremely protected against picking, it is often fast and efficient. However, targets must be studied before achieving its ends.
It’s up to you to study the systems and find the flaws…
And of course to come to the ACF to share them with us!