The narrator sets out to learn how to crack combination locks, after losing trust in key locks due to their ease of being picked. They start with a cheap lock and, using a method involving pulling the shackle and applying pressure to find the hardest wheel to turn, successfully crack it. They then move on to a bike lock and, after trying a different method, successfully crack it as well.
The narrator then tests two more locks, a disc lock and a sim lock, and cracks them both using a similar method. However, when they try to crack a more expensive lock with a fast gate mechanism, they initially struggle but eventually find a method involving turning all the wheels simultaneously and then checking each wheel while pulling the shackle.
After successfully cracking the more expensive lock, the narrator attempts to crack their most expensive lock blindfolded, but initially fails. However, after multiple attempts and refining their technique, they eventually succeed in cracking the lock.
The narrator concludes by reflecting on the ease of cracking combination locks and the importance of being precise and calm when attempting to do so.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator tried to crack combination locks of varying prices.
2. The cheapest lock was cracked using the "first method".
3. The bike lock, costing $15, was cracked using the "indirect method".
4. The DiscLock, a heavy lock, was also cracked using the "indirect method".
5. Another lock, similar to the DiscLock, was cracked in 1 minute and 50 seconds.
6. A $30 lock with great reviews was initially thought to be uncrackable, but was eventually cracked after 7 minutes.
7. The $30 lock has a "fast gate mechanism" with false gaps in the inner wheels.
8. The narrator used a different method to crack the $30 lock, involving turning all wheels simultaneously and checking for loose movement.
9. The narrator attempted to crack the $30 lock blindfolded, but failed on the first two attempts.
10. On the third attempt, the narrator successfully cracked the $30 lock blindfolded in 30 minutes.
11. The narrator repeated the process to confirm it wasn't a fluke and cracked the lock again in 8 minutes and 57 seconds.