Alternate Handling and Lock

If you'd like to be able to give the lock away at the end of the routine and have
the
combination actually be whatever the subject dials in, you'll want to purchase the
160/50
Re-settable Combination Padlock from Computer Security, Products Inc.
This lock is re-set by dialing in the correct combination, pulling the clasp up
past the
catch mechanism, and turning a small wheel on the side of the lock. The wheel found
on
the side of the lock has a slot running through it so one can turn it with a coin,
flat head
screwdriver or even a fingernail. When the set-wheel has been rotated clockwise,
the
combination dials will turn when the lock is in an open State. When the set wheel
is not
turned and the lock is in the open, the combination wheels wont turn.
I prefer this lock because it doesn't "spring open" when in the unlocked State like
the
Prestolock does. This means I can unlock in the same manor as I described earlier
with
the Prestolock and not have to hold the clasp in place, hiding the fact that it's
unlocked.
I begin, before the show, by setting the lock combination to "0-0-0-1". When it
comes
time to perform, I simply dial in my set combination of "0-0-0-1" while being sure
to
keep the combination hidden from view. I find that if I don't have the combination
reset,
it doesn't make the effect any less impressive. I pop open the lock showing that it
opens.
"I'm currently the only person who knows the combination that belongs to this lock.
Willyoujoin me?"
I invite a subject to join me in the Performance area to my left. After the subject
has
joined me, I openly swing the clasp back into the lock and click it closed.
"Before I turn the numbers to lock it, I'd like you to also remember the
combination.
You'11 be the only other person who knows the four digits on the lock... in a
moment...I
want you to close your eyes. Actually, before you do that, you can you comfortably
remember a 4 digit combination, right? It's easy; just think of it as two, two-
digit
numbers. That's easy enough, yes? Good. Close your eyes for me, now."
As before, a paddle move is performed secretly turning the lock around as the lock
is
shown to the subject on my left actually showing the backside of the lock. To the
subject
it appears as if I'll be showing him the combination, "in a moment". To the
audience, it
appears as if he's looking at the combination and agreeing that he understands that
he's
suppose to remember it and that remembering the four digits is "easy enough".
I now openly mix the numbers on the lock. Legitimately locking it closed. The only
combination that will open the lock is "0-0-0-1". Now it comes time to throw in
your
presentation of choice on making the subject "forget" the combination. 111 leave
this to
you. When it comes time to have the subject remember again, I have the subject try
a
few combinations to non-verbally show two things: One, that the lock will not open
on
just any combination dialed in. Two, that the subject really doesn't know the
combination.
Now that the subject has seemingly forgotten the combination I ask him if he knows
of an
easy way to open the lock. Answers will vary. I suggest that it may be opened
systematically. Dialing in "0-0-0-0", then "0-0-0-1" and so on. I take the lock
back and
dial on 0-0-0-0 and allow him to pull on the clasp in the same manor described in
the
previous lock handling. Because one must push down on the clasp before pulling up,
even once the correct combination is dialed in on the face, the lock won't open. I
dial in
"0-0-0-1" next and allow the subject to try to open the lock. He of course fails.
"There is of course an even faster way, you simply ask someone who knows the
combination, or take a sledge hammer to it. Luckily, I know the combination but so
does
your subconscious. All you have to do is tap into that and extract the proper
digits and