How to hack DVD case security locks

First up, we think it's worth making it clear that by linking and writing about this guide we're not advocating that you go out and steal DVDs from your local retailer. With that out of the way, we've got to give slyfox117 over at instructables a bunch of kudos for figuring out how to gracefully remove a red security DVD lock: our typical method for removal after a store clerk forgets to take it off is to viciously tear the box apart. Using nothing but magnets (one of which slyfox extracted from an old hard drive), a bit of wiggling, and some carefully applied pressure, slyfox found it was possible to remove the lock and gain access to the contents of the case. He also has plans to find a way of opening full size anti-theft cases. Before you argue that the likeliness of a clerk forgetting to remove one of these precludes the need for such a how-to, might we remind you of our Lockdown series of posts? Remember kids, exposing weaknesses forces companies to be active about improving the security that should have been stronger in the first place.

[Ryan Chou @ Dec 19th 2006 1:39AM]

Dear Engadget,
I used to check your website at least once a day, but lately it has just been too heavy. It takes forever to load, and when it finally does, my browser is choppy when I scroll. The site is too heavy and there are way too many ads. You're losing audience because of it!
Thanks,
your fan

[Simon @ Dec 19th 2006 2:27AM]

Dear Fan,
Have you thought of using an rss reader (ie. google reader). It cuts out alot of the ads and makes the whole news reading process much quicker.
Hope this helps,
Simmo

[Speeddemon2008 @ Dec 19th 2006 3:16AM]

You could use firefox web browser with ad blocker, that is what i use and i never see any ads.

[pbase @ Dec 19th 2006 1:40AM]

Of course, I would never use this information to misappropriate DVD's.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to Blockbuster.

[BurnZ @ Dec 19th 2006 1:43AM]

Not really a hack.

[SOCOMRAIDER @ Dec 19th 2006 1:57AM]

Easiest way to open a DVD that have the inserted locks on the opening side.. is to take a sharp razor or other type of blade. Then you cut the bending side of the case, it opens without problems, giving you access to the disc.

[Donny @ Dec 19th 2006 5:28AM]

Wow i work at Hollywood thanks we already have enough thiefs including people who take knifes to the box.

Good job people wont use this for personal gain at all it is way too easy to steal from us.

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2006 2:32AM]

Intended or not, you're drawing the wrong sort of crowd with a post like this. The rest of us... we don't care.

This isn't what Engadget is for. Don't ever post anything like this again.

[tiuk @ Dec 19th 2006 2:52AM]

Speak for yourself.

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2006 3:07AM]

No, tiuk, YOU speak for YOUSELF.

By the way, I don't even know what the hell you mean by "speak for yourself". This story:
a) has nothing to do with gadgets
b) has the potential to increase retail theft

My previous criticism is perfectly justified.

[wraith808 @ Dec 19th 2006 9:00AM]

In your opinion. See.. while I don't personally care about the article, I realize that some might. And it is related to technology- the technology of DVD security. So if you don't like it- use an rss reader and when you see such a title, skip it.

[Lee Gibson @ Dec 19th 2006 12:08PM]

Breathing has the potential to increase retail theft. Should we all stop that, too?

Having struggled for an hour to open the cases of movies that I've rented because the clerk didn't bother to remove the security strip, I find this useful.

Don't like it? Don't read it. Or, even better, make good on your implied ultimatum and go away.

[tiuk @ Dec 19th 2006 6:26PM]

But.. *confused* I am speaking for myself.

"Intended or not, you're drawing the wrong sort of crowd with a post like this. The rest of us... we don't care."

[chocodile @ Dec 19th 2006 3:09AM]

ya, what a cry baby. Its fun to know how things work. thumbs up

[byaah @ Dec 19th 2006 3:15AM]

Sorry but I'm going to have to side with tiuk and chocodile. If you don't think the story is appropriate, no one is forcing you to open it. Theres nothing wrong with throwing in a few random how-to's.

[Manic @ Dec 19th 2006 3:18AM]

It seems to me that there is a distinct trend of people trying to rationalize away their breaking of the rules under the guise of helping companies "improve security". Granted, there are companies that use hackers to understand weaknesses in their systems' security, hackers aren't given the explicit right to do so without the company's employment or approval. It is a federal offense for a reason.

If a flaw in design (I'm very familiar with the security tags featured in this post and I can definitely attest to many flaws in its design.) is evident and is discovered, the correct course of action would be to either speak with the manager of the store and show the flaw to them or call up the corporate headquarters and tell them of the situation. Spreading the word of such a flaw only encourages theft or other problems. This in turn is passed onto the customer as prices will be inflated to correct for the loss (such as the case of insurance fraud).

I happen to know of a large number of thefts from a store in my area because of this type of circumvention. Another consequence of such an action is that it leaves the customers of said store without the benefit of the product (in this case, the rental). The corporations can't replenish the losses of every store, so the store is left with one less copy to rent out.

I'm not trying to preach, just point out that this type of post, though its intentions might be pure, will probably only encourage problems. This is my first post but I hope I've made at least a little bit of sense to some.

Take care,
Manic

[Dman @ Dec 19th 2006 7:48AM]

I've actually had a clerk forget to remove a tag from the video. Honestly, a free rental isn't worth the 30min drive back for them to remove it. He just told us to break open the case, a little blood later and plastic pieces on the floor, we were watching a chick flick. I find it this piece interesting and have no intention to use it unless that situation, however unlikely, happens again.

If someone is going to steal, they're almost certainly not relying on engadget to help them.

[Manic @ Dec 19th 2006 3:18AM]

I'd also like to quickly add something. From my experience, if a clerk accidentally forgets to take the security tag out, they're willing to compensate you for your troubles either through a free rental or otherwise. At the same time, they usually don't have a problem with destroying the case as they should have others lying around. They would probably just ask that you bring back the damaged case (barcode attached) along with the DVD and security tag.

I cannot speak for all stores, so I would suggest checking first. I'm only speaking from my experience.

Take care, yet again,

Manic

[Richie @ Dec 19th 2006 4:18AM]

This is such an old trick. These locks have been around the traps in Australia for well over 24 months. After seeing the machine they use behind the checkouts, I figured it was just a magnetic device (no cables attached). They just push the dvd in there, over what I assumed was a magnetic rod. $5 worth of rare earth magnet (the one I have is about the size of 3 Aussie $1 coins stuck together, rare earth magnets are alot stronger than iron) and its as easy as pie, I can get it open in under 3 seconds. There are also two styles, one that sits flush with the case and another that protrudes, as well as the locks for other media.

That said, I haven't misapproprated any DVDs from using this, it was purely experimental. I've also contacted the firm who makes these to explain how simple it is to bypass, which I never received a response to. The local variety store stopped using them for a while, but they are now back in full force.

[Donald @ Dec 19th 2006 5:28AM]

Also we do give free rentals to people who forget to take out the locks of if they call we tell them to rip it open or cut it open we have plenty of cases and its are fault for not taking them out WHICH WE BARLEY EVER DO!

I usually give 2-3 free rentals for messing up.

[rainking187 @ Dec 19th 2006 5:44AM]

I've honestly never seen a lock on a DVD case like this, but I guess it would be helpful for people who have. I don't know why you'd buy DVDs from rental places anyways, that's like the home viewing equivalent of marrying a hooker. Any help for those little plastic security tags inside the cases that employees can never figure out how to turn off so I spend the rest of the day setting off the alarm in every store I go to?

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2006 12:04PM]

what's wrong with marrying a hooker, if you can just return her to the store and exchange for another one for a nominal fee once you get bored?

[Engineer @ Dec 19th 2006 6:12AM]

Great article. This is the first how-to that I have actually found useful. I bought a DVD in ASDA the other day and they forgot to take the tag out. By the time I realised, the shop was shut, and it was an absolute *rse trying to cut the thing out without destroying the case.

Tom, what tiuk was referring to when he said "Speak for yourself ", was how in your comment you said
"The rest of us..." when in fact what you should have said was "I...". tiuk evidently DOES care, as do I. It wasn't a personal attack.

But your comment did make me laugh. When in Rome...

[Travis @ Dec 19th 2006 7:33AM]

Engadget -

This is a tacky post that has nothing to do with the latest in the gadget world. What next? Will you guys post an article on how to break in someone's house? You guys have a great site, please don't ghetto it down with post like this.

Travis

[ashley349 @ Dec 19th 2006 7:34AM]

It's hardly a mystery about these security locks. If you found you needed to get through one, I'm sure you'd figure out a way. Doesn't everyone know they work by magnetism?

[d3vkit @ Dec 19th 2006 7:48AM]

I agree that this was a bad post. It's not a hack, and is really just spreading information on how to steal. I hate retail thieves. As someone that has worked retail many a year, it really does suck to have thieves about.
As far as if you bought the dvd and it's locked, as others said, stores don't mind opening these (and sometimes giving a rental). And, if you do break the case (of a dvd you own), amaray cases are fairly cheap (as long as you don't rip the insert; about the only thing that the magnet trick is good for preventing).

[Anonymous @ Dec 19th 2006 7:56AM]

Also bought a DVD from ASDA the other month which hadnt't had this removed, total inconveience as it wasn't possible to go back to the store that night (and the movie was bought to be watched that night!)...a store compensating me for not removing it would not have made up for not having something to watch (not that they offered anyway!).

This article is entirely useful for those who are in a similar situation - do I honestly care if someone uses it to get into stolen DVDs? as long as it helps me get into something i've rightfully bought, unfotuntely for those who might use these personally, NO.

[K_G @ Dec 19th 2006 11:39AM]

The writer is way, way to glib about this. First, its not like the bump key or the pen cap U lock "Key", where millions of people are at risk due to flawed designs...this only impacts video stores, so the "need to know for the public good" argument is exceptional weak here since the public does not use the device in question. And if this hack becomes used more, its the public that will suffer, either through higher prices to cover the thefts or even more draconian devices, such as reusable polycarbonate clamshells (like what Circuit City puts their video games in), will become the the norm and now getting out of the video store will take even longer. What's next, a DIY on how to make your own 'cop killer' bullet proof vest shredding bullets? This post has zero to do with tech and shouldn't be here...while many hacks are tech based, not all hacks are tech.

[neale @ Dec 19th 2006 12:56PM]

all you need is a powerful L-shaped magnet/two magnets in an L-shape. some genius to work that out... i realised that the first time i used the thing in the shop i work

[KC @ Dec 19th 2006 12:57PM]

How would you replace the lock? You could watch a DVD, replace the lock, and get an extra rental that way.

[Caleb @ Dec 19th 2006 1:31PM]

I recently rented Halo2 from Hollywood Video and the guy left this thing in the DVD case. I didn't feel like driving back, so I just got a butter knife and pried at it until the case cracked enough to where I could rip the red thing out... I returned it like that... and they never said anything. I'll have to try this method next time. Thanks.

[Z @ Dec 19th 2006 2:59PM]

Thank you Engadget for helping perpetuate retail theft. My wife has a hard enough time combatting theft in her video store without you retards promoting this activity.

Poor form guys, poor form.

[Poe @ Dec 19th 2006 3:11PM]

Dman wrote: "If someone is going to steal, they're almost certainly not relying on engadget to help them."

Maybe not, but I'll guarantee you that there are Engadget readers who just read this article and now have every intention of trying this out.

--

Lee Gibson Wrote: "Breathing has the potential to increase retail theft. Should we all stop that, too?"

You're an idiot.

--

As for the comments about video store staff forgetting to remove the security tags: Promoting security system circumvention as a solution to that problem is just idiotic. You do realize that retail theft hurts *you* the consumer, right? When retail stores lose money from theft, they usually to recoup those losses by increasing prices.

If you enjoying paying increasingly higher prices for your video rentals, then by all means, announce to the world how to remove the security tags. Imbeciles.

[Jay @ Dec 19th 2006 3:35PM]

I've been doing this for years. =\

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2006 3:43PM]

The much easier way is to just find a red clip that hasn't been pushed in all the way, and then knock it or pull it out. It's outrageously easy. I showed a friend once and she walked around the store and could have stolen 25 movies that way.

Seriously, though, if you rent one of these, then get home and discover one of these bad boys and don't have a couple of magnets lying around, cut the plastic that holds the litho in place off, making sure to keep the litho and the barcode, and then give the case hell until you get the DVD. Bring back the still locked and destroyed case along with everything else and they'll give you a free movie (if they aren't jerks). Plus, they'll appreciate not having to make an ugly ass generic cover for the DVD.

Also, I think I may work with Donny. Weeeeird.

[pixelbender @ Dec 19th 2006 5:10PM]

Engadget, why would you post this? Not only is this easily obtainable info for determined thieves, but you just created more casual ones.

As far as rentals being taken home with locks on them, we have many people come back in the store while they're still out and we apologize and unlock. If they have it at home and call up, I just tell them to break the case and return everything when they bring it back. Also, with the redlocks if the DVD isn't secured properly, you can just open up the corner and the movie falls right out anyways.

This is just so ignorant - people can't pay $1.50-$4 to rent a DVD for a week. Now I'll just have more dvds go missing that we may never get back in (thinking the older ones where there is only one copy) or it takes a year or so to get (We can't just request new ones from corporate).

Then again, this is just as ignorant as adults who can't return movies on time, or just bitch to high heavens claiming they did to get out of a $2-4 late fee.

BTW - where in the US are movies SOLD brand new with these locks on them???

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2006 6:26PM]

I can't believe some of you idiots defending this article.

Maybe next Engadget can post a story showcasing the latest in degaussing technology entitled "How To: Get away with looking at Child Porn all day in case the cops show up at your door with a warrant."

Would you all still be okay with that? It has to do with technology so why the hell not! Who cares that it perpetuates criminal activities! I bet you'd all like that wouldn't you, you sick freaks?!

[aidin @ Dec 19th 2006 9:36PM]

yeah... i worked at hollywood for a while too, and it is WAY too easy for people to steal as it is. this article gave me a kick though... tip: the purple/turquoise locks (that cover the whole opening side) pop out real easy with a butter knife prying the top or bottom end. and sure this fits engadget! the whole 'how stuff works' angle. after all, what do you call the thingy that opens the locks as intended? a 'gadget' of sorts, eh? well there ya go!

[Adam @ Dec 19th 2006 11:03PM]

one word NETFLIX.

[Aecos @ Dec 5th 2007 5:42AM]

For all you narrow minded pessimists attacking the artical above please step back and shoot yourselves.
point one is that very little censureship is helpfull, usefull or valid and has never lead to the betterment of mankind.
Point two is that almost every dvd i legaly buy has the locks still in place which is why i looked for this feed in the first place.

Point three is that if you block posts like this then only the criminals will have this information and the rest of us will be left ignorant which is never a good state of affairs.

P.s. please forgive any spelling errors.

[Laura @ Dec 7th 2007 12:05AM]

I found this useful, too, and I won't use it to steal. I bought two used DVDs today, and of course, the clerk left the tags in them. I really wanted to watch one tonight, and after fiddling with it, then giving it to my husband, the engineer, who ripped the case to shreds (thanks, Honey!) I came online searching for an easier way, and found this. Now, I may be able to salvage at least one of the cases, and not need to go back to the video store, where it took 20 minutes to check out.

[Jexy @ Mar 12th 2008 9:14AM]

Well I have read all of the comments so far on here and i see no justifiable reason why this article should not be on the net. After all i actually did a google search to find it. Now i'm not a thief nor do i intend to be, but I purchased a DVD at Woolworths after waiting in an endless checkout queue and when i got home and went to play it later found it was locked. To unlock it means I have to drive out of my way to have them unlock it, to boot i have thrown away the docket so I cant actually prove I bought it anymore. So the logical thing to do is find out how these things work and attempt to open it. For all you well meaning people waffling on about immorality of this article, I say i have just as much right to know how to rectify a problem, as you guys do for justifying its creation. Thank you Engadget for your invaluable assistance. Again, I am a responsible citizen and not a thief. Perhaps retail outlets should learn more about customer service and ensure this does not happen before you start justifying your arguments folks. I'm not at fault here just a customer.

[kellyj @ Mar 20th 2008 11:50PM]

It happened to me tonight! (The clerk forgot during our conversation to remove the lock) I'm going to rip open the box... I just wanna watch a movie! Thanks for the info everyone!

[sockatume @ Dec 21st 2008 5:52PM]

Thanks for linking to this! HMV forgot to remove the tag from a DVD I bought someone as a Christmas present. Removing it by brute force was not an option, and it's a slog into town to get it removed (assuming they don't think I'm some sort of shoplifter who knicked a receipt from a bin, or something). My kitchen timer had a magnet on the back which did the trick on the latch, then I gently eased the tag out with a very thin knife.