Padlock shims can be useful for opening a padlock when encountered. Instead of attempting to decode a combination or pick the lock, the lock is attacked at the shank. The shim is forced around the latching side of the shank, pry the latch open and allowing the lock to be removed.
Instructional videos for padlock shimming are listed below:
How to open locks with padlock shims: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC-1S4cHUPs
How to shim open padlocks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QqU4hzj898