Open a Combination Lock

A combination lock is useful for your school locker, gym locker, bike, or anything else that you'd like to keep safely stowed. Once you know your combination, opening a combination lock is very easy—just a couple turns and the lock should open. This article will explain the steps you must follow to open your own combination lock.

Steps

Using a New Combination Lock

  1. Find the combination. If the lock is recently purchased, you should be able to find the combination on a sticker on the back of the lock or on a separate sheet of paper that is included with the lock.
    • A very few locks do not have pre-set combinations and you must set a new one that you determine on your own.
    • Even if you do not intend to use the original combination for long (assuming it can be reset), it is a good idea to hang on to it for a while. You can always place it in your wallet, purse, or other secure area.
  2. Reset the combination (if applicable). Most combination locks will allow you to reset the combination to numbers of your choosing. However, they typically can only be reset while in the open position--that is, if the lock is closed and you forget the combination then the lock cannot be reset.[1][2]
    • Some locks use a "reset pin" that will have to be depressed in order to enter a new combination. While in the open position, use the reset tool that came with the lock (or, in lieu of that, a pin or needle) to push down the pin.
  3. Memorize your new combination. You don't want to have to dig around for a note with your combination on it every time you want to open the lock. This is something to keep in mind when you were resetting the combination--ideally, it should be something that is easy for you to remember.

Opening a Single Dial Combination Lock

  1. Turn the dial on the lock clockwise three times. Single dial locks contain complex mechanisms that will only unlock if opened in a certain way. Turning the dial this many times clears the lock and resets it so that it's ready to open.
  2. Stop turning when the marker points to the first number of the combination. The marker or line should be at the top of the dial, essentially at the twelve o'clock position. In many cases it will be red or some other easily visible color.
  3. Turn the dial back to counterclockwise for one full turn. Spin it all the way past the first number. You will also pass over the second number along the way.
  4. Stop the dial at the second number of the combination.
  5. Turn the dial clockwise and stop at the third number. This time you must not complete a full turn, but instead stop the dial as soon as it reaches the final number of the combination.
  6. Open the lock. If it is the basic lock with a shackle, just pull up the shackle at the top of the lock. You can also hold on to the shackle and pull down on the lock, though be careful not to touch the dial.
    • If it doesn't open, repeat the process from the beginning. Because you may have partially engaged the tumblers, you should clear out the lock before trying again.

Opening a Multiple Dial Combination Lock

  1. Understand how a multiple dial lock works. Multiple dial combination locks are, comparatively speaking, simple devices. These locks typically use a single pin with several ridges (on corresponding to each dial). The pin can only be pulled past the dials if there is not an obstacle in the way to catch the ridges. Each dial has one open section that the ridges can pass through unobstructed, and the pin will come freely out when the combination is entered correctly.[3]
    • Unlike the single dial locks, they do not have to be reset and there is no specific method using clockwise or counterclockwise turns that must be employed.
  2. Turn each dial and enter the combination code. It does not matter which direction you spin the dial (though some locks are physically limited to spin in a single direction).
    • Most multiple dial locks use three to five dials.
    • Some multiple dial locks use letters instead of numbers. This can make for particularly easy combinations to remember.
  3. Pull open the lock. There should be no feeling of physical resistance (unlike in the case of certain single dial locks). If there is resistance, make sure that you have entered the code correctly.



Tips

  • Placing tension on the shackle (the U-shaped part that holds the thing you want to lock) will place more friction on the mechanics of the lock. Just leave the shackle alone to open the lock smoothly.
  • With many traditional single-dial locks, you don't have to touch the number exactly but instead can be within a range of about two numbers.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. Jump up ↑ http://enlightenme.com/combination-lock/
  2. Jump up ↑ http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-reset-a-combination-padlock
  3. Jump up ↑ http://medlibrary.org/medwiki/Combination_lock
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