Forgetting the combination for your suitcase lock is one of the last things you want to happen on a holiday. But if that happens to you, don't panic! There’s a way out of this bind, and we’ve got you covered. All you have to do is learn how to reset the luggage lock if you forgot the combination.
This guide will tell you exactly how to do that. There’s no need to cut your suitcase open, so put the hacksaw down! With just your fingers, and maybe a little patience, we’ll get your suitcase combination lock open again. If you're ready, let's get into it!
Types of Suitcase Locks
Identifying the type of suitcase lock is the first step to unlocking it. Is it built into your suitcase, or is it a padlock combination lock?
- Built-in suitcase lock: This is the most common type of lock found in a suitcase. In fact, most hard-shell suitcases nowadays come equipped with built-in TSA combination locks.
- Padlock: This type of lock is separate from the suitcase and offers more versatility. You can use it on different suitcases or bags as long as they have zipper loops or other attachment points.
- Smart lock: This is a newer type of travel lock that uses technology to provide added security. These locks work with a key, a combination, or even through a smartphone app!
How to Unlock a 3-digit Combination Lock Suitcase
Once you know your suitcase lock type, try the following methods to unlock it.
Try All the Combination, but Faster
Trying all the combinations might sound tedious and is going to take a lot of time. But that's not true. Travel Sentry even said on their Help page, and we quote:
"Please try all of the possible combinations from 000-999 (000, 001, 002, 003 through to 999). You may think this will take a long time, but it should not take you more than 30 minutes. And if the first digit of your forgotten code starts with a 0, 1, 2, or 3…then it will take significantly less than 30 minutes."
If you want to trim 30 to 60 minutes, try this method from the YouTube user Cannonball Music. You want to put constant outward pressure on the unlock button and put the combination. You can start from 0, 1,2, and so forth, and as time goes by, you'll realize it doesn't even take a minute to get to 100.
Find the Notches Method
As we mentioned before, suitcase locks have two types of dials: vertical and horizontal. In this method, we will explain how to unlock a suitcase lock with a horizontal dial.
- What you want to do first is to find a flat surface.
- Now, rotate one of the dials until you see an empty space between the numbers. It will be wide enough to be recognizable, so you will not definitely miss it.
- Once you find one, get to another dial and rotate until you find another notch. This time, align the notch exactly in the same position as the first one. Do the same with the last dial.
- Lastly, remember the combination while all the dials are aligned perfectly and unlock it. If it doesn't work, rotate each dial in the same direction and open the lock. Repeat until you find the right combination.
Find the Notches Method, but Vertical
Some suitcases come with vertical dials, and we will explain how to unlock them with this method.
- First, as in the previous step, you might want to find a flat surface. This time, prepare a source of light, like a flashlight.
- Grab the flashlight and shine it onto the dials. Look for the metal cylinder on the right side of the dial. As you rotate it, you will see an indent in the metal cylinder that does not catch the light like the others. That's the notch we are looking for, the same as the notch in the previous method.
- Rotate each dial until all the indents are aligned, and open the lock. If it doesn't work, rotate each dial in the same direction and unlock it again. Repeat until you find the right combination.
Ladies and gentlemen, that is how to unlock a 3-digit combination lock suitcase. Remember, for a smoother journey, jot down your code somewhere separate from your luggage and keep it handy. Now, with this knowledge under your belt, you can confidently conquer any travel hurdle.
Happy travels!