Combination locks are used for a variety of purposes, from school and gym lockers to securing items inside the home. If you lose your combination, it can be very frustrating not to have access to your belongings. If you don't want to open the lock by cutting it, there are other methods to try. These steps allow you to open a combination lock without a code, but should only be used on your own lock. Don't open locks that don't belong to you.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Find the Code
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the lock
A lock has three main components. The shackle is the U-shaped piece that connects it to an object. The dial is the part with the numbers that turns. The body is the rest of the lock. If you hold the lock with the shackle up and the dial facing you, the locking mechanism is usually on the left side of the shackle.
Step 2. Apply some pressure
To find the combination of a lock you have to gently pull towards the shackle. Too much pressure will make it impossible to turn the dial, too little and the dial will turn freely. You should apply gentle pressure. The operation may take some exercise.
Step 3. Find the first number
Gently lift the shackle and hold it still. Turn the knob clockwise while listening carefully until you hear the lock click.
- Start with a good amount of pressure and gently loosen it as you rotate it, until there is resistance in one spot.
- If the dial often freezes, it means you are pulling too hard. If, on the other hand, it never clicks, you are not shooting sufficiently. It should snap into one place, with a click.
- If the click occurs when the dial is between two numbers, round to the highest number.
- Add 5 to that number and write it down. This is the first number in the combination.
Step 4. Set the first number of the combination as the starting point
It may be useful to turn the dial a couple of times before this operation in order to reset the lock.
Step 5. Turn the knob counterclockwise to find the second number
While maintaining light pressure on the shackle, slowly turn the knob. You should go all the way around the mechanism once before reaching the second number.
- The lock will resist and get caught when you turn.
- Eventually the block will touch a spot where it will turn with difficulty. This stopping point is the second number. Write it down on the same piece of paper.
Step 6. Find the combinations
One method of finding the third number is to simply test every possible combination. Set the first two numbers as if you are ready to unlock, then turn the knob clockwise, very slowly, trying every possible combination.
- At this point there should be only 40 possible combinations.
- You don't have to reset the first two numbers for each combination. Just turn a number and give it a yank. Repeat the process until the lock opens.
Step 7. Look for the third number
A different method of finding the third number is to test how it hooks. Turn the knob clockwise a couple of times to reset the lock and set it to 0. Apply upward pressure on the shackle and turn the knob clockwise.
- The lock will lock several times, allowing for a slight back and forth movement between two numbers.
- Write down the number in the middle. For example, if the padlock gets stuck between 33 and 35, write down 34 on a sheet of paper. This is not necessarily the final number.
- The lock will also partially block between numbers. For example, the interval could be between 27, 5 and 29, 5. If the central number was not an integer, for example 28, 5, do not write it. Combinations are always whole numbers.
- Work all the way around the dial, writing all the whole numbers where it stops. You should end up with 4-5 numbers written.
- Most numbers will fit a pattern. For example, they will all end in 5. The only number that doesn't fit the pattern is the final number in your combination.
Method 2 of 3: Create a Fork Wedge
Step 1. Consider your lock
Recent locks are designed by manufacturers to be fork-proof, although in some cases it is still possible to use them. This method works best on old locks.
Step 2. Identify where the locking mechanism is located
In order to properly use a fork, you need to work in the place where the bracket closes, as it will not lead to anything working on the hinge.
The locking mechanism is usually on the left side if you are looking at the lock with the shackle up and the dial facing you
Step 3. Cut an aluminum can
You can make a fork yourself by cutting the can of a fizzy drink. Use scissors to cut off the top of the can, going down the length and then cutting off the bottom.
You should end up with a single piece of aluminum that was once the body of the can and is now a wide strip of metal
Step 4. Cut a strip of metal
Turn the aluminum horizontally to cut the shorter side of the material. This piece will be used to make the forked wedge.
- Cut a strip just over 2.5cm wide.
- If the edges are frayed, trim them.
Step 5. Make two curved incisions
Hold the small strip of aluminum horizontally and cut two curves from the bottom to create a letter U.
- Center the U in the middle of the strip.
- Don't cut everything all the way to the top.
Step 6. Make two diagonal incisions
Cutting from the bottom of the metal about 5-6mm from the base of the U, work diagonally upwards until you intersect the top of the U and remove the triangles of material.
The result should be a strip of metal that looks like the letter M, with the middle of the M curved instead of pointed. This will be the forked wedge
Step 7. Fold the sides to create a handle
Rotate the top of the metal down about 3-4mm. Then fold the sides up around the top of the metal strip.
Folding the sides allows you to have a handle on the fork that won't hurt your hand with a sharp edge
Step 8. Gently fold the wedge around the lock shackle
The U of the fork should be facing down.
- First you will need to wrap the wedge carefully around the outside so that it adapts to the shape of the rod.
- When you have the desired shape, turn the fork so that the U is on the inside of the shackle and your handle is on the outside.
- Remember to do this from the side of the shackle that has the locking mechanism.
Step 9. Raise the shackle as far as you can and hold it in place with your finger
Using your other hand, slowly insert the fork into the gap between the bracket and the block itself.
- It will take a few minutes and you shouldn't rush or force it.
- When you have inserted it as much as possible, stop.
Step 10. Blow the lock
Pinch the wedge with one hand. With the other, squeeze the shackle and then pull it. The lock should open.
Method 3 of 3: Use the Serial Number
Step 1. Find the serial number
If the lock has a number printed on it, write it down. Some locks do not have a serial number.
Step 2. Take the lock to a distributor or retailer of that brand
Ask the distributor to contact the manufacturer on your behalf to validate your ownership of the lock and provide you with the combination.
- If the lock is attached to an object, such as a box, retailers probably won't help you.
- Be aware that the retailer may charge you a fee for this service.
Step 3. Send a request directly to the manufacturer
Visit his website to find out if he offers this service.
- Due to security concerns, the manufacturers likely won't provide you with the combination over the phone or by email.
- You may be asked to provide proof that you own the lock, such as a notarized proof of ownership.
Step 4. Consult the owner
If the lock belongs to a school or office, administrators may have a list of combinations based on serial numbers. Write down the serial number to take it to the main office.
If the lock is attached to something, such as a locker, you must be prepared to provide proof that you are entitled to access the items contained within the locker
Warnings
- Destroying or forcing someone else's property is a crime. Do not open a lock that you are not the rightful owner of.
- This procedure does not work for all padlocks.
