How to unlock a 3 digit combination lock without the code

The idea of someone tossing through your personal belongings, inspecting them and treating them without care is disconcerting. Handing over your luggage to airline personnel or security can put a pit in your stomach. Fortunately, Master Lock created TSA-approved luggage locks that keep strangers out of your bags while allowing security to open them for inspection using special tools. Previously, the Transportation Security Administration simply cut the locks off. These three-digit combo locks are meant to be personalized, so you choose the combo. But don't worry. There is a way to open the lock even if you've forgotten the combo.

Unlock it With the Combination

The simplest way to unlock a three-digit lock is the way it was intended – using the combination, and following the Master Lock's instructions. To do so:

1. Turn the lock until the numbers read right-side-up. Roll the left-most dial until the first number of your combination lines up with the scored hash mark just to the left of the dial.
   
2. Roll the middle dial until the appropriate number lines up with the number to its left. Do the same for the right-most number. Your three-digit combination should now show, left to right, lined up with the scored hash marks.
   
3. Pull the body of the lock away from the U-shaped metal ring without turning any of the dials. The lock will click open to expose a hook. The hook spins 360 degrees so that it can be placed onto, and taken off, luggage.
   

How to Handle a Forgotten Combination

If you've forgotten the combination for your lock, try this alternative method for unlocking it:

1. Pull the body of the lock and the U-shaped ring away from each other to put pressure on the mechanism inside the lock. 
   
2. Pull the body of the lock away from its attachment, or, if the lock is not attached, apply pressure on the U-shaped ring away from the body of the lock with your fingers. Keep holding a firm, steady pressure.
   
3. Roll the dial closest to the U-shaped ring slowly, while keeping steady pressure on the mechanism. The dial will get difficult to roll over three consecutive numbers, and one of those numbers will click. You should feel and hear this small click, and that is the first number to your combination.
   
4. Repeat the previous step with the middle dial, and then the farthest dial. Leave the dial set when you find the click, moving onto the next dial. The combination will reveal itself, letting you pull the U-ring away from the body of the lock.
   

How to do a Master Lock Reset

Resetting your Master Lock, set your own combination and you can use it properly in the future according to the original instructions. Here's how:

1. Hold the body of the lock so that the numbers face away from you. Set the combination and release the U-shaped ring.
   
2. Turn the hook of the U-shaped ring counterclockwise 90 degrees until the notch on the stem of the hook and the hole on the body of the lock line up. Push the stem of the hook down into the body of the lock as far as it will go.
   
3. Turn the hook another 90 degrees counterclockwise while it is depressed into the body of the lock.
   
4. Roll the dials until you have your new combination.
   
5. Turn the hook 90 degrees clockwise and raise the stem out of the body of the lock. Turn it another 90 degrees clockwise and push it back into the locked position. The lock now uses your new combination.
   

Tip

• Email yourself the password to your lock, and title the email "Luggage Lock." If you forget the password in the future, simply search your email for the term "Luggage Lock."

Tip

• Do not open a lock that does not belong to you. It is against the law.

References

Resources

Tips

Warnings

• Do not open a lock that does not belong to you. It is against the law.

Writer Bio

Christopher Michael began writing in 2010 for Break.com. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Writing sports and travel articles helps support his professional baseball career, which has taken him to 49 states, five continents and four oceans.

Do you want to know how to reset a combination lock 3 digit? Check if the combination lock has a serial number. If there’s none, then it is a resettable lock. Set the lock in an open position and insert the reset tool. Next, reset the combination code by setting a new one. Remove the reset tool.

Don’t get rid of your combination lock once you forgot your code or others know it because you can reset it by yourself, through the help of this tutorial. Not only will this keep you safe, but this life hack also brings peace of mind.

Table of Contents

• What You Need
• What You Need to Do
  • Step 1: Check if the combination lock has a serial number
  • Step 2: Set the lock in an open position
  • Step 3: Insert the reset tool
  • Step 4: Set desired combination
  • Step 5: Remove the reset tool
• Conclusion

What You Need

Reset tool

Usually, a reset tool is included in the package when you purchase a combination lock. It typically looks like a key and it is sealed in a small bag. The purpose of the reset tool is to help you out if you want to reset the combination code, so it is very important to keep it in a secure place.

In case you lost your reset tool, you can contact the manufacturer so they can provide you with a new one. Call the company’s customer service department immediately.

However, if you are in a rush, you can buy a replacement reset tool online. Make sure that the reset tool is compatible with your combination lock by checking the specifications first.

Bolt cutters (for closed locks)

What You Need to Do

Step 1: Check if the combination lock has a serial number

You can find the serial number on the side of the combination lock. If it has a serial number, this means that your combination lock is not resettable.

You can contact the manufacturer so that they can provide you with the correct code. The customer service agent will ask for a notarized lost combination form. The procedure may last for four to six weeks.

Step 2: Set the lock in an open position

If the lock does not have any serial number, then it is a resettable lock. With this kind of lock, the owners are given the freedom to set their own codes. However, if the lock is in a close position, there is no chance that you can reset the code.

You will need to use bolt cutters or call a locksmith to open it. But if the shackle is open, you can proceed to the next steps.

Step 3: Insert the reset tool

Once you have your reset tool or purchase a replacement, insert the reset tool into the keyhole located on the side of the lock.

After that, turn the reset tool 90 degrees, either clockwise or counterclockwise. Once you heard the click, you are now all set to change the combination of your code.

Step 4: Set desired combination

Before you turn the dial, think of a unique three-digit combination that you cannot easily forget. Once you have the code in mind, write it on a notepad so you won’t have to worry in case you forgot your combination. Turn the dial according to the digits of your desired combination.

Step 5: Remove the reset tool

After setting your new code, turn the tool in a 90-degree angle and remove it. Take note that the procedures may vary, depending on the type of your lock. You can check the instruction manual included in the package if you have a lock with no hole for resetting, for instance.

Conclusion

Do you enjoy following the easy steps on how to reset a combination lock 3 digit? With the help of this tutorial, resetting your code or securing your house is easy. You don’t need to call a professional locksmith or buy a new set of combination locks in case you forgot the code.

If you find this tutorial helpful, you can share these easy steps with your family members, friends, and workmates by sharing the post. Also, you can share with us your experiences while following the tutorial by commenting below. We would be very glad to hear from you!

I am the last member to join Revolar and might be just the luckiest to work with dedicated people like Teddy and John. Our team has established a process where my only job is writing the best content to deliver incredible ideas and guides.