How to Undo a Combination Lock
A combination lock is an easy and affordable way to keep your valuables safe whether you are at the gym, at school, or are using some other sort of public storage space. With a combination lock, you will not have to worry about losing a key. You will, however, need to memorize the combination that came with your lock and learn how to open it with that combination. While it may seem tricky at first, with a bit of practice, undoing your combination lock will come second-nature to you.
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Open the package that your combination lock came in and look at the combination. Most of the time, that combination is contained on the inside packaging, or is stamped in the instruction manual. The lock's combination will be a series of three numbers that you should memorize.
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Spin the dial of your lock several times in the clockwise direction. This will clear the lock. After several spins, stop the dial on the first number of your combination.
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Spin the dial in the counter-clockwise direction one full rotation, passing the first number. Continue in this direction until you reach the second number in your combination series. Stop on that number.
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Turn the dial in the clockwise direction to the third number. Do not make a full rotation to pass the second number; simply stop when you get to the last number in your sequence.
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Pull up on the top of the lock to open the latch. If it does not open, spin the dial clockwise several times to clear it, then repeat the process. If numbers were previously logged on the lock, or if you didn't quite hit one of the numbers properly, the lock might not have registered your spins.
References
Tips
- Write down your combination and keep it in a safe location. This will help you if you forget your combination later.
- If at any time you spin the dial past the number that you meant to stop at, spin the dial clockwise to clear the lock, then start over again.
Warnings
- Some locks come with initial combination codes of "0-0-0," "1-2-3," or other obvious patterns. It is best to change the combination right away to something less predictable. Locks typically come with instructions on changing the combination, which you should keep.
Writer Bio
Michelle Kulas worked in the health-care field for 10 years, serving as a certified nurses' assistant, dental assistant and dental insurance billing coordinator. Her areas of expertise include health and dental topics, parenting, nutrition, homeschooling and travel.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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