Tips To Unlock Your Suitcase When You Forget The Combination

Check with the manufacturer or try every possible combination

Before trying to unlock your suitcase without knowing the combination, contact the manufacturer to see if they can help. You can go online to see if the manufacturer provides instructions for resetting the lock when the suitcase is locked. Keep in mind that many luggage manufacturers emphasise the security of their locks and do not provide this information online. If the manufacturer does not post any information online, try calling the manufacturer directly to see if a customer service representative can help.

If the company can't help you, a tedious but effective method is to try all possible passwords from 000 to 999. Start with 000, then 001 and 002, and go all the way to 999. In most cases, you won't need to try every combination, and with luck you'll find the password in no time. There are a lot of combinations to try, but the whole process won't take more than 30 minutes.

Use a TSA master key

If you've forgotten the combination to your luggage lock, you can order a $5 TSA Luggage Master Key from Amazon. (Even if you haven't forgotten the combination, you may need one just in case). Depending on where you're travelling, you can also order another key upon arrival. However, if you don't have an Amazon Prime subscription or your destination doesn't have Amazon Prime, you may have to wait a few days to receive your key, so it may make more sense to try resetting your door locks in another way first.

Before purchasing a TSA master key, you will need to check your luggage to ensure that the key works with the luggage lock. You can find the keyhole labelled TSA007 or TSA002 on the side of your luggage lock. Purchase a key that matches the number next to the keyhole to ensure compatibility with your lock. Typically, you can purchase a key set that includes both types of keys. If you purchase such a key, remember to use it only on your own luggage. It is an offence to use a key on another person's luggage without permission.

Have a torch and safety pin ready

If you can't reach the TSA key, you can still open the lock. This is especially effective if you encounter a lock that doesn't have any gaps to see the notches on the numerical dial.

Move to a well-lit area. You will need a torch; the one on your mobile phone will do. The zoom feature on your phone will also come in handy when looking at the lock up close. A safety pin can also help you feel the lock. Aim the torch directly at the lock to get a good look.

Tips:

1. Shine the torch on the lock and look for the smooth metal cylinder to the right of each number dial.

2. Turn one number at a time until you see a small indentation in the lock cylinder. It is not shiny like the metal cylinder and looks like a slit.

3. If you can't see the dent, try feeling it with the tip of a safety pin.

4. Repeat with the other dials until all three indentations are aligned and facing up.

5. Try to open the lock. If that doesn't work, turn each dial down one turn at a time, adding one number per turn.

6. Try again until the lock opens.

Once you've completed these steps, write down the combination or take a picture of it. That way you won't forget it next time.