Some locks have a red or green stripe running down 1 side. When you enter the combination, line up the digits, so the line passes through them. If your lock doesn’t immediately spring up, push down on the metal shackle before you pull it up. If you’re opening a 3-digit combination lock on a suitcase or briefcase, you might also have to push down on a button or latch after you enter the combination. [2] X Research source
If you don’t get a spinning lock open on the first try, slow down and try it again. Don’t forget to spin the dial to the right to clear the numbers.
If you don’t have a hook, put your index finger through the shackle and pull up to apply pressure on the body.
It’s a good idea to write down the numbers of the combination as you work. This way, you won’t forget them again!
This does take a little time, but if you listen and feel for the clicks, you’ll find the correct combination.
For example, if the dial sticks on 7, add 5 to that to get 12 as your first number. Write this down.
If it seems like the dial stops between 2 numbers, round up and use the larger one. For instance, if the dial catches between 21 and 22, go with 22.
You don’t have to apply pressure on the shackle when you’re entering the first 2 numbers.
Write down the entire combination and put the code in a safe place. Note that standard spinning combination locks come preset with a code and you can’t reset them.
If you’ve never set the combination, use the factory combination 0-0-0. This allows you to set the combination.
Since you’ll need to keep the shackle depressed, it helps to hold the lock between your thumb and forefinger.
If you wrote down the new combination, store it in a safe location or memorize it instead.
