How many times have we seen a locker? Although you are faced with a combination lock in various places and situations (for example it is very likely that in your school or gym you frequent there are lockers) it is not always easy and intuitive to open, especially without a bit of previous experience.
Plus, rush or stress can sometimes make the task of opening your locker even more difficult. Maybe the bell is ringing and you are late for your class, or it is your first day at school and you are worried about making a good impression on your new classmates… there can be various situations in which it is necessary to be able to keep calm and steady nerves, in order to open our school locker quickly, without hitches.
In this step-by-step guide we explain how to open a combination lock, without complications and in an absolutely simple way.
But before going into details and explaining step by step how to open a locker, let’s take a brief review of the key concepts, to get a better understanding of how padlocks and school lockers work.
What is a combination lock and how does it work?
We are all used to regular or traditional padlock, which involves the use of a key to open it. The great advantage of a combination lock is that no key is needed, as you will just need to remember the code or combination in order to unlock it.
This is because a combination lock is a security device that requires unlocking a code based on a sequence of number or symbols (normally letters) in order to be opened.
To open the combination lock it is necessary to insert the right sequence, by rotating the mechanical mechanism of the lock, which is based on one or more groups of discs or cams.
When the correct combination is entered, the curved metal bar (which is called the shackle) will come out as the cams align, causing the combination lock to open.
Which is better: combination locks or key locks?
Opinions about whether a combination lock or a traditional key lock is safer are as varied, almost as much as the models of locks available on the market.
There are those who argue that keyed locks are better and offer greater security, as a thief will not be able to open it unless he has the key (or a tool that can break the lock, but this is not something that normally happens, especially to open a school or gym locker).
However, a good quality combination lock (especially if with 4 or more dials) offers a level of protection and security comparable to that of a traditional keyed lock.
How to open a locker lock when you know your padlock’s combination
Opening your locker when you know your padlock combination seems to be the simplest thing, but sometimes rush or anxiety can play tricks.
To prevent this from happening to you, follow these simple instructions that will allow you to introduce the right combination without hesitation.
- First of all, get a fresh start by clearing out all the codes. Just spin the dial three times to the right. You can do this every time you feel like you’ve entered the wrong number or symbol: spinning the dial clockwise for three times will clear the lock of any previous combination.
- Now enter your secret combination. First, turn the dial to the right until reaching your first number. The next spin, up to the second number, should be done by turning the dial to the left (skipping both the zero and the first number you’ve entered). Finally, spin the dial again to the right until reaching the third number.
- Now you can open the lock by pulling the shackle.
If, after following the procedure, the locker lock still won’t open, don’t panic. Start over from the beginning with three spins to the right and “clear” the lock. If, after re-entering the right combination, the locker resists to open, it means that it could be jammed.
Try pushing and pulling a bit, sometimes this maneuver is enough make it works. If not, just ask someone (a teacher, a friend or the janitor) for help.
How do you open a locker lock when you don’t know your padlock’s combination
If you’ve forgotten your lock combination, don’t despair, there’s still something you can do. At this point, you’re down to two options (unless you want to use a bolt cutter):
- you can try crack the code
- you can create a shim
How to crack the code of a combination lock
In order to unlock the lock you will first have to find the first number. To do this, lift the shackle with the finger of one hand while turning the dial clockwise with the other until you hear a “click”. Add “5” to the number where the dial stopped. This should be the first number of the combination.
Now, still keeping the shackle lightly in pressure with the finger of the hand you are using to support the lock, rotate the dial counterclockwise until you meet resistance that will prevent you from continuing to turn the dial. The point where it will hang is the second number in the combination.
The easiest way to find the third and last number is to try the possible combinations at this point.
How to open a combination lock with a shim
Another way to open your combination lock is by creating a shim (a type of wedge) to force it open… with a little bit of skill and luck.
Although padlock shims can be purchased online, it is also possible to make one cheaply using the aluminum from a can. The shim is normally inserted into the left side of the latch.
You’ll need some patience, as it will normally take some minutes, and calmness (so don’t rush, or it won’t work). Just slowly work the shim into the crack between the shackle and the lock itself, until you can press the shackle down and open the lock.
Conclusions and tips
As you may have read, sometimes a combination lock can be tricky and cause you some trouble.
The important thing is never to lose your temper and not to get anxious, as there is always a solution, whether you know the combination as well as if you have forgotten it.
In any case, remember not to share the combination of your padlock with anyone, unless it is a person of absolute trust.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that these accidents can be minimized by using a high quality padlock, which will prevent the mechanism from locking or being easily cracked by malicious people.
Perhaps, in addition to having to open a combination lock, you may find yourself needing to open a door without the key. Don’t worry, on AZ How we explain this too.
