How to Open Locker Lock – A combination lock is a security mechanism that uses a code consisting of a series of characters, letters, or numbers to unlock a lock. Some lock points connect with indentation engraved into the cams as you interact with a single rotary dial or mechanical mechanism. Only when you enter the correct combination, will the metal curve bar called shackle to come out as the cams line up. The most significant distinction between these and regular locks is that they do not require a key to open.
This product, made of weatherproofed plastic and vinyl or metal, is portable, has good resistance to external conditions, and may help minimize theft in schools, workplaces, and public areas. However, this type of lock is not a good choice if you want to protect larger things like a gate, warehouse, or container.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Opening When You Know Your Padlock’s Combination
- Spin the dial at least three times to the right (clockwise), all the way around. This “clears” the lock of any previous numbers. If at any point in putting in your combination you mess up, do this again to start over.
- Enter your combination. Turn the dial to the right and stop at your first number. Always start with a turn to the right![1]
- For your second number, turn the dial to the left, going past zero and your first number. Then stop at your second number.
- Some locks are a bit odd or finicky — if your locker isn’t opening after you put the three numbers in correctly, try turning left past your second number once and stopping on it on the next go around.
- For your third number, turn the dial to the right and go directly to the last number. Leave your lock on this number. Always remember: right, left, right.
- For your second number, turn the dial to the left, going past zero and your first number. Then stop at your second number.
- Open the lock. Pull the lock open and out of the hole, or pull the latch or handle, if there is one. Otherwise, tug on the knob to open the locker.
- If your locker just won’t open, try it again with the last number being five before or after your “official” last number. Sometimes the older locks get, the shakier they get in their requirements or abilities.
- If that doesn’t work, ask your classmates or teacher if there are any similar quirks in the school locker system. Try twice before you call a teacher.
- If your locker just won’t open, try it again with the last number being five before or after your “official” last number. Sometimes the older locks get, the shakier they get in their requirements or abilities.
- Lock your locker after use. Make sure, if you have a locker with an unattached lock, that you lock your locker when you leave. If you don’t, it’s possible your things will get stolen or your lock will be turned backwards.
- Close your lock up and twist the dial a bit. If you leave it on the final number, it may open up again effortlessly, for someone other than you.Advertisement
Method 2: Opening When You Don’t Know Your Padlock’s Combination
- 1Apply pressure upward. This means taking your finger and wrapping it around the latch. It should pull up just a teeny bit when it’s locked.
- While you’re doing this, rotate the lock counterclockwise until it locks. You may have to apply a bit of strength to do this, but it won’t break it.
- 2Write down the numbers it locks at. Repeat this action 11 more times. Seven of the numbers you get will be between two digits; ignore those. Continue with the 5 outliers. Of those 5, 1 should not end in the same digit. That’s your third number.
- Obviously, it’s very important to know exactly where the lock stops at. Be diligent and take a keen eye to your lock.
- Use trial and error. You’re now down to just 100 possible combinations — that’s 15 minutes’ work. Your third number actually allows you to eliminate possible first and second numbers, believe it or not. It may take a bit, but it will open with perseverance.
- If your third number is 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, or 36:
- Your first number is either 0, 4, 8, 12, 20, 24, 28, 32, or 36.
- Your second number is either 0, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, or 38.
- If your third number is 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, or 37:
- Your first number is either 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, or 37.
- Your second number is either 1, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, or 39.
- If your third number is 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, or 38:
- Your first number is either 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, or 38.
- Your second number is either 2, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, or 0.
- If your third number is 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, or 39:
- Your first number is either 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, or 39.
- Your third number is either 3, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, or 1.
- If your third number is 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, or 36:
Tips and Tricks to Be a Master
- Do not panic if you’ve tried opening a locker combination many times, but there is no movement. It can take time but try to test all possible combinations and keep a note of them. Only do this when you are sure no one is around.
- Once you know the correct combination, do not force the shackle anymore. It can create friction and prevent your unlocking process.
- Jot down the last correct combination when the key is unlocked and keep it in a secret place. You certainly do not want anyone to know your numbers and open your locker.
- Do not tell or give that combination to anyone, including your friends. As for the school, they even set rules to prevent this.
- Try adding a little oil if you are sure to enter the correct combination, but the lock stays locked. There is very likely a fault with the internal hinge or lever.
- Contact the school’s administration or public place because they keep track of all the serial numbers and the combinations on combination locks.
- Check the quality of the lock regularly because it can be damaged at any time by external factors like collision and weather. Buy new or ask for another one if problems are detected to avoid encountering bad situations.
- Do not be afraid to communicate. Ask a random person for help, or save the locksmith’s phone number if you do not want to wait until the sun goes down and no one is there to help you.
- Before calling a locksmith, you need to know the basic information printed on the padlock, such as model number, manufacturer, and standard size, so that they can bring the right tools to fix it for you.
Conclusion
Try pushing up on the bottom of the locker’s handle as far as it will go, then swiftly jerk the handle towards you. Sometimes this movement can be just enough to free the latch. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask a teacher or custodian to help you—you aren’t the first and won’t be the last student with locker troubles.