3 Ways To Open Combination Locks Without A Code - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Open Combination Locks Without a Code PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Ray Lawrence

Last Updated: June 29, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Cracking the Code
    • |
  • Creating a Shim
    • |
  • Using the Serial Number
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Ray Lawrence. Ray Lawrence is a Locksmith and the Owner of NorCal Locksmith in the Placer County, California area. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in residential, commercial, and safe locksmithing services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the University of California-Chico. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,304,186 times.

Whoops! You’re totally blanking on your combination lock combo—but how are you supposed to get into your locker without busting out the bolt cutters? You’ve come to the right article. We’ve put together an easy, step-by-step guide to help you crack the code on your own. Still not having luck? Don’t give up just yet. We’ve also included a simple tutorial on how to open your lock with a homemade shim. If you’re still having some trouble, scroll to section 3 for a handy walkthrough on how to get your combo from the manufacturer. With any luck, you’ll have your lock opened in no time!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Cracking the Code

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  1. Step 1 Familiarize yourself with the lock. 1 Familiarize yourself with the lock. A lock has three main components. The shackle is the U-shaped piece which attaches it to an object. The dial is the portion with numbers that turns. The body is the rest of the lock. If you hold the lock with the shackle on top and the dial facing you, typically the locking mechanism is on the left side of the shackle.
  2. Step 2 Practice pressure. 2 Practice pressure. To find a lock combination you will need to pull up gently on the shackle. Too much pressure will make it impossible to turn the dial. Too little and the dial will spin freely. You should exert gentle pressure. This may take some practice. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Find the first number. 3 Find the first number. Pull up gently on the shackle and hold it in place. Turn the dial clockwise listening carefully until you hear the lock click.[1]
    • Start with a good deal of pressure and gently let up as you spin it around, until you meet resistance in only one place.
    • If the dial catches every few numbers, you are pulling too hard. If it never catches at all, you are not pulling enough. It should catch in only one place, making a click.
    • If the click happens when the dial is between two numbers, round up to the higher number.
    • Add 5 to that number and write it down. This is the first number in the combination.
  4. Step 4 Set the first number of the combination as your starting point. 4 Set the first number of the combination as your starting point. It may be helpful to spin the dial a few times before doing this to reset the lock.
  5. Step 5 Turn the dial counterclockwise to find the second number. 5 Turn the dial counterclockwise to find the second number. Maintaining gentle pressure on the shackle, turn the dial slowly. You should go all the way around the mechanism once before reaching the second number.
    • The lock will bump and catch as you turn.
    • Eventually the lock hit a point where it will be very difficult to turn. This stopping point is the second number. Note it on the same piece of paper.
  6. Step 6 Try combinations. 6 Try combinations. One method of finding the third number is to simply test every possible combination. Set your first two numbers as if you were ready to unlock. Then turn the dial clockwise very slowly, testing each possible combination.
    • At this point there should be only forty possible combinations.
    • You do not have to reset the first two numbers for each combination. Simply turn one number then tug. Repeat the process until the lock opens.
  7. Step 7 Test for the third number. 7 Test for the third number. A different method for finding the third number is to test the catch. Spin the dial clockwise a few times to reset the lock and set it at 0. Apply upwards pressure on the shackle and turn the dial clockwise.
    • The lock will catch several times, allowing for slight movement back and forth between two numbers.
    • Write down the number in the middle. For instance, if the lock catches between 33 and 35, write down 34 on a separate piece of paper. This is not necessarily the final number.
    • The lock will also catch partway between numbers. For example, the range might be between 27.5 and 29.5. If the middle number is not a whole number, such as 28.5, do not write it down. Lock combinations are always whole numbers.
    • Proceed all the way around the dial, writing down all the whole numbers where it catches. You should have four or five numbers written down.
    • Most of the numbers will fit a pattern, for instance all ending in 5. The one number that does not fit the pattern is the final number in your combination.[2]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Creating a Shim

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  1. Step 1 Consider your lock. 1 Consider your lock. Recently made locks are designed to be shim-proof by the manufacturers, although in some cases it is still possible to pick them.[3] This method will work better on older locks.
  2. Step 2 Identify where the locking mechanism is. 2 Identify where the locking mechanism is. In order to use a shim properly you need to be working with the place where the shackle locks, as working on the hinge will not accomplish anything.
    • Usually the locking mechanism is on the left side if you are looking at the lock with the shackle on top and the dial facing you.
  3. Step 3 Cut an aluminum can. 3 Cut an aluminum can. You can create a shim for yourself by cutting up a soda can.[4] Use scissors to cut off the top of the can, down the length and then to cut off the bottom.
    • You should be left with a single piece of aluminum that was once the body of the can and is now a wide strip of metal.
  4. Step 4 Cut a strip of metal. 4 Cut a strip of metal. Turn the aluminum horizontally, so you are cutting the shorter side of the material. This piece will be used to make the shim.
    • Cut a strip a little over one inch wide.
    • If any of the edges are ragged, trim them.[5]
  5. Step 5 Make two curved incisions. 5 Make two curved incisions. Hold the small strip of aluminum horizontally and cut two curves from the bottom, somewhat resembling the letter U.
    • Center the U in the middle of your strip.
    • Do not cut all the way to the top.
  6. Step 6 Make two diagonal incisions. 6 Make two diagonal incisions. Cutting from the bottom of the metal around a quarter of an inch from the base of the U, cut diagonally upwards to intersect with the top of the U and remove the triangles of material.
    • The result should be a strip of metal that looks something like the letter M, with the middle of the M curved instead of pointed. This will be the shim.
  7. Step 7 Fold the sides to make a handle. 7 Fold the sides to make a handle. Turn the top of the metal downward an eighth of an inch or so. Then fold the sides upward around the top of the strip of metal.
    • Folding the sides allows you to have a handle on the shim that will not cut your hand with a sharp edge.
  8. Step 8 Gently fold the shim around the shackle of the lock. 8 Gently fold the shim around the shackle of the lock. The U of the shim should face downward.
    • You will want to wrap the shim carefully around the outside first so it molds to the shape of the shaft.
    • When you have got the shape you want, turn the shim so the U is on the inner part of the shackle and your handle is on the outside of it.
    • Remember to do this on the side of the shackle that has the locking mechanism.
  9. Step 9 Press the shackle up as far as it will go and hold it in position with your finger. 9 Press the shackle up as far as it will go and hold it in position with your finger. Using your other hand, slowly work the shim into the crack between the shackle and the lock itself.
    • It will take a few minutes and you should not rush or force it.
    • When you have worked it in as far as it will go, stop.
  10. Step 10 Pop the lock. 10 Pop the lock. Pinch the shim with one hand. With the other hand, press the shackle down then pull it up. The lock should open.[6]
    11. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Using the Serial Number

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  1. Step 1 Locate the serial number. 1 Locate the serial number. If your lock has a number stamped on it, write it down. Some locks will not have a serial number.
  2. Step 2 Bring the lock to a distributor or retailer of the brand. 2 Bring the lock to a distributor or retailer of the brand. Ask the distributor to contact the manufacturer on your behalf to validate your ownership of the lock and provide you with the combination.
    • If the lock is attached to an object, for instance a box, retailers will likely not assist you.
    • Be aware that the retailer may charge a fee for this service.[7]
  3. Step 3 Submit a lost combination form directly to the manufacturers. 3 Submit a lost combination form directly to the manufacturers. Visit the manufacturer's website to find out if they offer this service.
    • Due to security concerns, manufacturers will likely not provide the combination over the phone or via email.
    • You may be required to furnish proof that you own the lock, such as a notarized document certifying your ownership.[8]
  4. Step 4 Consult the owner. 4 Consult the owner. If the lock belongs to a school or business, the administrators may have a list of combinations based on serial numbers. Write down the serial number to bring to the main office.
    • If the lock is attached to something, for instance a locker, be prepared to furnish proof that you have a right to access the belongings within the locker.[9]
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Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do you unlock a 4-digit combination lock without the code? Ray Lawrence Ray Lawrence Locksmith Ray Lawrence is a Locksmith and the Owner of NorCal Locksmith in the Placer County, California area. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in residential, commercial, and safe locksmithing services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the University of California-Chico. Ray Lawrence Ray Lawrence Locksmith Expert Answer Use a shim to find a flat spot next to each number and decode the lock until you have the correct combo. That's the basic process a locksmith would use with a Samsonite luggage lock with the wheels on it—they would use a shim and a flashlight and be able to determine what the code is just by looking at variations between those wheels. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 25
  • Question How do you unlock a 3 dial combination lock school locker without the code? Ray Lawrence Ray Lawrence Locksmith Ray Lawrence is a Locksmith and the Owner of NorCal Locksmith in the Placer County, California area. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in residential, commercial, and safe locksmithing services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the University of California-Chico. Ray Lawrence Ray Lawrence Locksmith Expert Answer Combination locks on school lockers usually have a series of numbers stamped on the back. A locksmith can plug that number into a program, which provides the original combo for that lock. With a Master Lock type of lock, move the dial and look for indicators from the shackle—as you get closer to the correct combo, the shackle will pop out a little bit further with each correct number. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 26
  • Question How do I open a combination chain lock without the code? Community Answer Community Answer Creating a "shim", as explained above, will allow you to open the lock without working the code. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 74 Helpful 97
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • As you get closer to the correct combo, the shackle will actually pop out a little bit further with each correct number.[10] Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Some of these methods may not work on all locks. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 3
  • Destroying or stealing the property of other people is a crime. Do not use any of these methods to tamper with a lock that is not yours, even for a prank. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 13
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about lock picking, check out our in-depth interview with Ray Lawrence.

References

  1. ↑ Ray Lawrence. Locksmith. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB7GHgvKdY0
  3. ↑ Ray Lawrence. Locksmith. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf84g5GkMQY#t=125
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf84g5GkMQY#t=125
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf84g5GkMQY#t=125
  7. ↑ http://www.masterlock.com/faq/LostCombinations/
  8. ↑ http://www.masterlock.com/faq/LostCombinations/
  9. ↑ http://www.americanlock.com/resources/obtain_a_lost_combination.jsp
More References (1)
  1. ↑ Ray Lawrence. Locksmith. Expert Interview

About This Article

Ray Lawrence Co-authored by: Ray Lawrence Locksmith This article was co-authored by Ray Lawrence. Ray Lawrence is a Locksmith and the Owner of NorCal Locksmith in the Placer County, California area. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in residential, commercial, and safe locksmithing services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the University of California-Chico. This article has been viewed 2,304,186 times. 4 votes - 50% Co-authors: 23 Updated: June 29, 2025 Views: 2,304,186 Categories: Locks and Keys Article SummaryX

To open combination locks without a code, start by pulling up on the dial and turning it clockwise until you hear the lock click. Then, check what number you're at, add 5 to that number, and write it down. Next, set the dial to that number and turn it counterclockwise until you hear it click again. Then, write down whatever number you're at. Finally, set the first 2 numbers of the combination and then slowly turn the dial clockwise, testing each number as you go, until you find the third number and unlock the lock. To learn how to open a combination lock using a shim, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Jul 7, 2018

    "I had a combination lock that I use for swimming pools. I forgot the combination, and lost the tag where it was..." more Rated this article:
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ray Lawrence Co-authored by: Ray Lawrence Locksmith 4 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 23 Updated: June 29, 2025 Views: 2,304,186 Anonymous

Anonymous

Jul 7, 2018

"I had a combination lock that I use for swimming pools. I forgot the combination, and lost the tag where it was..." more Rated this article: Michael Stewart

Michael Stewart

Aug 28, 2021

"OMG! Wow! It actually worked... I have a maintenance background and I used a modified stethoscope to listen for..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jan 5, 2018

"The entire flow was self explanatory and well written. I was stuck on the 2nd # before arriving at this page. I was..." more Lauren R.

Lauren R.

Jun 13, 2017

"Getting the first number is the hardest, but it does work. I found that adding 5 to the number was more like 4.5 to..." more Becky Raye

Becky Raye

Apr 26, 2020

"Just wanted to learn for when I locked out. I got a technique done and can open them pretty quick now." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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