How To Open A Combination Locker Lock

How to Open a Combination Locker Lock

There you are on the first day of school with minutes to spare before the bell rings—and the unthinkable strikes. Your locker won't open. This can definitely be a stressful situation but try to keep your cool, nerves and opening lockers are never a good mix. By following a few easy steps, we can help you open a combination locker lock and get back into your locker quickly.

You Know the Combination, But Your Locker Won't Open

You spent hours memorizing it, so you know you have the right combination but unfortunately, your locker isn't so convinced. Chances are, you might've missed a step when dialing your combination. Refresh your memory by printing our helpful cheat sheet to keep on hand until you've mastered the steps.

Step 1: Spin the dial to enter your combination

To begin, spin the dial at least three times to the right. This will clear out all the codes so you can start fresh. (Feel free to do this anytime you make a mistake and need a do-over!) After three spins, stop at the first number (ensure that the indicator arrow is perfectly lined up with the number). On your next spin, turn the dial to the left, skipping zero and your first number, and stop at your second number. For the third number, turn the dial right again and spin the dial to your last number.

☛  Tip: Remember to spin the dial right, left, right. 

Step 2: Open the Lock

With the arrow still lined up with your last digit, you should now be able to open the lock by pulling up or down on the shackle (the loop part) which will pop open. Once the lock is open, you can lift or pull the handle to open the locker door and that's it, you're in!

What to Do if Your Locker Still Won't Open

Keep in mind, some locker locks tend to be pickier than others. If it’s still not opening, start over with three spins to the right. Slowly re-enter your combination to make sure you aren't skipping any steps. Another possibility is that your locker is jammed. Jams happen when the latch is blocked, which prevents it from moving up and down. Latches can get snagged on jackets, bags, clothes and other items, which means you will need to apply some pressure to free it. 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.

Not sure where to buy locker locks for your school or gym locker? We offer a variety of easy to open locker locks including ADA-inspired styles and more. Shop built-in locker locks, padlocks and combination locks for hallways, locker rooms and more.