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Categories
Youth
School Stuff
Lockers
How to Open Your Locker Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Opening When You Know Your Padlock's Combination 2 Opening When You Don't Know Your Padlock's Combination Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Ray Lawrence
Last Updated: November 4, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article 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 2,569,166 times.
If there are lockers with locks at your school, you'll probably want to get used to opening yours quickly. Don't worry; it gets easier with practice. See Step 1 to begin learning how to open 99% of all standard school lockers.
(Note: some locks may open differently)
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Opening When You Know Your Padlock's Combination
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1 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.
2 Enter your combination. Turn the dial to the right and stop at your first number. Always start with a turn to the right![1]XResearch source [2]XResearch source
For your second number, turn the dial to the left, going past zero and your first number. Then stop at your second number.[3]XResearch source
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.[4]XResearch source
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
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3 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.[5]XResearch source
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.
4 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 Method 2 of 2:
Opening When You Don't Know Your Padlock's Combination
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1 Apply 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.
2 Write 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.[6]XResearch source
Obviously, it's very important to know exactly where the lock stops at. Be diligent and take a keen eye to your lock.
3 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.
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Expert Q&A
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Question How would a locksmith open a combination lock if I forgot the code? 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 Locksmith Expert Answer Combination locks often have a series of numbers stamped on the back and as locksmiths, we have access to programs where we can input that code and it'll provide the original combo for that lock. If the code is not available, then most locksmiths would cut it off and replace it because of the cost of the lock versus the labor to open it. 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 12 Helpful 31
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Video
Tips
Memorize your combination. If you choose to write it down, write it someplace safe or hidden. Also, don't write your combination in the same place as your locker number.[7]X Trustworthy Source UnderstoodNonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
When you're done getting your books or anything you need out, close the locker shut and turn it to zero. Thanks Helpful 61 Not Helpful 14
Never give away your locker code. Your school may also have rules against this. Thanks Helpful 70 Not Helpful 22
Show More Tips
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
To remember your combination, write it secretly as a math equation in each notebook, like "42+78=9" for a combo of 42-78-9. This disguises it from peers who may be watching. Never share your combo!
Don't get discouraged if you struggle with doing your combo at first. Keep calmly practicing the sequence of rights and lefts. In time you'll commit your locker's unique pattern to muscle memory.
When done fetching items, re-lock your locker but leave the combo one digit to the left or right of the last number. This saves time re-entering it later yet still secures the contents.
If turning the stiff dial becomes difficult, lubricating the lock may help. But very old locks may need replacement by the school. Persistently sticky turning could mean inner damage.
Beware of onlookers when unlocking! First scan around before beginning your combo to ensure no one is blatantly watching your code. Protect your privacy.
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
Don't leave anything, especially valuables, in your locker. Lockers are fine for keeping your classmates away from your gym clothes and other supplies, but they're really not that secure. Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 5
Never share your lock combination. Your stuff will get stolen. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 8
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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 2,569,166 times. 442 votes - 62% Co-authors: 96Updated: November 4, 2025 Views: 2,569,166 Categories: LockersArticle SummaryX
To open your locker, start by spinning the dial clockwise, or to the right, at least 3 full turns to clear the dial from any other numbers. Then, turn the dial to the right and stop at the first number in your combination. After you have stopped at your first number, turn the dial to the left past "0" and stop on your second number. Finally, turn the dial to the right and go directly to the last number. You should now be able to open your locker by pulling the latch or opening the lock. To learn how to open your locker if you don't have the combination, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Steven Henthorn
Jan 7, 2019
"Purchased lock for my gym locker, then a few weeks later went on vacation. When I got back, I could not remember the combination or find the little piece of paper. I looked at your information, and after getting the 3rd number, I soon found the other 2."..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ray Lawrence Locksmith 442 votes - 62% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 96Updated: November 4, 2025 Views: 2,569,166
Steven Henthorn
Jan 7, 2019
"Purchased lock for my gym locker, then a few weeks later went on vacation. When I got back, I could not remember the combination or find the little piece of paper. I looked at your information, and after getting the 3rd number, I soon found the other 2."..." more Rated this article:
Anonymous
Apr 15, 2018
"Well its almost my first day of middle school. I didn't really know how to open a locker but when I came here it helped a lot. The part that helped me out the most is "how to open your locker combination". Thanks for creating this website!"..." more
Cheez I.
Dec 13, 2023
"I was in P.E. and I still couldn't open a locker. I had no success with videos or up-close observations, but with this article's help, I could look back and memorize how to open my locker."..." more
Anonymous
Aug 8, 2017
"The video and the sentences helped a lot, actually. I figured out at school that I did my locker backwards and went left, right, left instead of right, left, right."..." more
Fahad Muhammad
Apr 17, 2019
"I am so amazed. I bought a combination lock for my work locker, but had real trouble operating it. But I found these extremely helpful instructions that worked!"..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Opening When You Know Your Padlock's Combination 2 Opening When You Don't Know Your Padlock's Combination Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Ray Lawrence 
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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 2,569,166 times. 442 votes - 62% Co-authors: 96 Updated: November 4, 2025 Views: 2,569,166 Categories: Lockers Article SummaryX
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1 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. 
2 Enter your combination. Turn the dial to the right and stop at your first number. Always start with a turn to the right![1] [2] 
3 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.[5] 
4 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. 
1 Apply 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. 
2 Write 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.[6] 
3 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. 
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. 