How to change or reset the code on a suitcase?

It is impossible to travel without a suitcase - you should always have a minimum set of necessary things with you. Their safety is ensured by a combination lock. But there are situations when the owner of the suitcase forgets the combination of numbers he came up with. The problem is completely solvable, stay calm and try the methods we suggest, from simple to complex. Radical measures are resorted to only in extreme cases.

How does a lock on a suitcase “work”?

Before closing the suitcase, the user sets a combination of numbers known only to him and locks the lock. To open it, you need to align the disks of special cylinders so that the previously entered number appears in the slots. When all numbers are set in the correct order, the locking device will release and the lock will open.

The lock is convenient to use, and there are several reasons for this:

• no need to store a key that could be lost;
• The digital combination can be replaced every time the suitcase is used;
• communicating the code to your family (or, if necessary, to someone else) will make it possible for everyone involved to use the suitcase without handing over the keys; again, they may get lost.

Unfortunately, there is a flip side to the coin - the combination lock also has a lot of disadvantages:

• numbers are easily forgotten, especially if the item has not been used for a long time. A suitcase lock is just that item that is needed only from time to time;
• the use of dates of birth, addresses, known numbers (for example, Pi, E) in the code combination makes the process of selecting a code for “specialists” elementary;
• a code written down on paper increases the likelihood that the lock will be opened by a stranger. You can also spy on it, especially if it was opened and closed at the airport.

What to do if you forgot the code for your suitcase?

There are several ways to select a digital lock code. They are simple and humane, but can be time-consuming. If you need to quickly open a suitcase, more radical methods are used that do not spare the locking mechanism and zipper.

The best way to open the lock is to contact a specialist who will not only free your things, but will help you set a new code and lubricate the mechanism. However, you will need to pay a certain amount to solve the problem and service the lock, and also prove that you are the owner of the suitcase (for example, using a luggage receipt, warranty card or check).

If for some reason you do not contact a specialist, try to deal with the problem yourself using the methods listed below. Choose those that seem most suitable to you.Remember that extreme methods of opening will inevitably entail additional costs.

We look at the type of lock

Combination locks installed on suitcases come in two types:

• fixed;
• mounted

Locks of the first type are located on the upper outer panel of the suitcase and are fixed to it with bolts. You can see the fastenings by opening the zipper on the lining. In some cases, emergency opening of the lock operates through its removal from the bolts.

Combination padlocks are a metal structure with an eyelet and disks for entering a code, which ensures the safety of luggage.

To open a certain type of lock, you need to understand what the locking device is in this case.. In the case of a fixed lock, you need to operate the wheels with numbers, which, if all the code numbers match, will unlock the bolt and the lock will open. If we are dealing with a padlock, then the discs can be opened only through a force load on the lock eye.

Ways to crack a password

Factory settings usually consist of three “0s” or three “1s”. Try typing these combinations first. If it doesn’t help, move on to another method.

Think about what numbers you could choose as a password - random ones or the dates of some significant events. Choose combinations for birthdays, weddings, diploma defense, birth of a child, etc. If it doesn’t work out, don’t despair. Let's do it differently.

Slowly rotate the dial wheel and listen to the sounds. A characteristic click will indicate that the disk needs to be stopped at this point. Repeat the same action with the two remaining mechanisms. Open the lock latch.

Important! This method is easier to use if you close your eyes in complete silence and listen to the clicks.

This method is not suitable for high-quality products: the wheels of the disks rotate silently there. No matter how much you strain your ears - with your eyes open or closed - you will not be able to hear or change anything. But you can use one more method - a simple selection of code numbers starting from 001, 002, 003 and so on until the correct numbers. Of course, this is a long time, perhaps even a couple of hours. But the result is guaranteed, sooner or later the code combination will fall into place, and the lock and clasps of the suitcase will remain safe and sound.

As you spin the wheels, you will notice a small gap underneath the disc. This is a signal that the desired number has been found. Continue spinning the remaining dials. If the number is incorrect, nothing will be visible; with the correct number, you will see a small groove at the bottom. Set all values ​​and open the suitcase. If that doesn’t work, try synchronously turning all the numbers 1-2 divisions left and right until the lock releases.

In a similar way, you can work with disks without turning them, but using a flashlight to illuminate the gap between the wheel and the lock body. A small notch opposite the number indicates that the required number has been found. Work in this way on all the disks, and the result will help you open the suitcase. An alternative to this method is to work not with a flashlight, but with a thin object such as an open paper clip, which should feel a recess in the gap between the disk and the lock panel.

A combination padlock can be “listened” by pulling the steel tab firmly and turning the wheels. A light click will help determine the correct number on the disk.

Mechanical methods to open a suitcase

If you are the owner of a premium suitcase, then you definitely won’t need the following methods. And you can try to cope with simpler models, prying the latch on the lock with a simple nail file, a thin minus screwdriver, or a knife blade.

Nothing helped - there are drastic methods:

1. The padlock is simply sawed off or cut if you have the right tools;
2. The suitcase can be opened through the zipper, and then unscrew the lock and, removing the back cover, unlock the stops. In this method, the zipper is sacrificed: by inserting a pen or screwdriver (file) into its center, move the left and right parts apart. That's it, the suitcase is open. Hurry to repair the zipper or sew in a new one. Only specialists can handle this.

How to reset the password on a Samsonite suitcase?

There are different models of TSA combination locks installed on suitcases. In order to change the factory settings, follow these steps:

1. Set the code numbers to 000;
2. Use a pin or a handle to press the button into the body;
3. We dial a new digital combination while pressing the button;
4. Let go of the pin. The new code has been installed.

Important! In some modifications of locks, when you press the button, it is fixed in the body. Reset is performed by pressing again.

Step-by-step replacement of a combination lock on a suitcase

To prevent theft of items from your luggage, you need to change the factory code settings, consisting of three “0s” (three “1s”), to a combination of numbers known only to you and remember it. To avoid hackers from opening your suitcase by selecting numbers, do not use your address, date of birth, or other significant events.

Setting up a fixed lock:

1. Open the suitcase and use the button or lever on the side to block the code;
2. Now lock the button in the recessed position, move the lever to the right side and then up;
3. With the locks in this position, enter the required numbers for the new combination;
4. Release the button and return the lever to its original position.
5. Replacing the padlock code:
6. Unlock the suitcase by entering the factory code;
7. In the open position, turn the metal eye of the lock 90 or 180 degrees and recess it slightly into the body;
8. Dial a new digital combination by turning the dials on the lock;
9. Release the lock shackle.