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

Baggage is opened not only at domestic, but also at major foreign airports. Therefore, before traveling, you should carefully consider the issue of protecting your diplomat or suitcase. For example, buy a combination lock for your luggage or set a password on the built-in lock. You should write down the selected combination somewhere so you don’t forget. Because it will be very difficult to access the contents of the case without the code.

Ways to open a suitcase if the code is forgotten

First, try the factory combination. Usually manufacturers display something simple: a series of zeros or ones. If this does not help, there are 2 options left to solve the problem: breaking in (with or without damage to the lock) and contacting specialists.

Important! If you need to pick up the set code on an open suitcase, then simply unlock the lining from the side of the lock, unscrew the lock with a screwdriver, open it and change the settings.

How to determine the code by ear?

Method for suitcases with locks, the operating principle of which was invented in the last century. In models with an upgraded security system, the click - the identification signal of the correctly set number - will not be heard. However, it is still worth trying the method. To do this, press the open button and, without releasing it, slowly rotate 1 of the wheels with numbers. If at the next turn an unusual sound is heard, then the set number is correct.

Try familiar combinations of numbers

The principle only works with people who know at least 1 or 2 digits from the code, as well as with those who use significant dates when setting passwords. Otherwise, it is better to refuse brute force: the lock will be blocked or broken before the correct combination is found.

If, contrary to the recommendations, you dare to select, then take a piece of paper with a pen and first write down all the valid combinations (go from smallest to largest, from 000 to 999). There will be a lot of them, perhaps several thousand (depending on the number of numbers in the code). Then check each option in order and cross off from the list those that failed to open the suitcase.

Undo the zipper

This method will definitely work, regardless of your hacking skills. True, it does not guarantee the safety of the zipper and lock. But if no other option helps, then simply pierce the clasp with the rod from the handle. It can be torn apart. For example, a blade.

Important! If you break 1-2 teeth of the zipper, it will come apart. Break the one that is closest to the top edge of the zipper (this end is opposite the base of the zipper). By doing this, you can do without replacing the fastener. You will just need to sew the fastener together 2-3 cloves below the place where the clove is broken.

Using a paper clip

You can try to push it under the latch and pry off the last one. The second method is only suitable for padlocks and key locks. They create a master key for them:

• the paper clip is completely unbent;
• then bend in the shape of the letter L;
• then insert it into the lock and rotate the paperclip in the direction in which the key is turned.

If it was not possible to open 1 paper clip, then insert a second one, and then rotate both of them and slowly insert and pull out until the master keys fit into the pins.

Important! For breaking a lock with a homemade “key” there is a criminal penalty. Therefore, do not try to open your case or diplomat in front of strangers. This is definitely not worth doing at the airport.

How can I unlock the code?

Algorithm of actions:

• place the suitcase so that the opening button is on the right hand;
• Shine a flashlight into the gap of the protective mechanism and see the cap (dialing code) and its leg;
• twist the cap of each wheel with a sharp, thin object until a notch appears:
• when all 3 or 4 elements are facing you, write down the number reflected on the wheel on paper (for example, take 157);
• and then unscrew each wheel clockwise by 3 numbers forward (in the end, 157 will turn into 824);
• 824 is the required code.

The second method is based on the same principle. You will also have to use a flashlight to illuminate the gap between the lock and the suitcase. However, specifically in this method, the groove serves as a guide. A correctly selected number will simply fit into the groove and fit into it. The wrong one will remain at the top.

How to deal with a padlock?

Nippers and tools with a similar operating principle will come to the rescue. If you don’t want to spoil the lock on your key, then take:

• a pen (the template is circled with it);
• battery (can be replaced with a drink can);
• pliers;
• scissors;
• and a template (looks like a small letter T).

If you take the battery, the next step is to remove the metal film from it. This is easy to do with pliers. The film that has already been removed is straightened (just beat it off with some tool), and then a master key blank is cut out of it according to the “T” template.

They work differently with a tin can. First, the top and bottom are removed, and the middle part is cut so that the end result is a metal sheet. From it, in the same way as in the previous version, a master key is made according to a template.

Once cut, take pliers and use them to slightly round the edges at the “T”. Then determine the free end of the lock arc - that is, the end that opens and is not soldered to the body. The master key will need to be placed in the space between the free end of the arc and the body. Once it's in, wrap the sides of the "T" around the arc of the lock (they should fit snugly), and then turn it 90 degrees. A quiet click will be heard and the opening mechanism will operate.

Advice for a tourist with a suitcase

Most often, a new combination of numbers slips out of your head, rather than a constantly used one. Systematically changing your password is a sign of anxiety and a desire to protect your property with all your might. But the code is not the only and not the most reliable way to protect luggage from theft. In fact attackers work on a tip. They choose a victim based on his appearance, the cost of travel luggage and scan results. Then an ordinary pen comes into play - with its help, experienced thieves open any lock and zipper in a matter of moments.

However, the more barriers, the longer the criminal will have to pore over the hack.Based on this, we get the basic rules of behavior for a traveler:

• you need to buy suitcases in which after the main zipper there is a hidden additional one;
• it is necessary to use not only the lock on the suitcase, but also a specialized belt with a code (put on over the wrapped travel bag);
• on the road you should wear simple clothes and shoes, and you should avoid expensive accessories and jewelry altogether;
• externally, the suitcase should look inexpensive (or pack it in an opaque case, which, among other things, will also act as a protective barrier).

When getting ready to travel, keep in mind that packing film will take a few extra moments from thieves, which will increase the chances of keeping your luggage. If the theft does take place, then the cut film will immediately report this, and the timely detection of missing items is not in the hands of the robbers. Therefore, it is not worth saving at this point.

Important! Be sure to take a photo of the already wrapped suitcase directly at the airport itself. This will be proof.

If you don’t have money for wrapping at the airport, then at least wrap your bag with cling film at home several times. Well don't forget to write down the codes (even better, take a photo of the combination on your phone and your spouse’s phone, so you won’t forget anything), and also don’t put anything valuable in your checked suitcase - put such things in your hand luggage, which you can take with you on board.

These simple activities will reduce your level of anxiety, and then you will lose the desire to come up with new intricate codes every time (in fact, you don’t need to change them all the time, for safety it’s enough to use 2 combinations alternately) - as a result, you won’t have to break your head or your suitcase.