Are cheap "programmable" combination padlocks known to change their own combinations?

Are cheap "programmable" combination padlocks known to change their own combinations?

8/5/2016 3:47:43 PM

Here’s a trick I learned many years ago when I used to work in a stationary/office supply shop, it always helped me unlock ANY padlock with a combination. You’d be surprised of the number of people who come back the next day to return the padlock/briefcase because they forgot the combination. This should be useful to any traveler since padlocks are always there and the chances of forgetting the combination is high. Even worse, they do change their own combination at times as you faced.

First, Here’s a diagram so we know what are we talking about:

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Step 1:

Push the rotating dial to one side, making the space between the wheel and the lock larger so you can see through. You will find that the wheel is inserted in a bar/rod. The bar should be visible at this point.

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Step 2:

Move the rotating dial one number at a time, until you find a groove in the bar. It should be a small groove/dent, there might be more than on groove, any one will do. Do the same on the rest of the wheels, making sure that all wheels now are on the digits where the same groove was visible. You might need a flash light if the space is too small.

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Step 3:

Now that all wheels are aligned as in step 2, move all the digits one number up. So, if the combination from the previous step was “111”, then move it to “222”. Or if it was “157”, the move it to “268”. Try to unlock, if not unlocking, then move them 1 step up, and so on. One of these 10 combinations will unlock it for sure.

The above is only to help you in case you forgot your own combination, not to steal bikes or so 🙂

8/5/2016 9:45:07 AM

Yes, I’m afraid it does happen, I have a bike lock that has done this three times and counting now! Most typically a digit at the beginning or the end of the combination increments or decrements by one, so if your combination was 5555, try 6555, 4555, 5556 and 5554.

Also, if this didn’t work, I’m fairly sure buying a bolt cutter and a replacement lock would be cheaper than calling in a locksmith.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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