Combination Locks

[sft42]

I've just acquired a rather nice pilots case......only problem is that the thing didn't come with the numbers for the small 3 dial combination lock....does anyone know how to find out the combination without going through every possible one?

PS. There is no reset switch at the rear of the locks.

[mikecabs]

The three dials on the sort of lock you have sound like the type that have a "gate" at the number corresponding to combination. Unless the locks are very well machined slight irregularities will mean that if you put pressure on the release slide button, as if to open the case, one of the dials will get trapped by the lug on the back side of the slide button. Keep the other two dials where they are and advance the trapped dial one number at a time untill it is no longer trapped when you put pressure on the slide. All being well another of the dials will now be trapped and you can repeat the process hopefully finishing with the dials at the right combination. Good luck

[sft42]

The locks are very well machined!!! I have tried this method.....any other ideas anyone?

[feelap]

I can think of 4 ways. 1) Get comfy, have patience and start from 000-999. 2) A small hammer and a can of WD40, spray WD40 into the locking bit and hit it sharply with the hammer. 3) Buy a padlock. 4) Buy a new case. Thats the only ways i know how mate.

[Gef]

Steal another one which isn't locked - LOL

[darth vader]

sorry to sound pi$$y but you could have tried all 999 combinations by now....

[paulperoni]

I'm sure if you returned the case to its owner, he or she would be able to tell you the combination! If you actaully bought it from a shop, the combination by default is 'usually' alwasy 000 until you make one of your own up.

[mikecabs]

If as you say my previous sugestion didn't work because the locks have no irregularities in them, try advancing all three dials at a time and then put pressure on the slide to see if one of the dials becomes loose (at the right position). Failing that it looks as though you are going to have to go through all the combinations untill you find the right one.

[jenstar]

Have patience... I was once given a four-digit combination lock for my bike but didn't have the combination so I went through systematically from 0000, checking them all. And the right combination was 6250.

[sft42]

HAHA...finally got the beggur....you had to have both locks at the right combination at the same time!!!......changed the numbers to something i won't forget in a hurry anyway!!!!!!!!!