How to Open a 3 Digit Combination Lock: An Easy Guide

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: May 20, 2022 References

At some point or another, you'll probably need to use a combination lock. These can seem a little tricky if you've never opened one before, but don't worry! We'll walk you through the process of opening a 3-digit lock that has 3 dials as well as a circular spinning lock. We'll also show you what to do if you've lost the combination or need to reset the code.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Opening a 3-Digit Lock

1
Spin each dial to enter 3 numbers if you have a 3-dial lock. Depending on your lock, this might mean that you line up the combination with a marker line on the wide-flat side, or you spin each of the 3 dials so the combination is visible on the narrow side of the lock. Then, pull up on the shackle to open the lock.^{[1]
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- Some locks have a red or green stripe running down 1 side. When you enter the combination, line up the digits, so the line passes through them.
- If your lock doesn't immediately spring up, push down on the metal shackle before you pull it up.
- If you're opening a 3-digit combination lock on a suitcase or briefcase, you might also have to push down on a button or latch after you enter the combination.^{[2]
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2
Turn the dial right, left, and right if you're opening a spinning lock. Spin your circular lock dial 2 or 3 times to the right to clear it. Stop at the first number of the combination. Turn the dial left for 1 full turn, so you pass the first number and stop at the second number. Then, turn the dial right and stop at the third number of the combination. Pull up on the shackle to open the lock.^{[3]
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3
Check that you lined up the numbers if the lock doesn't open. Sometimes, you might enter the correct combination, but if each digit doesn't line up with the stripe or marker, the lock won't recognize the combination. Line up the numbers perfectly and try again.
- If you don't get a spinning lock open on the first try, slow down and try it again. Don't forget to spin the dial to the right to clear the numbers.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Opening a 3-Digit Lock without a Code

1
Pull down on the lock if you don't know the combination. Put the shackle on a hook, so you can pull on the body of the lock. This applies pressure, so you'll be able to tell when you're finding the correct numbers of the code.^{[4]
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- If you don't have a hook, put your index finger through the shackle and pull up to apply pressure on the body.
2
Spin the top number slowly until you feel or hear a small click. Keep putting pressure on the body of the lock and spin the top dial until you feel some tension—like the number is sticky. You might hear a faint click, which means you've found the right number.^{[5]
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- It's a good idea to write down the numbers of the combination as you work. This way, you won't forget them again!
3
Spin the middle and bottom numbers until they catch. Take your time and maintain the pressure on the body of the lock. Once you have the correct combination, the shackle will release.^{[6]
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- This does take a little time, but if you listen and feel for the clicks, you'll find the correct combination.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Opening a Spinning Lock without a Code

1
Push up on the shackle to apply pressure to the body. Put your index finger through the curved metal shackle and push up. This takes a little skill—you want just the right amount of pressure, so you can sense when you've caught one of the combination numbers. If you find that the dial doesn't spin easily at all, release some pressure. If it spins too freely, put a bit more pressure on the shackle.^{[7]
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2
Spin the dial to the right until it catches on a number and add 5. Keep applying pressure on the shackle while you do this. Stop spinning the dial to the right when it feels like it gets caught on a sticky number. Take note of the number and add 5 to it. This is the first number in your combination.^{[8]
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- For example, if the dial sticks on 7, add 5 to that to get 12 as your first number. Write this down.
3
Apply more pressure and turn the dial to the left to find the second number. Keep spinning the dial counterclockwise until you can't move it anymore and make note of the number. Then, release a little pressure and spin the dial back and forth between that number and 0. Stop when the dial catches on a number. This is the second number in your combination.^{[9]
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- If it seems like the dial stops between 2 numbers, round up and use the larger one. For instance, if the dial catches between 21 and 22, go with 22.
4
Clear the dial and enter the first 2 numbers of your combination. To find the last digit in the combination, spin the dial at least 2 or 3 times to the right to clear out the numbers. Stop at the first number of your code. Then, spin the dial left for 1 full turn and stop at your second number.^{[10]
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- You don't have to apply pressure on the shackle when you're entering the first 2 numbers.
5
Turn the dial left by 2 digits and apply pressure to find the last number. From your second number in the code, move the dial counterclockwise by 2 and try to pull up on the shackle. If it doesn't open, move the dial back by 2 and try the shackle again. Repeat this until the shackle opens—when it does, it means the dial is now on the third number of your combination.^{[11]
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- Write down the entire combination and put the code in a safe place.
- Note that standard spinning combination locks come preset with a code and you can't reset them.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Resetting a 3-Dial Lock

1
Set the lock to your combination and pull out the shackle. Turn the 3 dials, so the correct combination is visible on the side of your lock. Then, pull up on the curved metal shackle at the top of the lock to open it.^{[12]
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- If you've never set the combination, use the factory combination 0-0-0. This allows you to set the combination.
2
Turn the shackle counterclockwise by 90° and push it down. Hold the lock so the 3 digits on the side are facing you. Then, turn the metal shackle to the left by 1/4 turn—this is 90°. Push the shackle down.^{[13]
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- Since you'll need to keep the shackle depressed, it helps to hold the lock between your thumb and forefinger.
3
Keep pushing the shackle down and turn it another 90°. Turn it clockwise by another 1/4 turn. This will allow you to reset the combination to a passcode of your choice.^{[14]
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4
Turn the 3 dials to the combination you'd like to use. Set the top number first, followed by the middle digit, and the last digit. Remember to keep the shackle pushed down while you're setting the code.^{[15]
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5
Lift the shackle up and turn it clockwise to close the lock. Let go of the shackle and pull it up, so you can move it. Turn the shackle back to the original position and push it down to lock it.^{[16]
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- If you wrote down the new combination, store it in a safe location or memorize it instead.