How to Open & Reset a 3 Digit Combination Lock

Learn to open any 3-digit dial or spinning lock, even without the code

Co-authored by Ray Lawrence and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: March 6, 2026 Fact Checked

• 3-Dial Lock (No Code)
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• Spinning Lock (No Code)
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• 3-Digit Lock with Code
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• Resetting a 3-Dial Lock
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A

|Show more |Show less

Forgetting the combination to a lock can be a hassle, but did you know you may be able to open it even without the code? Whether you need to open a TSA lock to get into your suitcase or you can’t remember the combination to your locker, we’ve got you covered. We’re explaining how to open 3-dial locks and spinning locks without the combination, plus refreshing your memory on how to open locks with the combination and even how to reset the combination.

Opening 3-Digit Combination Locks without the Code

1. Pull up on the shackle to apply pressure.
2. Spin the bottom dial until it lands on a number where it rotates more loosely.
3. Repeat that process for the other two dials.
4. Open the lock once you find all 3 numbers.
5. Write down the combination so you don’t forget it again.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Opening a 3-Dial Lock without a Code

1. 
   1
   Pull up firmly on the shackle to apply pressure. Pull up on the shackle, which is the hook at the top of the lock. This applies pressure, so you'll be able to tell when you're finding the correct numbers of the code.

   • For even more pressure, slide a key or a hook through the lock’s shackle, then pull down on the lock to apply pressure.
2. 
   2
   Spin the bottom number slowly until you feel it loosen or hear a small click. Keep putting pressure on the body of the lock and spin the bottom dial. It will feel stiff—when it spins more freely, you’ve found the right number. You might also hear a faint click when you turn to the correct digit.

   • Some people recommend starting with the dial that feels the stiffest instead of working your way from the bottom to the top—it’s a little easier to feel when the dial turns to the right number.
   • It's a good idea to write down each number as you find it. That way, you won't forget them again!
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3. 
   3
   Spin the middle and top numbers until they catch. Take your time and maintain the pressure on the body of the lock. Repeat the step above for the second dial, stopping when the number feels loose. Then, spin the third dial—once you have the correct combination, the shackle will release.

   • If you started with the stiffest dial, do the second-stiffest dial second, and the loosest dial last.
   • This does take a little time, but if you listen and feel for the clicks, you'll find the correct combination.
4. 4
   Try the brute force method if that doesn’t work. If you aren’t able to decode the combination with the steps above, don’t give up. There are exactly 1,000 combinations you can make with a 3-dial lock, assuming each dial runs from 0 to 9. Start with the combination 0-0-0, pulling on the lock to see if it opens. If it doesn’t, go to 0-0-1, then 0-0-2, and so on, until you find the right number and the lock opens.

   • This can take a little while, but if you’re patient, it can help you find the combination to your lock.
   • 0-0-0, 9-9-9, and 1-2-3 are all common defaults, so you might want to try each of those before going through the rest of the numbers.
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Section 2 of 4:

Opening a Spinning Lock without a Code

1. 
   1
   Pull up on the shackle to apply pressure to the body. If you need to open a combination lock without the code, put your index finger through the curved metal shackle and pull up. This takes a little skill—you want just the right amount of pressure, so there’s some resistance when you spin the 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.
2. 
   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.

   • If it seems like the dial stops between 2 numbers, round up and use the larger one. For instance, if the dial catches between 6 and 7, go with 7.
   • If the dial sticks on 7, add 5 to that to get 12 as your first number. Write this down.
3. 
   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—this may take a few full spins. Make note of the number where the dial stops. 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.

   • For instance, if the dial stops on 16, you’d rotate the dial between 0 and 16 until you find where the dial catches. Write that number down.
4. 
   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.

   • You don't have to apply pressure on the shackle when you're entering the first 2 numbers.
5. 
   5
   Apply pressure and turn the dial left slowly to find the last number. With the dial on the second number in the combination, pull up on the shackle as hard as you can. Move the dial counterclockwise by 2 numbers and 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, you’ve found the final number of your combination.

   • Write down the entire combination and put the code in a safe place.
   • Locksmith Ray Lawrence says that if you can’t open a combination lock, check the back for a series of numbers. He says that locksmiths have access to programs where they can input the code from the back of the lock to get the original combination.
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Section 3 of 4:

Opening a 3-Digit Lock with the Code

1. 
   1
   3-dial locks Turn each dial to the number in your combination. For instance, if your combination is 4-2-3, you’d turn the top or left-most dial to 4, the middle dial to 2, and the last dial to 3. Once you’ve entered the code, pull up on the shackle to open the lock.

   • Depending on your style of lock, the dials might need to line up with a marker line, the center of each wheel, or the narrow side of the lock. You might also have to push down on a button or latch after you enter the combination.
   • If your lock doesn't immediately spring up, push down on the metal shackle, then pull up.
   • If the lock doesn’t open, check that the numbers are lined up properly. If each digit doesn't line up with the stripe or marker, the lock won't recognize the combination.
2. 
   2
   Spinning locks 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 one full turn, bypassing 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.

   • 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.
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Section 4 of 4:

Resetting a 3-Dial Lock

1. 
   1
   Set the lock to your combination and pull out the shackle. Turn the 3 dials to the correct combination. Then, pull up on the curved metal shackle at the top of the lock to open it.

   • If you've never set the combination, use the factory combination (usually 0-0-0) to open the lock.
2. 
   2
   Turn the shackle counterclockwise by 90° and push it down. Hold the lock so the combination faces you. Turn the metal shackle to the left by a quarter turn—this is 90°. Push the shackle down.

   • Since you'll need to keep the shackle depressed, it helps to hold the lock between your thumb and forefinger.
3. 
   3
   Keep pushing the shackle down and turn it another 90°. Turn it clockwise by another quarter turn. This will allow you to reset the combination to a passcode of your choice.
4. 
   4
   Turn the 3 dials to the combination you'd like to use. Set the top number first, followed by the middle digit, then the last digit. Remember to keep the shackle pushed down while you're setting the code.
5. 
   5
   Lift the shackle up and turn it clockwise to close the lock. Let go of the shackle and pull it up. Turn the shackle back to the original position and push it down to lock it.

   • If you wrote down the new combination, store it in a safe location.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How would a locksmith open a combination lock if I forgot the code?

  

  Ray Lawrence
  Locksmith

  Ray Lawrence is a Locksmith and the Owner of NorCal Locksmith in the Placer County, California area. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in residential, commercial, and safe locksmithing services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the University of California-Chico.

  

  Ray Lawrence

  Locksmith

  Expert Answer

  Combination locks often have a series of numbers stamped on the back and as locksmiths, we have access to programs where we can input that code and it'll provide the original combo for that lock. If the code is not available, then most locksmiths would cut it off and replace it because of the cost of the lock versus the labor to open it.

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  Not Helpful 19 Helpful 29
• Question

  What should I do if my lock is stuck turned 180 degrees and won't move or let me reset the code?

  

  7e12 7e12

  Top Answerer

  Try gently tapping the lock with a rubber or soft hammer to see if it dislodges any internal issues.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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