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For how to change a combination lock, you need to know some general information. From there you need to know what type of lock you are dealing with. Not just if it is mechanical or an electronic lock, but what type of device the combination lock is installed on, and how that affects what will need to be done to change the combination lock. For example, to change a safe combination, digital, or otherwise, will be different than what you can do with a padlock or a door lock. Variation matters. It matters so much in fact that most of this information might not be specific enough to your situation. However, this is the best mix of general and specific information that can be blended together. General advice when changing combination locks
What is the combination lock installed on?Combination locks are used on a variety of different devices. Where the lock is being used will actually tell you quite a bit about it. For instance, it can help you narrow down the proper method to change the combination. Here are some things that are important to how to change combination locks on the following devices. 1. Change Safe CombinationThe most difficult method for how to change a combination lock is likely to be encountered when dealing with safe combinations. The determining factor for the difficulty will reside around whether or not the safe combination is digital or not. Mechanical dial locks have combination change protocols that are more varied, and often significantly more intricate than those on electronic safe combinations. Unless the safe is already open, a lost safe combination means you will need assistance to open the safe. This is one of many situations where you will need a locksmith to open your safe. Look in your user manual for a section such as “change combination” or “how to change combination lock”. If you do not have your user manual, you can find one online. For some good general/specific insight, read on.
2. Change Padlock CombinationNot every combination padlock can have its combination changed. In the case of modern combination padlocks, many companies are building this feature into the new product designs, but for older combination padlocks, you are stuck with the combination it came with. Again, this will vary. To find out if your lock is the exception to the rule, look up the brand and model number. If you don’t have the model number, you can find it online by searching through images or product listings of combination padlocks that have the same brand name. When you can change the combination on your padlock, it is likely to be a rather straightforward process. Because these locks are made for the mass market, the designers want combination changes to be simple (because that is what most consumers want). This does harm the padlock’s security, which is why you don’t see combination locks on the list of the best padlocks of all time. To find out whether or not you can change a combination on your padlock, let alone what the procedure is, use the following process.
Try not to break the lock while you are trying to change the combination. Chances are it will be cheap to replace, but you do not want to leave whatever you are protecting any more vulnerable than it already is. 3. Change Door Lock CombinationA door lock that has a combination will always have a way you can change the combination. How to change combination locks on a door lock (like all other locks) will have a particular process. You will see the most variance in these devices, even for modern keypad door locks. When you are dealing with residential door locks, the combination changing process will be less complicated than those on commercial locks. To change door lock combinations on commercial locks, you are more likely to need a commercial locksmith. You might also need a home locksmith for a tricky situation where you cannot quite figure out how to change a combination lock.
4. Change Briefcase Lock CombinationBriefcases will often use wheel combination locks, where the numbered wheel will be independently rotated. If you do not have the current combination, don’t fret, because this style of combination lock only provides the illusion of security. You can worry about this type of lock being insecure once you get it back open. Decode the combination by inserting a feeler gauge to discern the pattern, or keep the pressure on the release mechanism and turn each wheel to find which number is giving the most resistance. If these decoding methods are too new to you, it is probably best to call a locksmith. When you get the briefcase combination follow these steps:
5. Change Locker CombinationThe mechanical dial combination locks that are built into lockers are designed to make changing combination locks simple and fast. Because these locks are used in schools and work environments, it is very important that you keep detailed records of these changes. This information does not apply to locker locks where people bring their own locks. For information on changing detachable locker locks (which are padlocks), go to section 2 (Change Padlock Combination). The most popular type of built-in combination locker lock are those made by Master Lock. It is true that Master Lock is one of the low-quality security brands, but they work well for the purposes of locking up lockers (which are insecure by their nature). There are two main combination change process for Master Lock built-in locker locks. The first (for older models) requires you to:
For the more modern Master Lock built-in locker locks, it is much faster to change the combinations.
If you do not have a change key, make sure to call a locksmith. This process should not be handled without a change key. Picking the lock cylinder is not a reliable way to continue to change these style of locks. Change Combination Lock vs. Changing a Lock’s CombinationIf you are looking for information on how to change a combination lock by removing it and using a different lock device, call a locksmith. This work is not always possible, and it is tricky in the instances where it is feasible. This extreme step can be taken if a combination dial is broken, or if you would like to switch out a manual dial for a digital combination lock. When your safe won’t open, and you are hoping that changing the combination lock will solve this issue, check in with a safe locksmith. There might be a better solution for your combination lock. Final ThoughtsMost combination padlocks are designed so that it is simple to change the combination. Door locks often have a similar intended ease of combination change. It is only when you get to items like safes that this work can become rather tricky. More specifically, mechanical dials on safes will be very difficult work with. How to change combination locks on a safe with mechanical dials will almost always involve a locksmith. How do you reset a combination lock?Resetting your Combination Lock. Open the lock using the previous combination. ... . Insert the reset tool in the hole on the side of the lock. ... . Push the reset tool in and turn 90° in either direction. ... . Set wheels to your new combination.. Turn and remove the reset tool. ... . Record your combination in a safe place.. |