TSA approved locks

[tarrasque]

Greetings, I have a 4 dial luggage lock that I forgot the combination to. It is TSA approved so I know there is a way to open it without the combination or to recover the combination without destroying the lock. Does anyone know the technique I need to use to open my TSA approved lock? I would rather not try all 10,000 possible combinations. Thanks in advance.

[Hak]

If its the kind of lock that i think it is.. then this may work..

Pull on the shackle, then turn the numbers, when you feel tough resistance turning the numbers, that might be the number comb.

This method might not work. I have attempted that method lots of times and its only worked like 2 or 3 times, but they were probably crappy brands. This was the only method that i could think of..

[tarrasque]

It looks like I might be able to shim it, but the shakle diameter is so small that it looks like I will need to make my own shim for it to work. I read that a soda can will work to make your own shim.

[hzatorsk]

Well... All the TSA combo's I've seen so far have had a bypass keyway for the TSA. But I haven't taken the time to explore them and I don't have one handy.

From what I've read so far... TSA locks have either a keyway bypass or a keyway bypass to be used in conjunction with a 'code'... it appears the locks may have to be set to a hypothetical combination for the key to work.

1) You can work through the 10,000 combinations in about 20 minutes. Given one second for each rotation of the outer dial.

2) You can probably gain insight into the possible combination by whether or not the dials are free-floating or captive when on the correct digit. In other words, is the dial moving or tensioned with the hasp when on a particular digit. Each digit you can work out like this reduces your dialing time. This is a manipulation issue and again I haven't tried this on the new TSA locks... but... I've been very successful on the normal (non TSA) 3/4 digit combo locks of the same variety.

3) Cut it... Some (not all) of the TSA locks may be replaced if cut. Of course, you must also provide a 'We searched your bag' ticket to claim replacement.

4) Pick the keylock. Assuming you have one... and of course... I already admitted I haven't tried this yet.

I don't believe you'll shim it as most of these small locks are based upon the captive side of the hasp coming up through the combo dials.

Whatever you come up with... please post the results.

Cheers

Harold

[Swiss]

If yours is this, then it is simple:



Seen at: http://www.magellans.com/store/Safety___Security___Locks___StrapsSL927?Args=#

This is two separate locks in one.

1. The right combination on the dials frees the shackle which can then be pulled up and opened sideways.

2. Notice that separate part on the upper left hand corner of the body? I will call it PART X. The TSA key will turn this around, so a notch looks forward and the shackle can be twisted open (without having to pull it up before).

I opened one with brute force and looked inside. The TSA lock has four pins and is directly connected with PART X.

As it is impossible to insert pick and tension wrench at the same time in this "triangle" keyway, I found this:

Give slight tension clockwise (when seen from above) to PART X and rake the lock with a snake. In two sec. it is open (you can fully turn PART X and twist the shackle open).

As to the combo lock, shine a LED lamp in the tiny gap above each number (magnifying glass, as it is very tight) and find the notch. Push the shackle all the way in, otherwise you wiss see the toothed wheel where the dials float on. Once you've got the four notch positions, add +1 to ALL dials repeatedly, everytime pulling at the shackle, as the shackle does not pop automatically.

[Swiss]

This one works different:



On the front face you see a black square with the dials in it. Above is a grey button. If you have the numbers set correctly, then you are able to pull that grey button towards the dials (away from an underlying bar that prevents it from beeing pressed down) and then press it down. Pressing down will result in the lower part of the black square opening like a mouth and freeing the inserted belt.

The TSA keyway is on the left side (near the top, on the lower shell) and the 4-pin plug will rotate that underlying bar out of the way, so the grey button can be pressed down without setting the correct numbers.

Again, tension wrench not possible to use in keyway, so you insert the wrench to the side of the grey button and push the "underlying bar" (connected to the plug) up (the place it would rotate to) and rake the lock with a snake in seconds.

This could be used if you forgot your numbers.

I prefer TSA locks over disposable cheap locks, as you never know what the baggage handlers inside the plane's belly are doing, as they are getting more and more unlocked bags in their hands. Consider that!

[eirual]

I gave up on luggage locks years before 9/11 and the TSA approved locks came out. I now use colored zip ties. If they (airlines or TSA) need to get into the luggage - they will either open a lock (and I may or may not know) or in my case they will cut the zip tie - and (possibly) put a new one on. Chances are, it won't be the same color and I will then know that my luggage was opened.

The obvious trick to this is to keep the return zip ties in your carry-on bag...

[n2oah]

My advice: don't buy luggage locks. The idiots probably won't notice that the lock is TSA approved anyway. My friend had a TSA approved lock on his snowboard, but they didn't care, they still cut it off and put a little note that said: "Yea, we're sorry for your lock, we're idiots anyway...blah...blah...blah"

[lockedin]

Here's another reason not to use those locks-- security.org found glaring vulnerabilities with them recently (not that this is a surprise in a luggage lock):

The Transportation Security Agency has approved the use of certain locks on baggage that passes through United States airports. A detailed report is available that demonstrates the security vulnerabilities of all of the locks within the Travel Sentry program. Each of these locks can be opened in seconds, and therefore should not be utilized for any security application and are merely to be considered as seals for luggage.

you can find the it here if you scroll down a little past half way: http://www.security.org/dial-90/sl-new.htm

[hzatorsk]

The only reason to lock your bags is to prevent accidental spilling of the contents and to prevent casual opening by unauthorized baggage handlers. Certain inspectors with the TSA and the airlines are afforded the right to open and inspect and will cut off a non-TSA lock to do so.

That is the purpose for the lock. ...and why you should use one.

[Chrispy]

You'd be surprised how many people leave their luggage lock combinations as 0-0-0. It's unbelievable. You'd think after purchasing a luggage lock to "secure" your luggage, you'd at least change the freakin combination.

[n2oah]

Just a couple minutes after I clicked off of this thread the news says "Master Lock Sales are up because of new luggage locks"
"Master Locks sales went down after 9/11 because they didn't make a TSA approved lock. They now have introduced a TSA-approved lock. The TSA has a master key for these locks and they can be taken off without damage for luggage inspection"
The only thing they didn't mention was the obvious hole in the locks security.

[Swiss]

Recently in Miami International, the TSA was active in the departure hall. First you had to check in your bags at the counter where it was weighed and they put their stickers on, then you had to take the bag back to the TSA (instead of it being put on the conveyor belt), where it went through their X-ray machine ("This machine will definitely damage your films"), and, if suspicious, opened in front of your eyes. You just stand on the other side of the fence and can communicate with the inspector.

Good solution! Fly to Miami!