I'd hate to throw this combination lock out...

[forge68]

My daughter was playing with her brother's bike lock and managed to change the combination without realizing she'd done it.

Since I've always been interested in locks (and all mechanical things) I was hoping to get it open again. It's not worth taking it to a pro, but it's certainly worth practicing on... Actually, it's probably better to not even use it as a bike lock.

Here's a picture:

http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img05536db.jpg

I've tried twisting both ends of the lock in opposite directions (as well as pulling) while turning the dials to try and feel any difference but haven't been successful.

Can someone provide some tips or tricks on how to open it? (without destroying it)

Thanks in advance for your help!

Mike

P.S. The brand name on the lock is Trek. I don't see any other markings which indicate who made or designed it.

[cha0s]

Set them all to 1. then do 1211 then 1311 then 1411 then 1511 then 1611 then 1711 then 1811 then 1911 then 1011 then 1121 then 1131... see where this is going

Lol im sure there is some technique im not aware of. GL

[cracksman]

I'm new to combo locks myself, but a couple quick options come to mind.

First, I'd like to welcome you to the forum because if you open that lock, and you like mechanical things, I'm sure we'll have you addicted to lockpicking in a matter of a week or two.

Here is a good company and link; http://www.peterson-international.com/knifeinstructions.htm

They sell quality tools, ship quickly, and I haven't heard a complaint yet.

So you can either use their tool, make your own, or run through all the combos. The problem is you have to recover the combo or it is useless. Generally, this is for the advanced forums but I don't think it's covered there as it is a kinda mundane lock. I would make a very full search on this site, I don't think any one of us knows all that is here.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful

[vector40]

There's a simple technique for this type of lock involving tension on the shackle. db can explain it better than I can, but I don't see why it wouldn't work with one of these.

[forge68]

Well, I was able to get it this evening in about 15 minutes. Being gentle was the key.

I noticed the lock would show extra lateral play when the dials were correct on "bolt" side of the lock. That gave me half the combination.

Continuing to work to the left, I would get more and more play in the lock...

Presto

I'm a n00b and it seems simple. Scary.

[mcm757207]

If the combination was changed on accident it's possible only one or two wheels were moved before they were locked again, if the combo you knew was 1234, try:
2234
0234
1334
1134
1244
1224
1235
1233

Best of luck.

[Grudge]

Well, I was able to get it this evening in about 15 minutes. Being gentle was the key.
I'm a n00b and it seems simple. Scary.

Congrats on getting the lock

Of course, the sad part is when you see how easy they are to open, you suddenly realize you probably need to throw the lock away anyway.

[cha0s]

and your prob addicted to the feelin gyou get when one opens.. LOL ill say it now WELCOME TO THE FORUMS im sure yuo will become a regular in notime.

[mcm757207]

Er... You posted that you opened it while I was typing my post Good job.

[pick_it]

I got the same sort of problem. We keep some things locked up at work, but the combo lock was left open, and some one else came back and was playing with it. Now no one knows the code and it's locked. It's a 4 digit combo cable lock like the one in your picture.

[Varjeal]

A light touch is definitely useful...by pulling the ends apart slightly and rotating the wheels starting on either the inside or outside, you'll feel the cable move slightly when the wheel is set on the correct number. Trust your instincts when you feel this movement and move on to the next. The movement will become more distinct as the wheels are correctly aligned.

[TOWCH]

I pop these starting on the right and then moving left, testing a number, and then yanking on the bolt, when I find the number that gives the most, I move one to the left, and do it again. You apparently already figured this out but figured I'd point out what the binding order has always been in my experience. If you're not having a lot of luck, try drenching it in WD-40, and then working it into the lock.

[pick_it]

Wow got it open in about 2 min. I think I might throw it away since it was that easy to get open. Just worked from right to left. It kept opening a little more on certain numbers.

Thanks for the help guys!

[frostbyte]

I do these by pulling the ends apart, and turning each wheel. I find the one that changes resistance the most when the ends are pulled apart. I quickly flip through the numbers until it seems to stick slightly more, then move onto the next wheel (that with the most change in resistance when ends are pulled apart.) Basically the same as picking. I haven't had a whole lot of practice with this technique, so maybe it's not that great, but worked on both locks I've bothered to try it on.

[vector40]

Holy cow, it's frostbyte