How to Open a Combination Lock on a Locker

Start by memorizing your locker combination. Without it, you're in trouble.

Although some gym locks are key-operated, many open with a combination; most school lockers have dial-operated combination locks as well. Obviously, opening a combination lock without the combination is next to impossible; your only option is to force it open. But if you know the right three-number combination, you can open the lock with just a few spins of the dial. The same technique applies to all dial-operated combination locks.

Instructions

1. Twist the lock dial through three complete revolutions to the right. On the next revolution, stop when the indicator points to the first number in the combination.

2. Turn the dial one full revolution to the left, starting and ending on the first number of the combination. Continue twisting the dial left until the indicator matches up with the second number of the combination.

3. Twist the lock's dial to the right, ending on the third number. Do not add any extra revolutions on the dial. This would invalidate the parts of the combination you've entered so far and force you to start over again at the beginning.

4. Pull down on the lock, opening the shackle. If the lock is built into your locker, pull up on the switch located near the lock and swing the locker door open.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a combination lock with one dial for each digit of the combination--usually located on the bottom of the lock--simply set each dial to the appropriate number and pull the lock open. If you mess up while opening a single-dial combination lock, twist the dial three complete turns to the right, then start over with the first number in the combination.

References

• Masterlock: How to Open Your Combo Lock
• YouTube: Teacher Tube Tutorials: How to Unlock Your Locker or Combination Lock