How to Open a Combination Lock When You've Lost the Numbers

Pull up on the shackle of the lock to create tension. Rotate the dial counterclockwise, pushing hard. You will feel the hinge lock. Write down the number the hinge locks on as exactly as possible, including when they are halfway between two numbers. Continue this all the way around the dial. You should have twelve numbers.

Erase the numbers that end in .5 (such as 14.5 or 28.5). You will have five numbers left. Four of the remaining numbers will end in the same digit; underline these numbers. Circle the number that does not. This number is the last digit of your three-digit combination.

Divide the last digit in your combination by four and write down the remainder from the equation, either 0, 1, 2 or 3. Now take the lowest underlined number in your list of five and add the remainder (if the underlined number is 5, and the remainder is 3, 5+3=8). Sequentially add the underlined number to it until you reach 39 (8, 13, 18, 23, 28, 33, 38). One of these numbers is the first number in the three-digit combination.

Find the second number in the combination. Take your remainder number--if it is 0 or 1, add 2 to it. If it is 2 or 3, subtract 2 from it (for example if the remainder number is 3, 3-2=1). Add this number to the lowest underlined number in your list of five (5+1=6). Now sequentially add the underlined number to it until you reach 39 (6, 11, 16, 21, 26, 31, 36). One of these numbers is the second digit in the three digit combination.

Try the possibilities. Write down all the possible combinations to your lock using your lists of numbers. Cross each combination out as you try it so you do not repeat. Trial and error will eventually help you open the lock. Remember to write down the combination and keep it in a safe place.