apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

OK so - My roommate borrowed my case 6 months ago, locked it and i dont know the code. Its also samsonite hard case, though a little different from the picture.
She systematically tried all 3 digit codes and couldnt get it.

You can jimmy it open with a regular kitchen knife and it will close again. She took the case on 4 international flights opening and closing it like this.

She is a total mcgyver and later (after returning from trip) took the lock apart and mailed just the combo lock part back to samsonite who can replace it. We are waitning to see what they send us....

You could try looking here:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=suitcase lock&search_type=&aq=f

Sorry, the link's too long, copy and paste the full link.

Usually those type of things have a TSA approved lock (meaning anyone with a key can get into it). If this is the case, I'm sure you could find one of those on the internet.

Other than that, maybe offer a neighbor kid some cash to play with a bunch of codes and unlock it for you?

-Ruth

If you've never used it, the default code should be 000.

If that doesn't work, I'd call Samsonite and request a copy of the user's manual. They might be able to email you a pdf right away. Alternately, go to a store that sells the lugage and look through the user's manual for the display piece.

However, there are only 1000 combinations. It should take about 3 seconds max to check each one. 3000 seconds is 50 minutes, which is probably less time than you've already spent googling and faster than a trip to the luggage store.

I second that the code should be 000 if you never used it before.

Wouldn't it make more sense to call the luggage store / repair shop or Samsonite rather than post here?

http://shop.samsonite.com/storefront/locksetcombination.ep

http://shop.samsonite.com/storefront/lockforgotcombination.ep

Good job scouring the web!

thanks, all. the 000 would not do it for me....argh.

bepsf, KTG:
i couldn't get through to Samsonite and was kind of pressed for a quick fix. while i try to offer help through AT i also seek it out because there are so many macgyvers out there (as evidenced).
i was looking for macgyvers, not to annoy.

Ok guys, this is easy.

Hate to break it to you, but there are only 1000 options.

Hang in there, i'm being serious, it sounds like a lot but it's not.

Set the dial to 000, and push/pull whatever button/clasp it takes to 'pop' the lock, then roll the dial forward through number 9. When that doesn't work, roll it over to 010 and repeat. Roll through the next 9 and then to 020. (This is quick, don't worry.)

In all honesty it should take you less than 30 minutes to go through all the options. I've used this method on locks in the shop I work in when no one knew the codes.

So turn on a repeat of the Simpsons and saddle up, you'll have your clothes before bedtime.

Just remember, when it does pop, you may keep clicking past the actual code by the time you realize it. Since you'll be within 5 or 10 digits of it, carefully check each one again until you find the correct code.

Good luck.

I had a similar problem, but it was with my 1994 Toyota Celica. The battery died (that's a whole story in and of itself! Rather amusing, really...) and when the battery gets disconnected, the radio locks....anti-theft device. Well, I didn't have the code anywhere to unlock it and none of the Toyota dealerships knew how to help me if I didn't have the code...they said their information didn't go back to 1994 (?? if the car is still on the road, shouldn't they have info on it??). I drove without a radio for a year...finallly got frustrated enough to try to random code I was told it might be 000 but it didn't work....so I tried 111...and my radio came to life!!! try 111 or 999.

It may also be that the lock (and suitcase) were roughly handled by luggage apes and the lock is actually jammed. If this is the case, try finding a similar model in a store or pictures of the lock online. Luggage locks aren't particularly strong, but knowing how the teeth on the lock will help. Finally, take screwdriver (small pry bar if you have one or a butter knife if your in a jam) and pop the lock open. Most of the time the lock once opened will become functional again.

I had the same problem with my Samsonite (bit different from that one, but the lock part looks the same) – i accidentally changed my code. I ended up yanking the lock out with a hammer. Sounds bad, but you could do it without breaking the case or the lock.

I used the other end of the hammer, the one you pull nails out with. Slided under the groove (I think it was on the "wrong" side, where the lock isn't supposed to open), twist, and the whole thing popped right out. Could re-program the lock and ta-dah!

I tried the combinations, maybe I wasn't smart enough, but I could get it to open that way.

Heather,

Don't be put off by the negative commenters - asking for help is never "annoying"!

...and please let us know how this turns out. I'm curious about which route ended up working for you.