How to Reset a Combination Padlock

Combination padlocks have evolved rapidly during the past few years to provide the safest and most secure service possible. Combination padlocks may not have changed their classic brass look on the outside but internally, now that’s another story. There are a huge variety of combination padlock available on the market nowadays but the most common combination padlocks are the 3 or 4 digit security combination padlocks (irrelevant whether they come with the briefcase type combination or the safe type security knob), which are very easy to use and also offer a lifetime guarantee of security. The reset procedure on a combination padlock is pretty simple. The process is pretty much the same on all combination based padlocks but there can be minor changes due to different brands available. The following method to reset a combination padlock is for personal use only.

Step 1 – Opening the Padlock

The combination padlock has to be opened in order to start the reset function. There are lots of methods to open a padlock but if you happen to have the product's manual, this task will be much easier.Make sure that the combination padlock is fully open and not partially opened.  

Step 2 – Turning the Padlock

Once you have opened the combination padlock, start by turning the top half of the padlock in the opposite direction it locks (normally you would turn it 180 degrees to the right). Don’t be too harsh on the padlock. otherwise you may cause the lock mechanism to break.

Step 3 – The "Click" Sound

The following step is to lock it in the opposite position, that is, press the turned top half of the combination padlock until you hear a clicking sound but it is important that you don’t lock it all the way through . The combination as explained in Step 4 has to be entered while you are pressing down the top half of the combination padlock as if you are going to lock it.

Step 4 – Enter the New Combination

Now all you have to do is to change the combination on your padlock, that is, enter your new code. Normally this is done by turning the little numbers on the combination padlock or by turning the security safe like knob. Once you have entered the new combination place the top half of the combination padlock in its proper position and lock it properly.

Step 5 – Checking the Combination

The last thing to do is to enter the newly configured combination to ensure that the newly inserted combination is working properly.

Obviously if you have a much more complex and expensive combination padlock it is advisable to seek the help of a professional or of the company brand of the combination padlock. Normally there would be a phone number to call if such a circumstance arises, so that you won’t cause damage to the combination padlock, especially if it’s an expensive one. As stated before the procedure may change according to the brand of the combination padlock you own.