Briefcases with rolling combination locks can be tricky. If you've lost or forgotten the combination to your briefcase, the contents aren't lost forever. Cracking the code on these locks is a relatively simple process that requires only a bit of patience. This technique does not damage the briefcase, so it's a great alternative to attempting to pry open the lock with a tool.

  • Briefcases with rolling combination locks can be tricky.
  • This technique does not damage the briefcase, so it's a great alternative to attempting to pry open the lock with a tool.

Pull the sliding side latch to the side, as you would if you were opening the briefcase normally. Holding the latch in position, lightly roll your fingers down over each numbered wheel to identify which one is the tightest. The tightest wheel will give the least when you gently tug on it with your fingertip.

Set the tightest wheel to "0." Check the tightness of the other two wheels; if they still feel loose, click the zeroed lock to "1" and feel the other two wheels again. Keep going in this fashion until one of the other two wheels feels tight. When one of the other wheels becomes tight, the first wheel is set at the correct number.

  • Set the tightest wheel to "0."
  • Check the tightness of the other two wheels; if they still feel loose, click the zeroed lock to "1" and feel the other two wheels again.

Move on to the second tightened wheel, continuing to hold the side latch in place. Set it at "0" and check the final loose wheel. Keep adjusting the second wheel, as you did with the first, until the third wheel feels tight.

Set the final wheel at "0" and adjust it until the briefcase's top latches pop open. Make sure the sliding side latch is still being held in place.

Reset the combination to numbers you'll remember in the future. Write them down and store them in a safe place, just in case.

WARNING

Never use this method for illegal purposes. These instructions are meant only to help people access their own property, not someone else's.