How to Change Combination Locks

Combination locks are excellent in keeping your possessions safe, but the one flaw to this lock is in your memory.

It is frustrating to deal with a combination lock that you cannot remember to open.

But, forgetting the combination of your lock does not mean you’re out of luck.

You can get the combination from your manufacturer or change it yourself.

If you are changing the combination, lock yourself if the lock is electronic or mechanical.

Every combination of locks brand and type of lock is different.

For example, a modern lock is different from a vintage one.

A combination lock manufactured for commercial use is different from the one made for low-impact home use.

Changing Combination Locks

If the lock has a serial number, contact your manufacturer and request the combination information for your lock using the serial number.

When there is no serial number, chances are you can reset this lock.

It takes a bit of effort to reset the lock, but it can help you save it and use it again in the future.

• Do not rush.
• Before changing the combination, open the lock.
• Look on the side to see if there is a hole you can insert a reset tool.
• If you made a mistake, you could do it again.
• Do not relock the unit until you set the new combination.

Unlock the safe three times more using the new combination before you close the door.

If your combination lock has no reset hole, and you cannot find your lock’s brand information online, contact a locksmith for expert assistance.

Combination Lock Installation

While combination locks are associated with safes, they are also common in a padlock.

This information will narrow down the best methods of changing the locks.

Read on for some pointers to change combination locks on different devices.

Changing Safe Combination

Safe locks are one of the most complex methods of changing secured combinations.

The complexity will determine the locking mechanism.

The mechanical dial locks are more complex because their parts are engineered for accuracy, making them difficult to manipulate.

But, if the safe is open, a missing combination only means you need expert assistance from a locksmith.

Check your user manual about How to Change the Combination Lock or Shift Combination section.

The manual is also available online.

Read on for more helpful information.

Safe Combination: Manual Dial

If you have a Sargent and Greenleaf manual dial, you can unlock it if you have a change key.

Changing a secured combination lock is tricky, but you can do it yourself.

Use the existing combination to un-clock the combination lock.

• Open the unit.
• Relock the bolt with the unit door open.
• Dial the current combination (at the 11 o’clock position) using the changing index.
• Align the third on the changing index.
• Insert the change key in the keyhole.
• Rotate the key left at 90 degrees.
• Enter the three-number combination.
• Rotate the change key 90 degrees to the right until it stops.
• You are ready to remove the change key.
• Make sure to check the new code three times.
• Read more about manual dial locks here.
• Antique or older safe requires different protocols to change the lock.
• Always seek professional advice before attempting this method.

Safe Combination: Digital

If you fear that your current combination is not secure enough or you fear that someone has gained access to it, you can change the combination.

Digital locks have a dialing procedure or reset button to switch the keypad to a programming mode.
Most digital locks need the existing code to change the safe combination.

Call a professional locksmith near you if you are unfamiliar with the digital safe combination lock protocol.

On the assumption that you have the S&G (Sargent and Greenleaf) lock, here are some simple instructions to change a code:

Ensure the safe door is open, or you have to drill if you make a mistake.

• Click “7,” “4,” and the asterisk “*” key.
• This code will automatically switch to the programming mode, and you can enter your old combination, then click the pound “#” key.
• You should hear three beeps telling you that you’re ready to change.
• Enter your new combination.
• Click the pound “#” key.
• Wait for the three beeps.
• Click the “#” key after punching the new code a second time.
• The three beeps indicate that your codes matched and you have set your password.
• Double-check to make sure that the new combination is working properly.
• Click the asterisk “*” key, your new password, and the pound “#” key.

Read more about Sargent & Greenleaf electronics lock here.

Changing Padlock Combination

Changing a combination lock is not rocket science, but that does not mean you cannot mess it up.

Just take your time, and you will get them right.

Not all padlocks are designed equal.

If you are not sure what you are doing, do not panic.

Please do not rush through them because it is the easiest way to make mistakes.

• Open a web browser.
• Type the manufacturer’s name, combination style, and model number.
• Other details about the lock.
• Check the official documentation or video tutorial.
• Confirm that you have the exact model.
• It is time to try the method.

It is always cheaper to replace a lock than to leave valuables at risk.

Do not break the bolt while changing the combination code.

• Enter the old combination to unlock the padlock.
• When you hear the clicking sound, the lock is open.
• Pull up the shackle.
• Turn the shackle in a 90-degree clockwise rotation.
• While holding down the shackle, change the number lock.
• Let go of the shackle after you input the new combination.
• Once the shackle is back to normal, lock it.
• Open using the new code to check if it is working.
• If you fail, do not panic. Start again from the beginning.

Changing the Door Lock Combination

Combination locks are convenient because you never have to worry about locking yourself out when you lose your key.

You cannot pick it up because there are no keys.

Change the code as you please.

But, if you cannot figure out how to do it, you might need a home locksmith.

It is easy to change a residential door lock compared to commercial locks.

Call a commercial locksmith to change a commercial door lock.

Changing Combination Lock: Mechanical

Mechanical locks are mechanical devices.

Some of these locks are equipped with a dial to enter your code.

Changing the code can be tricky because you need the lock’s change key.

Here are the basic steps for changing a combination on a mechanical door lock.

• Dismantle the lock and remove it.
• Unlock the door using the old code.
• During the reset process, hold down the reset button.
• Remove the combination pad back cover.
• There should be two pins with distinct characteristics.
• Find the pin intended for the slots for the old combination numbers.
• Move the pins to change the combination of your lock:
• Put the cover back.
• Release the reset button.
• Confirm if the new combination is working.
• Reinstall the door lock.

The method of changing the combination lock in this list is not exhaustive.

Call a locksmith if these are not the procedure to change the combination lock on your door.

Changing Combination Lock: Digital

Using the app, you can change the programming code of your smart digital or combination door lock.

The code is inside the interior hardware of the Schlage digital combination door locks manual.

What makes these locks complicated is the programming features.

The Kwikset Smart Code Locks is much trickier because it involves removing the battery pack and holding the reset button when you reinsert the battery packs.

Wait for the flashing lights.

If you want to reset the lock to its factory setting, first press the program button and follow the installation protocol.

If changing the combination door lock, search for the model and manufacturer’s information online.

Call your local locksmith if this is too overwhelming for you.

Changing Briefcase Lock Combination

Briefcases usually come with a combination built-in any thief could guess.

It uses wheel combination locks, where the numbered wheel independently rotates.

Do not fret because this combination lock is easy to reset.

By inserting a feeler gauge, you can decode the combination pattern.

Keep the pressure on the release mechanism and turn each wheel to see which number has the most resistance.

If this method is new to you, contact a local locksmith.

Follow these steps to change the code once you have decoded the briefcase lock combination.

Pull the release lever and keep the latch in the unlocked position.

Rotate the dials to your desired combination while maintaining pressure.

Return the lever to the fully extended position to set the combination.

Test the new code.

Rotate the dials to the combination numbers and open the briefcase.

Changing Locker Combination

Changing a built-in dial combination locks is easy and fast.

Since these locks are used in workplaces and schools, you should keep a detailed record of the changes.

Master Lock manufactures the most popular built-in combination locks.

While Master Lock is one of the low-quality brands in the market, it works pretty well on lockers.

The Master Lock built-in locker locks have two main combination changes processes.

For the older models:

• First, insert the control key and dial to the right one-quarter turn until it stops.
• Revolve the dial towards the right, stopping at zero (0).
• Press the push button behind the lock.
• While pressing the button with one hand, rotate the dial counterclockwise with two tick marks.
• Release the push-button.
• Turn the dial to the right until you hear a clicking sound.
• The combination has changed.
• Close the locker door.
• Turn the change key one-quarter turn left to its original position to remove it.
• Turn the dial clockwise until you hear the clicking sound.
• Ensure that the new code is the succeeding combination in the series.
• Changing the combination of newer Master Lock built-in locker locks is faster.
• Insert the change key into the lock knob and turn counterclockwise, ¼ turn to the left.
• Rotate the dial with two tick marks to the right.
• To return to its original position, rotate the key in the knob ¼ turn to the right.
• Rotate the dial to the right, then stop when you hear the clicking sound.
• Remove the key.
• Check if the new combination changed.

Remember to call a locksmith if you do not have the change key.

Leave this process in the hands of an expert locksmith.

Change Combination Lock vs. Changing a Lock’s Combination

To change a combination lock using a different device, you need the help of a professional locksmith.

This job is challenging and you cannot do it yourself.

You can only opt for this step if the combination dial is busted or you want to switch to a manual dial.

If your safe will not open, and you want to change the combination lock, check with an expert locksmith.

He might have a better solution for your combination lock.

The Bottom Line

Most combination locks are created to make it easier to change the combination.

The door locks have a similar intended ease of combination change.

Mechanical dial locks are challenging.

Changing a safe combination with the mechanical dials always involves a locksmith.