Easy Ways to Set (And Reset) a Samsonite Lock

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Learn how to set your luggage lock before your next trip
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Clothes? Check. Toiletries? Check. You have just about everything ready to go… except for the locks on your Samsonite luggage. Thankfully, it only takes a couple of minutes to get your combination lock, padlock, and/or cable lock in working order. We’ve unlocked all the tips and tricks you’ll need to secure your luggage—and what you can do if you’ve forgotten your original combination.

Things You Should Know

  • Press the small button or indentation with the tip of a pen to set Samsonite combination locks. Then, create and confirm your new combination on the lock.
  • Rotate and push down the padlock shackle as you set the combination to your Samsonite padlock.
  • Use a square lever and indentation to unlock your cable and set a new combination.
  • Reset a Samsonite lock by manually guessing the combination, buying a master key, or visiting a Samsonite store.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Combination Lock

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  1. Along the top of your lock, look for a lever with a keyhole indentation—this is known as the TSA lock. Slide this lever inwards to pop the zippers out of the locks. [1]
    • On some Samsonite locks, you might need to simultaneously press on opposite ends of the lock to release the zippers. [2]
  2. [3] On certain pieces of luggage, the pinhole might be on the outer edge of the lock. [4]
    • If your luggage has dual locks, you may need to toggle a switch from “A” to “B” underneath each lock before resetting your combination. [5]
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  3. Try choosing a combo that’s easy for you to remember but won’t be easy for other people to figure out. [6] Combos like 000 and 123, for instance, are really easy to guess.
    • On certain types of luggage, you might have to slide the TSA lock while you set your combo. [7]
  4. Slide your zipper locks back in place to secure your luggage. [8]
    • On some locks, you might have to simultaneously press on both ends of the lock set your new combination. [9]
    • For a dual locking system, switch the tabs beneath each lock from “B” to “A” after setting your new combination. [10]
  5. Rotate the number dials so they’re set to completely random numbers. Then, input your new combination to make sure that it works. [11]
    • If the new combination doesn’t work, repeat the previous steps.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Padlock

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  1. Inspect the dials along the side of your padlock and see if they’re set to all 0s. Just like their combination locks, Samsonite sets their padlocks to a 0-0-0 combination as a default. [12]
  2. Lift the loose end of the shackle up and out of the lock. Then, turn it a quarter of the way to the left so it’s perpendicular with the lock base. [13]
  3. With your thumb, press down on the turned shackle so it’s pushed all the way into the lock base. Using your other hand, rotate the 3 number dials to your desired combination. [14]
  4. Remove your thumb so the shackle returns to its usual position. Then, rotate the shackle 90 degrees to the right and secure it in the locking mechanism. Your Samsonite padlock is now ready to go! [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Cable Lock

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  1. Look for a large, square lever with a keyhole (the TSA button) that sits above the 3-dial combination lock. Slide it down to release the cable from the bottom portion of the lock. [16]
    • Make sure that your lock is set to 0-0-0 before you get started.
    • On some versions of this lock, you might have to press a square-shaped button rather than slide a TSA button. [17]
  2. Look for 3 number dials beneath the square lever and keyhole—underneath this, you’ll see a small pinhole. Using the tip of a pen, push into the pinhole until there’s a clicking sound. [18]
    • On some Samsonite cable locks, this pinhole might be square-shaped and situated next to a red TSA button. [19]
  3. Rotate each of the dials until you’re happy with the combination you’ve chosen. Then, slide down with the TSA button to confirm and set your lock. [20]
    • On certain types of Samsonite cable locks, you’ll need to press a square button instead of pushing on a square lever. [21]
  4. Guide the unfastened end of the cable through the circular openings attached to your bag’s zippers. Once the cable is completely threaded, secure it into the cable locking mechanism at the bottom of the combination lock. [22]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

If You Forgot Your Combination

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  1. According to Samsonite’s website, it only takes about 30 minutes to cycle through every possible luggage lock combination from 000 to 999. If you have a bit of time to spare, sit down with your lock and figure out the combo via the process of elimination. [23] Once you unlock it, either write the combo down or reset your combination using one of the methods above (just make sure that your dials are set to the current unlock code). [24]
    • It can also help to test out certain number combos that have a special significance to you, like a birthday or anniversary.
  2. Most Samsonite locks have a special keyhole attached so TSA agents can easily open your luggage with a master key. If your luggage lock is labeled as TSA 002 or TSA 007, you’re in luck—both TSA keys are readily available online.
    • Only use this key to open your own luggage.
  3. Check Samsonite’s store locator to find the nearest shop in your area. [25] Then, bring your locked piece of luggage with you so Samsonite employees can help you reset your lock.
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References

  1. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-1.html
  2. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-2.html
  3. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-1.html
  4. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-2.html
  5. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-4.html
  6. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-1.html
  7. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-3.html
  8. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-1.html
  9. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-2.html
  1. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-4.html
  2. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-1.html
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI4AgFhcnys&t=0m19s
  4. ↑ https://www.samsonite.com.au/tsa-lock-instructions.html
  5. ↑ https://www.samsonite.com.au/tsa-lock-instructions.html
  6. ↑ https://www.samsonite.com.au/tsa-lock-instructions.html
  7. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-7.html
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crAVAUF2hI4&t=4s
  9. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-7.html
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crAVAUF2hI4&t=14s
  11. ↑ https://shop.samsonite.com/lock-style-7.html
  12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crAVAUF2hI4&t=18s
  13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crAVAUF2hI4&t=21s
  14. ↑ https://www.samsonite.com.au/faqs.html
  15. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGx8s_g6mmc&t=0m21s
  16. ↑ https://www.samsonite.co.nz/tsa-lock-instructions.html

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      • Samsonite makes a variety of different luggage combination locks. Click here for a full list of official video tutorials.
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      • Write down your luggage lock combination somewhere in your phone so you can easily remember it whenever you travel.
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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Oct 23, 2023

        "I have a Samsonite padlock produced before 9/11 and I just wanted to be able to set the combination."
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