How to Reset a Master Lock

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you have a Master Lock "set your own combination" lock, you can change your combination whenever you like. You just need to identify what type of lock you have. The most common are the precision dial (which has numbers and letters on its dial), speed dial lock (which uses arrows), and luggage lock (which has 3 turning discs). If you don’t have a “set your own” lock, you cannot reset the combination. If your lock has a serial number, however, you can get your combination by contacting Master Lock.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Changing a Precision Dial Lock

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once you open the lock, turn the shackle off to the side so that you can access the shackle hole. If you do not have the old combination to the lock, you will not be able to reset it.
    • If this is the first time you are using the lock, use the preset combination. This will be listed on the packaging material that came with the lock.
  2. The Master logo at the top should be turned to the side to face the shackle of the lock. Make sure to push the tool all the way in. [1]
    • The reset tool is a long stick with a rounded top that says “Master” on it. This came with the lock when you bought it. If you do not have this tool, you will not be able to reset the lock.
    • If you lost your reset tool, visit your local hardware store or locksmith. They may be able to order you a new one. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. You can turn it in any direction. If it won’t turn, try pushing in the reset tool farther. It should turn easily once it is in all the way.
  4. This will ensure that your new combination works and that the lock isn’t still set to the old combination. You must do 3 full rotations, ending on the same numeral that you started on.
  5. Choose 3 letters or numbers for your combination. To enter a new combination, turn the dial right and stop on your first letter. Then do 1 full rotation left, passing over the first letter and stopping on the second. Then turn it right and stop on the third letter.
  6. Turn the reset back to its original position with the Master logo facing the shackle. Pull it up to remove it. Return the shackle to its original position and press down on it to lock it. Your lock has now been reset. [3]
  7. You may want to put it in a journal, on a post-it note near your desk, or in a password wallet. Master Lock offers a secure online system to save your combinations called Master Lock Vault. [4]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Changing a Speed Dial Lock

PDF download Download Article
  1. Squeeze down on the shackle twice before entering the combination. This will clear the lock. If this is the first time you are using the lock, you can find the old combination on the packaging materials that it came with.
    • If you do not have the old combination, you will not be able to reset the lock.
  2. The reset switch is located on the back of the lock. When it is off, the switch will be on the bottom of the lever. If it is on, it will be on the top. Press up to turn it on. [5]
    • If the lock is brand new, there will be a sticker covering the lock. Peel this off to find the switch.
  3. This will clear the lock of your old combination so that you can enter a new one. Once you have done this, pull the shackle up again.
  4. Your combination can be as long or short as you want it. You can use any combination of up, down, right, or left as you want. When you are done, push the shackle back down into the hole to lock it.
    • Keep a steady pressure on the dial as you enter in the new combination. Do not lift or stop your fingers as you work or it may record the wrong combination.
  5. It should remain in the off position until you need to reset the lock combination again.
  6. You might write it down on paper or save it in a Word document. If you want extra protection, you can use Master Lock’s Vault program, which stores combinations online for free. [6]
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Resetting a Luggage Lock

PDF download Download Article
  1. Line the numbers up with the circles on the front of the lock to open it. If the lock is brand new, the factory combination is 0-0-0. Once you enter the lock, pull the shackle up to open it. [7]
  2. You should see a small notch in at the end of the shackle. This should align perfectly with a notch in the body of the lock. [8]
  3. Keep going counterclockwise. The shackle should be on the opposite side of the lock as it was when you began. [9]
  4. Turn the three dials to whatever you want the new combination to be. Start with the top dial and work your way down. [10]
  5. It should now be at the same position that it was when you first opened the lock. Press it down into the body of the lock. Turn the combination randomly to lock it. [11]
  6. You may not be able to open or reset the lock again if you forget the combination. Write down the combination on a piece or paper or save it to an app, such as Apple’s Password Wallet or Master Lock’s Vault. [12]
    7. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Finding a Lost Combination

PDF download Download Article
  1. A serial number is 6 digits. If there are only 4 digits, it is a date code and not a serial number. The serial number may be located on the back or bottom of the lock.
    • If you have a “Set Your Own Combination” lock, you cannot retrieve your lost combination, even if you find a serial number. This is because you set the combination and not the company.
    • For security purposes, newer Master Locks may not have serial numbers. If you cannot find the serial number, you cannot retrieve the lost combination.
  2. You can take the lock back to the same retailer you bought it from. They may charge a fee to retrieve the combination; this cost will depend on the retailer, as Master Lock does not charge. [13]
    • Ask them to call Master Lock on your behalf. Master Lock will ask them to verify your identity before giving them the combination.
    • The lock cannot be attached to anything for this to work. This means that you cannot bring in luggage or a bike with the lock attached. Call a locksmith instead.
  3. You will need to provide your name, address, and the lock’s serial number. Before sending the form, you must have it notarized by a notary public. Notaries can be found at banks, law offices, and libraries. [14]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • If you lose the combination to a “Set Your Own” lock, Master Lock cannot retrieve or unlock the combination for you. You may need to see a locksmith.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Never try to reset or crack a lock that does not belong to you. This is illegal.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Reset a Luggage Lock
      How to
      Unlock a Door
      How to
      Open a Door with a Credit Card
      How to
      Reprogram a Sentry Safe with or without the Factory Code
      How to
      Open Combination Locks Without a Code
      How to
      Unlock a Safe: Combination Locks, Digital Locks & More
      A Detailed Guide to Programming Car Keys & Fobs
      How to
      Break a Lock
      The Best Ways to Get a Broken Key Out of a Lock
      How to
      Pick Locks On Doorknobs: Knob Types & Lockpicking Tutorials
      Don’t Panic! What to Do When You’ve Locked Your Keys inside Your Car
      How to
      Open a Locked Bathroom Door (Twist & Push Locks)
      How to
      Replace the Batteries in a Mercedes Key Fob
      Easy Ways to Set (And Reset) a Samsonite Lock
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvZtHutC-PU&feature=youtu.be&t=44
      2. ↑ http://www.masterlock.com/service-and-support/faqs/lost-combinations
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvZtHutC-PU&feature=youtu.be&t=103
      4. ↑ http://www.masterlock.com/service-and-support/faqs
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwA0iRD_8Ss&feature=youtu.be&t=71
      6. ↑ http://www.masterlock.com/service-and-support/faqs
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31LdhgErosc&feature=youtu.be&t=25
      8. ↑ https://go.travel/media/blfa_files/345_instructions_1.pdf
      9. ↑ https://go.travel/media/blfa_files/345_instructions_1.pdf
      1. ↑ https://go.travel/media/blfa_files/345_instructions_1.pdf
      2. ↑ http://content.masterlock.com/masterlock/resources/documents/pdf/4680_TSA_instruction_sheet.pdf
      3. ↑ http://www.masterlock.com/service-and-support/faqs/set-your-own-combination-locks
      4. ↑ http://www.masterlock.com/service-and-support/faqs/lost-combinations
      5. ↑ http://www.masterlock.com/service-and-support/faqs/lost-combinations

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To reset a Master Lock with a precision dial, open the lock and turn the shackle to access the shackle hole. Next, insert the reset tool and rotate the dial clockwise 3 times to clear the old combination. To enter a new combination, turn the dial right and stop on the first character, then do one full rotation left, passing over the first character and stopping on the second character, before turning it to the right to stop on the third character. Finally, remove the reset tool and return the shackle to its original position! For tips on resetting other types of Master Locks, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 202,121 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Lawrence C.

        Jan 12

        "I found a perfectly good, open, Master Combination lock and needed to learn how to reset it to a new code. You did ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement