Easy Ways to Set (And Reset) a Samsonite Lock

Learn how to set your luggage lock before your next trip

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: January 2, 2023 References

Combination Lock

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Padlock

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Cable Lock

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If You Forgot Your Combination

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Video

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Tips

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

1
Slide the TSA lock over to release both of the locked zippers. 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]
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- On some Samsonite locks, you might need to simultaneously press on opposite ends of the lock to release the zippers.^{[2]
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2
Press down the pin-sized indentation with the tip of a pen.^{[3]
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Research source} On certain pieces of luggage, the pinhole might be on the outer edge of the lock.^{[4]
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- 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
Adjust the 3 dials to your desired combination. Try choosing a combo that’s easy for you to remember but won’t be easy for other people to figure out.^{[6]
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Research source} 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]
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4
Press the TSA lock inwards to set your new combination. Slide your zipper locks back in place to secure your luggage.^{[8]
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- On some locks, you might have to simultaneously press on both ends of the lock set your new combination.^{[9]
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- For a dual locking system, switch the tabs beneath each lock from “B” to “A” after setting your new combination.^{[10]
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5
Test the lock to make sure that your combination works. Rotate the number dials so they’re set to completely random numbers. Then, input your new combination to make sure that it works.^{[11]
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- If the new combination doesn’t work, repeat the previous steps.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Padlock

1
Set the combination dials to 0-0-0. 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]
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2
Rotate the shackle 90 degrees to the left. 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]
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3
Push the shackle down and set your new combination code. 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]
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4
Lift up the shackle, rotate it, and lock it back into place. 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

1
Slide the TSA button to release the cable. 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]
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- 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]
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2
Push in the pinhole beneath the lowest number dial with a pen. 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]
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- On some Samsonite cable locks, this pinhole might be square-shaped and situated next to a red TSA button.^{[19]
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3
Set your new combination and slide the TSA button again. 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]
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- On certain types of Samsonite cable locks, you’ll need to press a square button instead of pushing on a square lever.^{[21]
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4
Thread the cable through your zippers and into your lock. 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

1
Guess your combination manually and use it to reset your lock. 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]
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Research source} 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]
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- It can also help to test out certain number combos that have a special significance to you, like a birthday or anniversary.
2
Buy a TSA master key to unlock your luggage quickly. 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
Visit a Samsonite store for official assistance. Check Samsonite’s store locator to find the nearest shop in your area.^{[25]
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Research source} Then, bring your locked piece of luggage with you so Samsonite employees can help you reset your lock.