Losing the key to your luggage lock can be a nightmare when you’re getting home from a holiday and need to unpack, but it’s a bigger problem if it happens while you are on holiday. On holiday, you don’t know the local help making it an even more frustrating experience. Here are a few things you can do to get that luggage lock off without it impacting your holiday overmuch.
Lockpicking Your Luggage Lock
How to lockpick your lock, and if you can lockpick your lock, is going to depend on the type of lock you are using for your luggage. Common luggage locks don’t have the highest security. The internet is full of guides on picking these locks.
This method is easy if you have some prior knowledge of lockpicking and how the lock works. It can also be a cool new skill to learn while on holiday.
Bypass the Luggage Lock
Get yourself a pen or borrow one from the front desk of your hotel. By poking the pen into the zip holding your luggage closed you will be able to separate some of the zip. Once the zip has begun to separate it is a simple matter to pull it apart and gain access to your luggage. Now you will be able to push the lock and zipper to the side.
This trick will not break your luggage either. The locked zipper will also pull around to the other side sealing your bag shut again. However, you will not be able to lock the bag. This method works best with suitcases and large luggage bags with zippers.
Destroy the Luggage Lock
If you would rather remove the luggage lock from the equation completely and purchase a new one there are some easy ways to destroy it.
- Cut the padlock off with a simple handsaw (cheap locks only) or a pair of bolt cutters. The tougher your lock, the heavier grade equipment you will need to cut it.
- Hammer the padlock. Your padlock will need tension at the shim for this method to work.
- Freeze and hammer. By spraying the lock with compressed air before hammering you can make the lock brittle and easier to break.
- Cut with a cutting torch. Unless you are a traveling tradesman, it is unlikely you’ll have one of these to hand but a cutting torch will work efficiently.
- Finally, place a flame under the lock itself. Use the hottest part of a flame gun and melt the inner workings of the lock. This method will not work on some higher-grade locks.
Of course, destroying your lock should not be an option if you are using a higher-grade lock. The higher the grade of the lock, the more they cost. With this in mind, consider the next option before you destroy your luggage lock.
Ask a Local Locksmith
Locksmiths can get into your locks, make new keys, and replace or fix locks quickly. If you want quick and easy access to your luggage without damaging your lock, contact a local locksmith and enlist their aid.
This approach can save you a lot of time and money if your luggage lock is of a higher quality and grade. A locksmith can also help you if your luggage is a hard case with the locks as part of the case itself. Accessing these bags when you can’t remember your code or when you’ve lost your key can mean that you need to replace the whole case, making the services of a locksmith by far the cheaper option.
Are You Planning a Miami Holiday?
If you are visiting Miami this year, why not save our number. That way, in the unfortunate event of you having any problems, you have a rescue team already lined up. We will make sure that your holiday runs smoothly as far as your luggage locks are concerned.
Our number is (305) 987-3517. Save it to your phone ready for your next Miami break. If you are in Miami and need assistance with your locks give us a call or get in touch with The Security and Lock Corporation through our contact page.
