How to unlock a wordlock bike lock without the combination

Have an old bike combination lock that you can't remember the code for? If it's a simply four-digit cable lock, you can easily figure out the combination with a quick peck-and-go method. Best of all, this technique doesn't require any tools or special know-how, and let's you reuse the cable lock again versus just damaging it with bolt cutters. All you need is a bit of patience and you'll have your figure out your combo in no time.

Table of Contents Show

Step 1: Set Starting Point
Step 2: Continue to Tug & Change Digits Until You See a Gap
Step 3: Use Tug Method to Find Rest of the Combination
Check Out the Video
How do you open a Wordlock bike lock if you forgot the combination?
How do you open a combination lock if you forgot the code?

Also, it should also go without saying—don't be a jerk and use this to steal bikes. And if it's this easy to crack a rotary bicycle lock, then maybe you should just upgrade to a stronger lock anyway (remember your code or key this time).

Step 1: Set Starting Point

Get all of the same digits to line up at the starting position. You can start with any digits, but it just makes sense to start at 1. The method here is to tug at each end until you see a gap form. For example, when the first number has the correct digit, you'll notice a small gap between the first and second slots.

Image by diilonp23/YouTube

Step 2: Continue to Tug & Change Digits Until You See a Gap

As you can see below, once the first number reaches 3, you can notice a small gap when tugging at each end. This means we have our first combination digit.

Image by diilonp23/YouTube

Step 3: Use Tug Method to Find Rest of the Combination

Go down the line until you each the final number. Here, when you get the correct digit and pull on each end, your lock will open up. Pretty simple, right?

Image by diilonp23/YouTube

Check Out the Video

For more information, check out the full video guide below from YouTube user diilonp23. While this is not guaranteed to work on all combination cable locks for bicycles, since designs are all slightly different from manufacturer to manufacturer. But who knows, you might get lucky and save your lock from bolt cutters.

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Cover image by Dave Herholz/Flickr

I’m having a hard time finding the instructions on the website. Where do I find how to set my own password?

asked on August 16, 2018

Showing 1-10 of 11 answers

How to set your combo:
Choose a new word before resetting dials and write it down.
1. Align dials to S-H-E-D between notches. Pull out lock post. … see more How to set your combo:
Choose a new word before resetting dials and write it down.
1. Align dials to S-H-E-D between notches. Pull out lock post.
2. Rotate inner ribbed silver dial clockwise until it stops.
3. The word "set" on silver dial should now be on top, aligned with S-H-E-D
4. Rotate outer black dials so new word is aligned with notches.
5. Check your new word. Be sure dials are lined up properly.
6. Rotate inner silver dial counterclockwise until it arrives back at original position.
7. Reinsert post and scramble dials to lock.
To change combination again, simply repeat steps 1-7.
Instructions and diagrams can be found on wordlock.com also. see less How to set your combo:
Choose a new word before resetting dials and write it down.
1. Align dials to S-H-E-D between notches. Pull out lock post.
2. Rotate inner ribbed silver dial clockwise until it stops.
3. The word "set" on silver dial should now be on top, aligned with S-H-E-D
4. Rotate outer black dials so new word is aligned with notches.
5. Check your new word. Be sure dials are lined up properly.
6. Rotate inner silver dial counterclockwise until it arrives back at original position.
7. Reinsert post and scramble dials to lock.
To change combination again, simply repeat steps 1-7.
Instructions and diagrams can be found on wordlock.com also.

Fradon Lock Company Incorporat…

· August 17, 2018

57 of 61 found this helpful. Do you? | Report abuse

Following the good instructions here, I had a hard time turning the “SET“ to match up with the factory preset password of “SHED“. Then on a 34th try, I must’ve either pushed it in a little more or pushed it out a little more and the SET actually moved to line up with the notch! Only then was I able to choose a new password. Then I turned the SET to its starting position to finalize the reset.

3 of 3 found this helpful. Do you? | Report abuse

I cannot get “set”. to line up with shed. Is it supposed to be hard

2 of 3 found this helpful. Do you? | Report abuse

note: WordLock's website is defective.

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I have a new word lock bike cable, how do i set it up

4 of 4 found this helpful. Do you? | Report abuse

I need instructions for a WLOCKX

I bought 2 weird locks and they didn’t come with a weird code so how do I open them

I have my lock open I forget my pass word, can I look down the barrel and find it that way, line something up?

1 of 1 found this helpful. Do you? | Report abuse

I forgot my lock word, how can I open the lock

1 of 2 found this helpful. Do you? | Report abuse

how to open after choosing word

0 of 3 found this helpful. Do you? | Report abuse

How do you open a Wordlock bike lock if you forgot the combination?

However, in case you forgot how the lock operates, simply align the combination that you originally set with the small notches on the edge of the locking mechanism. Once you've input your combination the lock should open when you pull either side.

How do you open a combination lock if you forgot the code?

To open combination locks without a code, start by pulling up on the dial and turning it clockwise until you hear the lock click. Then, check what number you're at, add 5 to that number, and write it down. Next, set the dial to that number and turn it counterclockwise until you hear it click again.