[Shop-talk] Old toolbox combo lock

[Brian Kemp]

John - Thanks.  It was a variation of method one.  I stopped at the last number then turned the dial to the right about 3 numbers to pull the latches.


Lots of vintage tools.


Brian
-----Original Message-----
From: John Innis <jdinnis at gmail.com>
Sent: Jun 10, 2026 3:36 PM
To: Brian Kemp <bk13 at earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] Old toolbox combo lock


These typically work on single turn R-L-R pattern.  
Turn the dial to the right, at least full revolution, then continue turning right to the first number.  
Turn Left to the 2nd number directly (do NOT do a full turn first).  
Then turn right to the 3rd number directly, again, not making a full turn first.  


This pattern works on very simple combination locks found on some toolboxes.  If that pattern does NOT work try this:
Turn the dial to the right, at least THREE full revolutions, then continue turning right to the first number.  
Turn Left one full revolution, past the first number, then turn to the left to the 2nd number
Then turn right to the 3rd number directly, not making a full turn first.  
 
One of these two patterns should work on 95% of the dial combination locks out there.




On Wed, Jun 10, 2026 at 5:21 PM Brian Kemp <bk13 at earthlink.net (mailto:bk13 at earthlink.net)> wrote:

Anyone know how to work the combo lock on the attached old wooden toolbox?  It was my dad's and I'm trying to open it to see what is inside.  There is a combination taped to the back of the toolbox, so I think I know it.  I just can't figure out the turns.


If you don't mind, please include my e-mail in your reply as I can't seem to stop team.net (http://team.net) e-mails from being threated as spam.


Thanks,


Brian
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