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AIBU?

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Original poster

Suitcase locked with everything inside

235 replies

Suitcasefuckup · 13/02/2022 18:06

Not really an AIBU but am in dire straits (relatively speaking) and hoping someone can help...

Have come away for a few nights with toddler. DH lovingly shut and locked out suitcase ready to go, before realising that he didn't actually know the code.

We had to run and catch the train so left with a locked suitcase, thinking that we'd be able to figure out the code later.

999 tries on the combination lock later and no joy, so now we're stuck in a hotel room with no clothes and, worse, no books or cuddly toys to help toddler sleep.

It's a Delsey suitcase with a 3-digit combination lock and a button with a space for a key.

Please please can anyone help?

OP posts:
Theimpossiblegirl · 13/02/2022 19:52

I'm looking to buy a new case, but I don't think I could cope with a built in lock reading this!

Zonder · 13/02/2022 19:53

Have you tried the suggestions early on in the post?

Mo1911 · 13/02/2022 19:53

Stick a pen in the teeth of one part of the zip and it'll open but not damage the zip. We've had a case that's been like this for years and we still use it, we just carry a pen, pencil, anything with a small point and it's open quicker than opening a padlock 😊

mirpuppet · 13/02/2022 19:55

This happened to us we went through every number and it did open. I think I had my 10 year old do it. Try all the numbers again.

drinkingwineoutofamug · 13/02/2022 19:55

Partner says lock picking lawyer on you tube. On how to beat the lock on a suitcase

AuntMargo · 13/02/2022 19:59

mmmm cut the zipper, its a suitcase not a steel safe !!

speakout · 13/02/2022 19:59

What 3-digit number do you think you can make that doesn't fall between 000 and 999 grin ?!

I had the same conversation wi my ex many years ago. He just didnt't get it.
It was about 4 digit bank pin numbers- he said everyone's number was unique, I said they cant be there are only 9999, possible combinations plus 0000, and most banks have more than 10,000 customers.
I was banging my head against the wall, and asked him name a 4 pin code that isn't contained within counting up from 0000 to 9999, he couldn't, but still claimed there were milllions of combinations.
We decided to disagree ( althouh I knew I was right)

thenightsky · 13/02/2022 20:03

How does breaking the zip help if the case is still held shut by the two metal bits at the front? Its the metal bits that need breaking.

FluffyBooBoo · 13/02/2022 20:04

No its not. It is one more than that, in this case 1000 combinations. Can't believe how many people keep forgetting that 000 is a possibility

I'm actually aware of that, but we both know the person incredulous about there only being 999 want thinking in terms of there just being one more.

tulips27 · 13/02/2022 20:06

I would just go through all the combinations. This happened to me and I was lucky that the combination set began with a low-ish number, so it didn't take that long to do it. Even if you have to go through most combinations it still won't take that long.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 13/02/2022 20:08

What @hairyfriend said. Use a biro to push into (plastic) zip and you can open the case, when you remember the code you can run the zipper back and forth and it will 'reinstate' the state the zip.
It's how the some baggage handlers do it at airports to steal your valuables. (note: not all baggage handlers are thieving bastards)
Failing that, do you have access to a small amount of plastic explosives?

Blossom64265 · 13/02/2022 20:09

It’s a tsa override lock. I have no idea where to get a universal tsa key, but if you can get ahold of one, you can open the suitcase easily.

You might also try googling how to open a tsa lock when with suitcase brand because I just tried how to open a tsa lock, there are no shortage of tutorials.

itsfreeeeeeezing1234 · 13/02/2022 20:16

Just use a knife to cut the zip x

BertieBotts · 13/02/2022 20:19

If you cut the zip, it will be broken.

If you force the teeth apart it should be fine. Like a hoodie that has come unstuck.

BertieBotts · 13/02/2022 20:20

@thenightsky

How does breaking the zip help if the case is still held shut by the two metal bits at the front? Its the metal bits that need breaking.
You'll be able to open it a sliver, reach in and pull stuff out. Not easily repack it though.
NCTDN · 13/02/2022 20:21

I think the op is sorted as she's not been back has she?

TheMadGardener · 13/02/2022 20:21

We arrived in the USA once to find that at some point in the journey the combination lock on my suitcase must have received a massive bash and it was bent and jammed. Could not get it open. Went to hotel reception and they sent up the hotel handyman with his toolbox. He soon got it open but the combination lock was permanently busted. However it was the kind of suitcase where I could still lock it if I went out and bought a padlock, which is what I did for the return journey. Have you asked the hotel for help?

MrMrsJones · 13/02/2022 20:23

use a pen push it through the zip then open it, you then use the zip handles to relock it

GlendaSugarbeanIsJudgingYou · 13/02/2022 20:25

672

Nocutenamesleft · 13/02/2022 20:34

Ok. Contact a local locksmith. They’ll have better tips

They will have a tool that can break it. Or give you an idea how too

Other thing would be to jam a very slim metal toothpick or such like a bang it hard into the key lock. . It’s meant to lift all the trips inside. And you’d be able to unlock it.

WorkingItOutAsIGo · 13/02/2022 20:37

LISTEN TO ME I have been here. It will only take you 20 minutes to try every combination. Do it. If that doesn’t work, use a pencil and press into the zip teeth abd it will open it without breaking it forever.

EveningOverRooftops · 13/02/2022 20:37

@Lockheart

Borrow knife from hotel, cut zip fabric, buy new suitcase.
Keep the old case and pay for a zip to be repaired. It’s an easy job. Shame to waste a good case.
Nocutenamesleft · 13/02/2022 20:38

@labyrinthlaziness

I would just break it, ask reception to provide tools.
How many receptions have a lock picking kit behind the desk?
JudgeJ · 13/02/2022 20:57

@TheMadGardener

We arrived in the USA once to find that at some point in the journey the combination lock on my suitcase must have received a massive bash and it was bent and jammed. Could not get it open. Went to hotel reception and they sent up the hotel handyman with his toolbox. He soon got it open but the combination lock was permanently busted. However it was the kind of suitcase where I could still lock it if I went out and bought a padlock, which is what I did for the return journey. Have you asked the hotel for help?
We used to regularly have our TSA locks bust by TSA!
Mistymountain · 13/02/2022 21:02

When this happened to me I ended up cutting the suitcase and had to buy a new one

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