Fixing an opened TSA lock [closed]
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I recently traveled from USA to India with a layover in London (British Airways). I had locked each one of my check-in luggage with a TSA lock. One of my luggage bags seems to have been opened for inspection. I suspect this because I checked the keyhole of the lock and it looked different from the other locks. Also, this lock is always unlocked irrespective of whether I entered the correct combination or not. How do I fix such a lock?
Best Answer
It is likely the TSA or other customs/inspections agent broke the lock when opening your luggage. Even though the whole point of the "TSA-Lock" is that they have master keys, they sometimes are too lazy and just clip (cut) the lock or they use the wrong master key and force the lock, breaking it. It doesn't help that many TSA locks are very poorly constructed. Fortunately, that also means they are inexpensive.
While a locksmith may be able to repair it, it is almost always cheaper to just get a new lock.
Or do what most experienced travellers do and simply use a ziptie. You can buy 100 of them for 1 euro/dollar. Simple to use and just as much of a deterrent as the TSA lock.
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How do you fix a jammed TSA lock?
Finding or resetting a TSA lock combinationHow do you put a TSA lock back together?
Firmly press the shackle down. While continuing to firmly hold down the shackle, set the new combination by aligning the new numbers with the red line. Once the new combination is in position, release the shackle, firmly pull it up, then rotate it and push it down in the lock position.Can you reset TSA luggage lock?
On every TSA lock there is a reset button hidden inside a tiny hole in the back or bottom of the lock. Find a pointy object like a paperclip or safety pin and push the button until you hear the lock release. Step #3: Select a new combination for your TSA lock\u200b. It is now time to set a new combination.Why wont my TSA lock close?
The combination on this type of lock can be changed by turning the shackle 90 degrees and pressing it down. If your lock is a TSA002 or TSA007, sometimes the code changing mechanism will get stuck and make it difficult to close. This usually means the lock is locked in the open position.How to Unlock Forgotten TSA Combo Dial Lock (EASY)
More answers regarding fixing an opened TSA lock [closed]
Answer 2
You said "seems to have been opened", was there a piece of paper from TSA in your suitcase stating that it had been opened for inspection? If there is no paper, then your suitcase was likely tampered with by someone else and they could have been at any of the three airports you traveled through.
Padlocks for the most part are not worth repairing, it is easier and more economical to simply buy a new lock. Or not even bother locking at all.
There is one school of thought on locks, that putting a lock on a suitcase signals to the would be thief that there is greater potential for valuable items in that suitcase. And an unlocked suitcase has nothing of value.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Pixabay, Tima Miroshnichenko, Tima Miroshnichenko