Reset a Calpak Lock by Contacting the Manufacturer
If you have forgotten your Calpak luggage lock combination, the most reliable way to regain access is to contact Calpak directly. Calpak keeps records of lock registrations and can help you reset the combination or provide instructions for a factory reset, depending on your lock model.
To reach Calpak, visit their website and look for the customer service contact page. You will need your luggage proof of purchase or the serial number on the lock itself. Have a photo of the lock ready — Calpak may ask you to confirm details like the lock's color or size to verify ownership before they information you.
Response times vary, but Calpak typically replies within one to three business days. If you need access to your luggage urgently, this method may not be fast enough, so consider the physical reset options below as a backup plan.
Key Takeaways
- Calpak customer service can reset your lock combination if you provide proof of purchase or the lock's serial number.
- Some Calpak locks have a physical reset button or lever on the back that you can use without contacting the company.
- If your lock has a small hole on the back, you may be able to reset it using a straightened paperclip or thin tool, though results vary by model.
- Bolt cutters or an angle grinder will open the lock if other methods fail, but will destroy the lock in the process.
Check Your Lock for a Physical Reset Button
Many Calpak combination locks have a small reset button or lever on the back or underside of the lock body. If your lock has one, you can reset the combination without contacting Calpak or damaging the lock.
Locate the button or lever — it is usually recessed so it will not set up by accident. Using a ballpoint pen, straightened paperclip, or small flathead screwdriver, press and hold the button for three to five seconds. Some models require you to hold it while turning the dial; others reset after you release it. Check your lock's color or design against Calpak's product photos online to find the exact reset procedure for your model.
After pressing the button, test the lock by opening it without entering a combination. If it opens, you can now set a new combination. If it does not open, your lock model may not have a reset button, or the button may not be functional.
Try the Paperclip Method on Locks with a Reset Hole
Some Calpak locks have a small hole on the back labeled "Reset." This hole is designed to accept a thin tool that can trigger an internal reset mechanism. A straightened paperclip or a safety pin works for most models.
Insert the straightened paperclip into the hole and push gently but firmly until you feel resistance. Hold it in place for a few seconds, then remove it and try opening the lock without entering a combination. If the lock opens, you have successfully reset it and can set a new combination.
This method does not work on all Calpak locks — some holes are decorative or serve a different purpose. If the paperclip does not trigger a reset after several attempts, move on to another method rather than forcing the tool into the hole, which could damage the lock's internal mechanism.
Use Bolt Cutters or an Angle Grinder as a Last Resort
If you cannot reach Calpak, your lock has no reset button or hole, and you need when ready access to your luggage, you can cut the lock open using bolt cutters or an angle grinder. This method will destroy the lock, so use it only when other options are exhausted.
Bolt cutters work on most combination locks and require no power or special skills — position the cutting blades around the lock's shackle (the U-shaped metal part) and squeeze the handles together. An angle grinder is faster but produces sparks and requires eye protection and steady hands. Wear work gloves either way to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
After cutting the lock off, you can replace it with a new Calpak lock or any TSA-approved luggage lock. Keep the receipt from your new lock in case you need to contact the manufacturer later.
Prevent Future Lock Combinations from Being Forgotten
Once you have reset your Calpak lock and set a new combination, write the combination down and store it somewhere safe — not in your luggage or on a label attached to the luggage. A password manager app on your phone, a note in your home filing system, or a written record kept with your travel documents all work well.
Some travelers photograph their lock combination and store the photo in a cloud service like Google Photos or iCloud, which they can access from anywhere. Others use a dedicated travel notebook that stays at home. The goal is to have the combination available if you forget it, without making it straightforward for someone who finds your luggage to open it.
If you register your Calpak luggage with the manufacturer when you purchase it, Calpak may keep a record of your combination on file, making it easier to retrieve if you forget it again.
Understand TSA Lock Standards and Calpak Compatibility
Calpak makes both TSA-approved locks and standard combination locks. TSA-approved locks have a special keyhole that allows Transportation Security Administration officers to open your luggage without cutting the lock. If your Calpak lock is TSA-approved, the lock body will display the red diamond TSA logo.
TSA-approved locks are more convenient for travel because airport security can inspect your luggage without damaging it. However, they are not easier to reset if you forget the combination — the reset process is the same whether your lock is TSA-approved or not. When you replace a broken lock, consider buying a TSA-approved model if you travel frequently by air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a locksmith open a Calpak combination lock?
Yes, a locksmith can open your Calpak lock without destroying it, though the cost is usually between $20 and $50 depending on the lock type and your location. This is a good option if you need access to your luggage and cannot reach Calpak or use a physical reset method. Call locksmiths in your area and ask specifically about luggage locks before visiting.
What if I bought my Calpak luggage used and do not have a receipt?
Contact Calpak anyway — they may still help you if you can provide the lock's serial number or detailed photos of the lock and luggage. If Calpak cannot help without a receipt, try the physical reset methods listed above, or contact a locksmith. A used luggage purchase does not disqualify you from getting the lock open.
Does Calpak charge a fee to reset a forgotten combination?
Calpak does not charge a fee for resetting a forgotten combination, but you may need to cover return shipping if you send the lock to them. Most of the time, Calpak can walk you through a reset over email or phone without requiring you to ship anything.
Will resetting my lock erase the old combination?
Yes, resetting your lock erases the old combination and allows you to set a new one. After a reset, the lock will open without any combination entered, and you can then set a new combination of your choice by following the lock's instructions.
Can I reset a Calpak lock if it is stuck or jammed?
A jammed lock may not respond to reset attempts. Try explore a small amount of graphite powder or silicone-based lubricant (not oil) to the lock mechanism and working the dial back and forth gently. If the lock remains stuck after lubrication, contact Calpak or a locksmith rather than forcing the mechanism, which could cause permanent damage.