Wordlock combination locks might be an unfamiliar concept to some first-timers – but they have been thriving among seasoned rider communities for years. They are no different than any typical bike lock you see on the market. The only major change is that instead of using number combinations, they are a type of lock with letters.
So how do you reset these word lock combinations, and what are other methods to ensure your bike is always protected? These are some of the most common inquiries sent by our readers, and this article is our attempt to address them all in one go.
Resetting Wordlock Instructions
Method 1. Flip Mechanism
Step 1. Open the wordlock using your current code. Once done, find the small switch/lever on its lock mechanism. In most cases, it would be placed facing upwards.
Push it so that the switch/lever changes direction and faces downwards now (the vice versa also applies; if it originally lies facing downwards, flip it to face upwards).
Step 2. Think of the new letter combination you want to use. Can you not think of one? Scour the Internet, and you can see many 4-letter word lock combinations list posed by experienced riders. Choose the one you like best.
Step 3. After that, enter this new combination using the marking ridge. Next, move the switch/lever to its initial position. Congratulations; your Wordlocks have officially been reset!
Method 2. Twist Mechanism
Step 1. Like with method 1, open the lock with your current code.
Step 2. Find the spin switch of the bike’s lock mechanism. It often has the phrase “set” accompanied by some arrow icons. Rotate that spin switch to “set”; keep doing so till it stops. You have just put your locking mechanism into its activated position.
Step 3. Consider the new word combination and enter it via the marking ridge. Once done, rotate the switch to its initial placement. And that’s it; you are good to go!
Method 3. Set Mechanism
Step 1. Unlock the lock using your current code (or the wordlock default password provided by your manufacturer if you have just bought it). Only then can you be able to perform the resetting steps.
Step 2. Once unlocking this combination, look for its set system and twist it clockwise to about 180 degrees.
Again, like the other two methods, contemplate the new word combination you want to adopt from now on. Try to pick a familiar phrase (so that you can remember it easily) but still unique enough to prevent thieves’ easy guesses.
Step 3. After entering the latest code, navigate to the “setting” mechanism again. Turn it about 180 degrees counterclockwise to confirm that the new passcode has already been established.
Step 4. Test this combination to ensure it works smoothly. If your bike opens as you enter these new letters, it means success!
Extra: Method to Use When You Forgot Your Current/Default Combination
Regardless of what methods you prefer among the three introduced above, there’s one thing in common: you must enter your current/default passcode first. So if it slips off your mind completely, how to reset wordlock without the combination?
Here are some simple steps you can adopt to reset the key without lock passwords:
Step 1. The procedure requires you to pull the lock’s ends at full force. One good tactic is to use both hands so that the sides separate more easily. That way, it allows you to determine the used combinations via the clicks and sounds produced.
Step 2. Now is the most tiring part, we are afraid. Twist the rings and try to guess the correct letters for every hole. Pull and bend the rings while doing so; if atypical clicks come from them, your guesses are correct.
And what if you cannot hear anything? Keep twisting and pulling the rings. Basically, Step 2 is all about errors and trials; be patient until the click sounds.
Step 3. Repeat the entire Step 2 to discover the letters in the remaining rings. As you find the right letter combination, your bike will unlock automatically.
Again, we understand that these tasks are ten times more challenging than any method above. But do not lose hope.
Step 4. With the lock open, it’s time to reset it using your new preferred combination. Now things are simpler; pick one of the three methods we discussed to put the lock in activated positions and reset the passcode.
Step 5. Check whether the combination works. Note your current passcode somewhere (in your mobile phone or a notebook), so you won’t forget it next time.
What Should You Do When The Lock Gets Jammed/Refuses to Open?
You still remember the current passcode, yet, your lock keeps acting stubborn and refuses to open. How to open that wordlock then?
Try to discover the reason why by checking all the lock components. Once locating the culprit, finding a proper solution to your current dilemma will be much easier.
Solution 1. Unfreeze The Lock
Cable locks too tight are a common reason behind their refusal to open. One recommended method is to increase the distance between the outer casing and the key slots with a sawing. Note that this process might be tricky; your blade may cut deep into the lock and wreck it further!
Also, another possible reason behind the malfunctioning lock is its lax inner core or faulty locking mechanism. More specifically, if the clicking noises pop up, your lock has been frozen – a deadlock.
The only way to break through it is to tear the locking mechanisms apart with tools. Fortunately, it’s quite an easy task for most old bicycles.
Solution 2. Use WD-40 to Remove Rust
Rust is a common issue among numerous bicycles, but it’s not difficult to tackle, and rust on bike locks is no exception. Simply spray some WD-40 on every rust spot, and it will dislodge itself.
See Also: Use WD40 on My Bike Chain
Solution 3. Remove Brake Obstruction
Bikes are usually parked in tight areas, with the wheels locked by the bike’s brake levers. Due to little space, the brakes often intrude their heads into the locks, making it impossible to open your bike.
The solution is straightforward: keep your key locks somewhere more comfortable. Always check to see whether there is brake obstruction.
Solution 4. Work On The Jammed Parts of The Locks
From our real-life observation, an average bike lock often gets jammed/stuck in these two places:
- The keyhole, difficult to turn over the key
- The lock body; hence, separating the lock’s two different parts is impossible
How to tell which one is your case? The answer is simple. Suppose your key refuses to slide completely through the lock or turn properly even after you have set the bike lock letters combination. Your lock’s keyhole is obviously the root cause.
And if the keys can go in and turn easily – yet the stubborn lock still stays tight – the problem lies where the lock’s two parts connect.
Jammed keyholes are due to misaligned discs, frozen water, debris, and dust. Meanwhile, inseparable folding locks result from corrosion buildups, which fuses the bar/shackle to the lock’s inside.
As you can locate the source of the problem, fixing this will be a piece of cake.
How to Prevent The Lock from Getting Jammed?
Now that your locks with letters have been opened – thanks to the guidelines above – note these tips to ensure the accident will not visit you and your bike again.
For starters, always clean the lock. Use a toothpick or sewing needle to eliminate debris and grime from your locking mechanism. After that, wipe it with a soft, dry rag.
The cleaning frequencies depend on your current living area and riding style.
If the bicycle gets dirty often and fast, weekly schedules are highly recommended. On the other hand, dry weather and paved roads mean excessive cleaning is unnecessary; only once a month (or twice, if you want) is enough.
Secondly, lubricate it monthly. WD-40 is not a lubricant meant for locks, so you should try to purchase a product tailored for such purposes (ex: DuPont Silicone).
Lastly, always wait until the key has been all in and all the four letters have been entered before turning it over. That way, risks of disc misalignments will always be kept at bay.
See also: How to Remove Rust from Bike?
Can Thieves Still Break Through Wordlock Bike Locks?
Yes. Many people assume installing bike locks is enough to keep thieves away. Unfortunately, bike theft cases have been increasing over the years; these bicycle locks are stable but by no means invincible!
We can list numerous tools that an average criminal can use to break the locks apart without knowing the codes: hammers, bolts, metal strand cutters, crowbars, and hacksaws.
And contrary to popular belief, these devices are pretty muted, so passersby will likely detect no unusual sounds or noises!
A quick scan over Youtube, and you can find thousands of videos extracted from road cameras, recording how a typical bike theft often occurs.
Solutions to Keep Bike Theft Away Other Than Wordlock Bike Locks
Choose a safe parking place in broad daylight with installed road cameras. Thieves tend to not commit their deeds if too many people are around.
Also, unless the neighborhood forbids vehicle alarms, we strongly suggest buying one. They will screech loud noises at anyone attempting to bring the bicycle away, attracting people’s ears instantly.
Conclusion
Numerous methods on how to change wordlock combination have been discussed in detail. Scour through them to pick an option most suited to you and your preferences. Even if you forgot the bicycle lock code, we could still provide excellent tips, though that might take quite some time.
Still, remember that criminals’ lock-picking skills have become more advanced these days, meaning even the most premium lock cannot safeguard your bike completely from potential danger. Apply other anti-thief methods introduced in the latter half of the article just to ascertain!
Please write to us if you have more questions about bike lock resets.