Suitcase locks and zips broken

[Deleted User]

I use one of those mini padlocks with the 3 digit combination on my case. Earlier this year we were on a short break in Edinburgh and it was our day to come home when horror of horrors the lock decided to somehow forget the code and wouldn't open. Of course naturally the train tickets were in the suitcase and we were due to get the train in less than an hour.... Panic!

I rang my dad who had used the lock last and he confirmed I had the correct code but for some reason it wasn't having any of it. Turns out all you need is something sharp and you can easily get into the case and I don't mean by cutting it or picking the lock.

I borrowed a pair of scissors from the hotel reception and as soon as you slide them in between the zip joint with very little force hey presto case open! I never realised it was so easy! Makes the lock seem pretty pointless really.

People quite rightly say don't put anything valuable in the case but if I'm going on holiday what about all my clothes and shoes - they're valuable to me! I'd be gutted if someone robbed them!

Doshwaster

I haven't bothered locking my cases for the last few years. If someone wants to break into them then they'll find a way and a fancy lock just advertises that there could be something valuable inside.

If anyone really wants to dig through my smelly socks then they are welcome to do so.

CountryGoose

Easy to break into a zippered case: http://youtu.be/mf-DGKUNffI

You can prevent this method if you can lock the zip pulls to the body of the case. The case can still be opened, but it will not be possible to covertly close the case again.

For complete peace of mind, wrap you case in cling film.

Do not check in anything valuable. Check what you insurance counts as valuable!

phatbear

CountryGoose wrote: »

Easy to break into a zippered case: http://youtu.be/mf-DGKUNffI

The case can still be opened, but it will not be possible to covertly close the case again.

This is my preffered method however you can open them and reclose them without detection but the potential for opportunist thieves is greatly reduced

diable

I use one of those hoops that you keep your keys on, cable ties where fine if you visited friends but a !!!!!! to open since you can't have scissors in your hand luggage.

If your case is damaged you have to report the damage at the airport before you leave as they will not accept liability otherwise (use the case on your next trip, ahem) I had a case damaged, reported it and received a lovely Daking worth about £70 and am still using it to this day.

kb36

So if I am travelling to the States should I leave the cases unlocked and potentially invalidate any insurance claim , use cable ties, padlocks or TSA locks... please can someone clarify;-)

phatbear

If you're going to lock your bags then they have to be tsa locks or you risk having anything else cut off

Chrissy1981

I mainly use padlocks on my case because I'm worried the zips will work their way open during the flight and my clothes will be flying about on the carousel! :eek:

ferf1223

diable wrote: »

I use one of those hoops that you keep your keys on, cable ties where fine if you visited friends but a !!!!!! to open since you can't have scissors in your hand luggage.

No, but you can have scissors in the top pocket of your checked case.

alanrowell

phatbear wrote: »

the theory that if you lock your bag it implies theres something of value in there and thus make it more attractive is poop.

I lock mine to stop it bursting open mid conveyor and everyone seeing my Glee underwear