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The best resettable combination lock depends on what you are securing: Master Lock’s 176 is a practical general-purpose outdoor padlock, ABUS’s 180IB is aimed at corrosion-prone settings, and Squire’s CP60CS offers a more protected closed-shackle design. For luggage, choose a TSA-format lock; for a bicycle, use a purpose-built chain or U-lock—not a small luggage or locker lock.
A changeable code solves key-management problems, but it does not make a lock resistant to cutting or prying. Match the lock to the threat, the weather and the hasp, and treat digit count as just one part of the decision.
Quick comparison
| Lock | Best for | Code | Body and shackle | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Lock 176 | Everyday outdoor padlock | Four digits; 10,000 combinations | 2-inch solid brass body; 8 mm hardened-steel shackle | Exposed shackle is accessible to cutting tools |
| Master Lock 878 | Frequent code changes without a reset tool | Four digits | Powder-coated zinc body; 8 mm hardened-steel shackle | Not a high-security choice for valuable assets |
| ABUS 180IB | Coastal or exposed locations | Four digits; resettable | Forged brass body; stainless-steel shackle | Weather-focused, not a guarantee against physical attack |
| Squire CP60 | Heavier five-wheel padlock | Five wheels; 100,000 combinations | Die-cast alloy body; 10 mm hardened-steel shackle | Open shackle leaves more metal exposed |
| Squire CP60CS | Closed-shackle protection | Five wheels; 100,000 combinations | 10 mm closed hardened-steel shackle; double locking | Limited clearance; check fit before buying |
| Squire SHCB75 | Heavy-duty combination padlock | Five wheels; 100,000 combinations | 75 mm body; rotating hardened-steel closed shackle | Bulky, expensive and may not fit a short hasp |
| Kryptonite KryptoLok 990 Combo Chain | Bicycle chain convenience | Five digits; 100,000-plus codes | 90 cm manganese-steel chain; about 5.85 lb | Heavy; not the default choice for high-theft locations |
| Kryptonite KryptoLok 912 Combo Chain | Longer bicycle reach | Five digits; 100,000-plus codes | 120 cm manganese-steel chain; about 7.35 lb | Extra reach adds substantial weight |
| Master Lock 4696D | Checked luggage | Resettable numeric combination | TSA-format lock with extended-reach shackle | Authorized airport personnel can open it; not high-security theft protection |
Product specifications and manufacturer ratings are not equivalent to independent attack testing. The options above are selected for their documented features and intended use, not from an apples-to-apples destructive test.
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Best general-purpose outdoor padlock: Master Lock 176
The 176 is a straightforward choice for a residential gate, fence, shed or locker where a four-digit code and ordinary outdoor utility are the priorities. Master Lock lists a 2-inch solid brass body, a 1-inch shackle height, an 8 mm hardened-steel shackle and 10,000 possible combinations. Its exposed shackle is a practical compromise: it fits many common applications, but a determined attacker has more access to it than with a closed-shackle lock. See Master Lock’s specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- High Security: 4 digit combo lock offers 10,000 combinations which make it safe enough. Equipped with an advanced damper design for accurate setting of your code. No random code set.
- Easy To Use: A clear Instruction are included in the package. Make it easy to set and reset your own combination. Compact size, light weight. No more fiddly keys.
- Durable Padlock: This padlock is constructed with a high strength zinc alloy body, stainless-steel cover and hardened steel shackle, which make it more strength and security,cut resistance, anti rust and weather proof.
- Widely Use: AIHYTU resettable combination lock is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Great for gym locker, school locker, backyard, fence gate, toolbox, hasp locker, employee locker, sports locker, cabinet, garage, shed and container etc.
- Conveniently Portable: Its compact size and lightweight design make this combination padlock convenient to carry with you wherever you go.
Best tool-free code changes: Master Lock 878
The 878 is worth considering if you expect to recode often and do not want to keep a separate reset tool. It has a four-digit code, a powder-coated zinc body and an 8 mm hardened-steel shackle. The manufacturer markets it for weather-resistant use. That convenience does not make it a high-security lock: consider the exposed shackle and body material before using it on an expensive asset. Details are on the product page.
Best for corrosion-prone locations: ABUS 180IB
For a dock, boat, coastal cabinet or similarly exposed setting, the 180IB’s forged brass body and stainless-steel shackle make it a sensible corrosion-focused option. ABUS describes it as weatherproof and provides an individually resettable four-digit code. Those are manufacturer specifications, not proof of indefinite resistance to salt, grit or standing water. Rinse and maintain exposed locks as appropriate, and do not assume weather protection means attack resistance. See ABUS’s 180IB page.
Best five-wheel midrange padlock: Squire CP60
The CP60 combines five wheels and 100,000 possible combinations with a 60 mm body, 10 mm hardened-steel shackle and double locking. Squire lists a 6/10+ security rating; this is the manufacturer’s own rating, not a universal third-party standard. Choose the CP60 when you want a heavier five-wheel padlock and its open-shackle geometry suits the hasp. If limiting access to the shackle matters more, look at the CP60CS. Specifications are on Squire’s product page.
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Rank #2
- 4 Digit Combinations Safer: The 4-digit combination lock gives you peace of mind while you are away or at work. The lock, which is made of premium zinc alloy and steel, will be difficult to break in. The fact that it has 10,000 unique combinations makes it ten times longer to decode than 3-digit locks.
- Sturdy and Durable: This locker lock is made of high-quality and long-lasting materials. It's built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use and is resistant to rust and corrosion. Its weatherproof feature makes it ideal as a combination lock for outdoor use.
- Side Window Design: Comes in a side window design that makes it easy to set the combination. Unlike other locks that you need to use your two hands to enter the code, this one is different: you can enter the code with one hand only. Maneuvering and resetting your code is so simple and straightforward.
- Wide Application: This storage lock is versatile and can be used on a wide range of lockers, including gym lockers, sports lockers, and school lockers. It's also great for use on gates, sheds, and fences.
- Conveniently Portable: Its compact size and lightweight design make this combination padlock convenient to carry with you wherever you go. This small lock provides enhanced security.
Best closed-shackle compromise: Squire CP60CS
The CP60CS uses a 10 mm closed hardened-steel shackle and five wheels, with 100,000 possible combinations and double locking. A closed design reduces the amount of shackle directly exposed to cutting tools, but the smaller opening may not fit thicker hasps or chains. Squire lists a 7/10+ rating and a weight of 0.56 kg; the rating is Squire’s own. Check the dimensions and specifications against your hardware before ordering.
Best heavy-duty combination padlock: Squire SHCB75
For a substantial gate or commercial storage point where a combination mechanism is required, the SHCB75 has a 75 mm body, five wheels, 100,000 combinations and a rotating hardened-steel closed shackle (listed at approximately 12 mm). It weighs 0.69 kg, and Squire gives it a 7/10+ rating. The design is bulky and expensive, and its short shackle may not fit every hasp. The rating is manufacturer-specific, not independent proof against every attack method. See Squire’s SHCB75 specifications.
Best combination chain for a bicycle: Kryptonite KryptoLok 990
The 990 provides a five-digit resettable combination and a 90 cm chain with four-sided 3T manganese-steel links. Kryptonite lists more than 100,000 codes and a weight of about 5.85 lb. That is a more appropriate form factor for a bicycle than a small padlock, but its weight affects everyday carry and combination convenience should not be mistaken for maximum security. Compare current independent bike-lock coverage and certification needs before using it to protect a high-value bike in a high-theft area. Product details: KryptoLok 990.
Rank #3
- Indoor and outdoor padlock is best used as a school locker lock, gym lock, and gate lock, providing protection and security from theft.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.
- Set your own four-digit combination lock for easy combination recall; Combination change tool included
- Combo lock is constructed with a solid body for strength and weatherability, hardened steel shackle for cut resistance
- 2 inch (51 millimeter) wide lock body; 5/16 inch (8 millimeter) diameter shackle with 1 inch (25 millimeter) length, 1 inch (25 millimeter) width
- Shackle is preset to open on 0-0-0-0; See user manual in technical specifications section of this page for combination reset instructions
Kryptonite’s KryptoLok 912 extends reach to 120 cm, useful for larger fixed objects or multiple bikes, but weighs about 7.35 lb. That extra mass can make it inconvenient to carry. Do not use a luggage lock or small locker padlock to secure a bicycle.
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Best for checked luggage: Master Lock 4696D
The 4696D is a resettable combination lock in a TSA-approved luggage format, with an extended-reach shackle. TSA-format locks are designed to allow authorized airport security personnel to open and relock luggage with a TSA key. That access is the point of the format—and why it is not a high-security anti-theft choice for a gate, shed, bicycle or storage unit. See Master Lock’s luggage-lock range.
What “resettable” means
A preset lock arrives with a code supplied by the maker or seller; it may not be changeable. A set-your-own lock lets you choose the initial combination. A resettable lock lets you change it later, typically only while the lock is open and you know the current code. Some models need a reset key, pin or lever; others are designed to reset without a separate tool. Check the exact model’s instructions rather than assuming all locks with user-set codes can be recoded the same way.
Rank #4
- Heavy duty outdoor lock; Maximum security combination lock is best used as a gate lock, shed lock, or storage lock.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.Control Method:Application
- Set your own four digit combination lock for easy combination recall; No combination change tool required, Shackle seal and hinged dial cover for superior weather resistance
- Padlock is constructed with a zinc body and reinforced body bumper for strength and reliability; Shackle seal and covered dials for superior weather protection; One directional dial feature for low light applications
- Tough-Cut octagonal boron steel shackle is 50% harder than hardened steel; Roller pin cylinder provides maximum pick and pry resistance
- 2-1/4 inch (57 millimeter) wide lock body; 3/8 inch (10 millimeter) diameter shackle with 1-1/2 inch (38 millimeter) length, 15/16 inch (24 millimeter) width; Extended shackle for application flexibility
This restriction is intentional: if anyone could reset a closed lock without knowing its current code, that would undermine access control. ABUS says its reset key will not work without the current combination, and Kryptonite likewise says its resettable locks cannot be reset if the current combination is unknown. See ABUS’s combination-lock information and Kryptonite’s reset guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How many digits do you need?
A three-digit lock has 1,000 possible codes, a four-digit lock has 10,000, and a five-digit lock has 100,000, assuming each wheel can be set independently to any digit. More possibilities make casual guessing less likely, but they do not make a lock physically stronger. Code count does not stop someone from cutting the shackle, prying the body, watching you enter the code or exploiting a vulnerable mechanism. Nor does it help much if repeated attempts are possible without a lockout.
For a low-risk locker, luggage or cabinet, three or four digits may be enough for convenience. Four digits suit many ordinary padlock uses. Five digits are useful when a larger lock supports them and additional resistance to casual guessing matters. Do not choose a lock by combination count alone.
Best Value
- Black and silver finish with side window to view combination for easy reading
- Side window to view combination for easy reading
- Made of durable zinc alloy with shackle size of 0.25" diameter and lock body of 1.72" W x 0.86" D x 3.19" H
- 4-digit combination locks offering 10,000 unique combinations for added security
- Includes combination reset instructions for easy set and reset of your own preferred combination; updated user manual attached to page
How to choose the right lock
- Start with the threat. For a school locker or indoor cabinet, ease of use and fit may matter most. For a gate or outdoor shed, prioritize shackle protection, the hasp and weather suitability. For a valuable asset at a high-risk site, consider a high-security keyed lock or managed access system instead.
- Measure the mounting point. Check shackle diameter, horizontal and vertical clearance, hasp thickness and space to operate the dials. A closed-shackle design can protect more metal but may not fit; a long or open shackle fits more hardware but exposes more of it.
- Look beyond the body label. Brass, zinc alloy and steel serve different purposes. Consider shackle material and geometry, locking features, body construction and the quality of the hasp. A strong padlock on a weak hasp may not materially improve security.
- Match weather claims to the site. “Weather resistant” and “weatherproof” are manufacturer descriptions, not guarantees against salt, grit, freezing or standing water. For marine exposure, prefer corrosion-conscious materials and protected dials, and maintain the mechanism. Squire, for example, lists the CP50ATLS as having covered wheels and body protection and reports 312 hours of salt-spray testing; that speaks to corrosion testing, not physical attack resistance. See Squire’s CP50ATLS details.
- Check how recoding works. If codes change rarely, a reset key may be acceptable. If they change often, a tool-free mechanism may be more convenient. For shared access, decide who can change the code and how the new one will be distributed.
- Consider who needs access. A mechanical code is simple to share, but it can spread beyond the intended group. For individual credentials, temporary access, audit trails or remote changes, an electronic access system may be worth its batteries, connectivity and account-management complexity.
Reset a combination lock safely
Exact procedures vary by model, so use the manual for the lock in hand. A common sequence is:
- Open the lock with the current combination.
- Find the reset mechanism—such as a lever, pin, key or required shackle position—and engage it as the manual specifies.
- Set the new combination while the lock is still open.
- Return the reset mechanism to its normal position.
- Test the new code several times while the lock remains open. Scramble the wheels and confirm the old code no longer works.
- Record the code securely, then lock the item only after you have confirmed the new code works.
If a reset fails, keep the lock open if possible. Check the viewing side and alignment marks, make sure no wheel sits between numbers, and verify that the reset lever or key returned fully. Do not force the mechanism. Consult the exact model instructions; if the current code is forgotten, many mechanical locks cannot be reset through ordinary means. Kryptonite’s model-specific guidance also advises registering the combination after changing it.
Use and code-management tips
- Avoid birthdays, addresses, phone-number fragments and obvious repeated digits.
- Do not write the code on the lock or leave it nearby.
- Do not reuse one code across unrelated locations or groups.
- Change the code when someone loses authorization, such as a former tenant, employee or contractor.
- For business use, keep a controlled record and assign responsibility for code changes.
- Test every lock after recoding, and avoid resetting while the lock is under load.
Combination, keyed or electronic?
A resettable combination lock is useful when several people need access, keys are easily lost, or temporary access is common. A keyed high-security padlock may be a better fit when the asset is valuable, deliberate attack is a concern, or insurance and procurement rules specify a standard—provided key control is manageable. Electronic locks can add individual users, temporary codes and audit trails, but depend on power, software or connectivity and may cost more. For a simple shed or gate, a mechanical lock is often the less complicated choice.
For bicycles, choose a purpose-built chain, U-lock or folding lock, and compare realistic security ratings and independent evidence. Manufacturer claims and code counts alone are not enough to establish resistance to cutting or grinders. Coverage from Cycling Weekly and Cyclingnews can help frame that separate comparison.
Quick Recap
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