Quick answer: To reset a SEPOX 4-digit resettable combination padlock: 1) Open the lock with the current code. 2) Locate the small reset pin on the back or side of the lock body (a small metal tab or slotted pin). 3) Using a paper clip or the reset tool included, push and hold the reset pin in the direction of the arrow. 4) While holding the pin, dial your new combination on the wheels. 5) Release the reset pin. The new code is set. Test it three times before closing the lock. The whole process takes under 30 seconds. Important: never force the reset pin — if it does not move with light pressure, your lock is not resettable. SEPOX 4-digit resettable models are the "LA-" and "NBHPL" series, from $11.99 to $39.99.
What "resettable" actually means on a combination padlock
A resettable combination padlock lets you change the opening code without replacing the lock. The internal mechanism has a small pin (sometimes called a "set pin" or "change key") that disengages the code wheels, allowing you to dial a new code.
Not every combination padlock is resettable. Fixed-code models (common in cheap luggage locks) have a code stamped at the factory and cannot be changed. Before buying, check for the word "resettable" or "set-your-own" in the product title.
What you'll need
- Your current combination (you cannot reset a lock you cannot open)
- A small paper clip, SIM ejector tool, or the included reset tool
- 30 seconds of patience
The 5-step reset process (SEPOX 4-digit)
Step 1: Open the lock with the current code
Dial the existing combination and pull the shackle open. The reset pin only works when the lock is unlocked.
Step 2: Locate the reset pin
On SEPOX 4-digit resettable models, the reset pin is a small slotted metal tab on the back or bottom of the lock body. It usually has an arrow indicating which direction to push.
Tip: on silver/aluminum models, the pin is often the same color as the body. Use a flashlight if you cannot see it.
Step 3: Push and hold the reset pin
Insert the paper clip or reset tool into the slot. Push in the direction of the arrow with light pressure — it should move 1–2 mm. Hold it there.
Do not force it. If the pin does not move, your lock is either fixed-code or the pin is already engaged.
Step 4: Dial your new combination
While holding the reset pin in, rotate each wheel to your new 4-digit code. Take your time — there is no time limit once the pin is held.
Step 5: Release and test
Release the reset pin. Close the shackle, scramble the wheels, then re-enter your new code three times to confirm it works.
Common mistakes
- Trying to reset with the lock closed. The reset pin is mechanically blocked when the shackle is engaged. Open the lock first.
- Forgetting the new code immediately. Write it down in a password manager or a sealed envelope stored away from the lock. Do not tape it to the lock body.
- Using too much force on the reset pin. If it does not move with light pressure, the lock is not resettable. Forcing it will damage the mechanism.
- Testing with the shackle half-closed. The code only "takes" when the reset pin is released. If you release the pin with the shackle still open, the test still works, but the lock may not save the new code on closure.
What to do if you forget the new code
A combination padlock with a forgotten code is, for practical purposes, unrecoverable. The pin pattern is held mechanically, not electronically. Options:
- For low-value locks: bolt cutters or an angle grinder (destroys the lock).
- For high-value locks: contact the manufacturer with proof of purchase. SEPOX does not store user codes, so recovery requires proof of ownership and a fee.
- Prevention: always keep a written record of your new code, stored separately from the lock.
Recommended resettable SEPOX models
| Model | Body | Shackle | Price | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combination 55mm resettable outdoor | Aluminum | Standard | $18.99 | Lockers, sheds |
| 4-digit resettable 7" flexible cable | Steel cable | Long | $20.98 | Bikes, gates |
| Large 2.2" 4-digit resettable | Steel | Long | $25.98 | Storage units |
| Heavy-duty 4-digit weatherproof shackle | Aluminum | Long | $39.99 | Outdoor gate |