Does anyone know how to open luggage w/o a key?

[AngryAmish]

I was going through my folks old stuff and found a suitcase that has stuff in it. The suitcase is more than 45 years old. It is really cool and retro. I want to use it.

However, the suitcase is locked and the key is nowhere to be found. Short of busting the locks, how do I open this thing? Does anyone know how to get old luggage keys or how to pick locks?

[DustMolecule]

1. You could take it to a locksmith....

...if you're 'nice' and explain the lil story behind the luggage, they might not charge you very much. :-)

[eyesroll]

4. Chances are, it won't cost all that much anyway

Most of a locksmith's fees are for the trip charge -- bring it in to the shop and it'll be next to nothing.

[trof]

2. Paperclip? Locksmith?

Most luggage locks are fairly simple devices.

[L84TEA]

3. you should be able to

use a paper clip. feel around in the hole for a bump to push on.

[Whoa_Nelly]

10. Or a bobby pin

with the plastic tip removed. If there's a release button, keep a little pressure on it while fiddlin' with the lock...should be able to feel the lock move.
Good luck! Hope you share what you find in the old suitcase, if anything...:)

[BrklynLiberal]

5. If it is a well known brand, perhaps you can get a key from the maker n/t

[AngryAmish]

6. It was called "Overpond" and from England or Ireland

Google search comes up with nothing.

[lonestarnot]

7. C4 works

:nuke:

[Magrittes Pipe]

8. An angry gorilla can open most luggage.

But if it's Samsonite, you're screwed.

[oneighty]

9. Attach

"Fragile-handle with care" Label and mail it to yourself. When it arrives it will be open.

Idea stolen from a SciFi story I read in the last century.

180

[amazona]

11. I've done it with a paperclip

Seriously. The locks on old luggage are worthless. Just jiggle it around a little. I've done this in ten minutes or less on old luggage, and I have zero manual skills.

[ScreamingMeemie]

12. MrG uses a pocket knife.

:hi:

[sbj405]

13. Ask the TSA. They must be pretty good at popping locks these days

:-)