How to Lock a Suitcase Without a Lock: 5 Easy and Simple Methods
Peace of mind is crucial, especially when traveling. But if your suitcase lock stops working or is damaged and your belongings are not secure, you’ll stay restless throughout your journey. It’ll surely spoil the experience of your entire journey.
But the important question is what you do in these situations and how you tackle them. This is where you’ll have to be more creative, as there are some ways and tricks that can really help you lock a suitcase without a lock.
In this guide, we’ll tell you about some ways to think outside the box so that you can lock your luggage without a dedicated or regular lock. So get ready to be a little clever.
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5 Ways to Lock a Suitcase Without a Lock
We’re helping you in some of the best possible ways below. Whether you have softside luggage or hardside luggage, you can choose any of them that you think is easier and more secure for your specific situation. So let’s start with the zip-tie method.
1. Using a Zip-Tie
The first method is using a zip tie. You just need to get a piece of zip-tie that is lengthy enough; if you already have one, that’s fine, but if you don’t, you can just get it from any nearby hardware store.
Take the zip tie and thread it through the small holes that are there in the zipper pulls. Pull the zip tie and make it as tight as possible to make your suitcase zipper pull together. Now you’re done.
Now, you can cut the extra length of the zip tie to give it a clean finish. There you go.
The benefit of this method is that it’s really fast and easy to implement, and the best part is that it’s extremely inexpensive and readily available at almost every hardware store.
Also Read: 5 Best TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
2. Using a Braided Cord or a Shoelace
The second method is by using a braided cord or a shoelace. This is something that you might already have with you.
What you’ve got to do is choose a strong and durable braided cord or shoelace to make sure that the knot you’re going to tie is secure and not easy to tamper with.
Then, with the help of the ends of braided cord or shoelace, tie a tight knot around the zipper pulls and make sure that the knot is well tightened and not easy to loosen.
Once you tie the knots, clearly inspect them to make sure that they’re tight and secure. Try gently pulling the zipper pull and ensuring that the knot holds the responsibility.
This method is not as secure as the first zip-tie method, but the good thing about braided cord and shoelace is that they’re tamper-evident in nature. If someone tries to disturb the knot, you can easily identify that someone has attempted to open your suitcase.
3. Paperclips
The next method you can try is the paperclip method. This method is also not a permanent solution and can only serve as a temporary solution when you don’t have any standard locks. But it can surely help you create a barrier for someone to access your luggage.
So start with this method.
The first thing you need is a paperclip; once you’ve got it, just unwind it until it becomes long and straight like a piece of wire.
Then take one end of the straightened paperclip and insert it through the holes of both the zipper pulls on your suitcase. Now it is time to bend the paperclip in such a way that it forms a small loop around the zipper pulls. This can also lock a suitcase without a lock.
Make sure to tighten it as much as possible, and make sure that it’s snug and isn’t easy to undo. Now inspect that both zipper pulls are securely fastened and do not separate from each other.
Attempt to open your suitcase and ensure whether the zipper pulls are acting like a deterrent or not.
Also read: Guide to TSA-Approved Lock: Everything You Need to Know
4. Secure Your Luggage By Getting It Wrapped
This method is not an alternative to a lock, but it can prevent any unauthorized access, protect your belongings from tampering or damage, and lock a suitcase without a lock. It’s not a substitute for a lock; it adds an extra layer of security, especially when you don’t have any standard locks with you. So let’s take a look at this method.
Almost every airport offers professional wrapping services. You just have to find the luggage wrapping station within the airport. You can get your luggage wrapped there.
But before you get it done, make sure your luggage is completely packed and ready for travel. If there is a loose item, make sure to remove it from your luggage. Now you can head to the wrapping station.
There is always a staff member who can help you. If you’ve got any specific instructions about your item inside, just let the staff member know so that they can provide an extra security layer.
But for this method, you’ll have to pay a little fee. When the wrapping is done, you just collect your suitcase and inspect whether the wrapping is secure and tightly sealed or not.
While getting your luggage wrapped, make sure that your luggage zipper pulls are completely covered. This method creates a physical barrier and makes it really difficult for someone to access your luggage.
Also read: 5 Steps Solution – How to set and reset the Samsonite lock?
5. Using a Belt
This method is also excellent, and the best part is that you only need a belt with a buckle, which you might already have with you. So let’s start with a step-by-step guide.
The first thing you need is a durable and sturdy belt that must have a buckle, which must be capable of securing your belongings. Before you start the process, make sure you’ve got everything in your luggage.
First, wrap the belt around your luggage horizontally, and make sure to keep the buckle on the front or side of your luggage for easy access. While wrapping, make sure to pass your belt through the handle of your suitcase and create a look around your suitcase.
Now, pull the belt tight around the suitcase in order to prevent the zipper pulls from separating. Once you’re done, now inspect that the belt is tight enough but not too tight to cause any damage to your suitcase or item inside it.
You can do one more thing to make it more secure: if you’ve got an additional belt, you can also wrap it vertically. Now test your luggage by opening it and checking if the belt is working like a deterrent or not. If it’s working, you’re done.
Also Read: What To Do With Old Samsonite Luggage
Closing Thoughts
While facing the challenge of securing your luggage without a traditional lock, creativity plays an important role. We’ve mentioned plenty of methods with step-by-step guides; you can opt for any of the above. It depends on what resources are with you and how you can manage them.
So whatever method you choose, none of the methods is a permanent solution or an alternative to a traditional or standard lock. These methods can only serve as a deterrent or barrier between your luggage and someone with evil intentions, and they can prevent theft to a certain extent.
So make sure, after getting out of this situation, you manage a suitcase with a proper locking system. So that it can provide you with peace of mind and fill your travels with pleasure and happiness.
