And I thought there couldn't be any more innovation in padlock industry. Master Lock's Speed Dial lock proves me quite wrong.
Oh, it starts off like your grandad's padlock -- all steel heft and shiny silver shackle. But what's this round thing in the middle⢠Where are the numbers⢠Uh, excuse me⢠How does this thing ... Ohhhh.
It's left, right, up, down. Directional. I get it. And, man, is this gizmo easy to open -- that's if you know the combo.
You are gonna look pretty cool opening your lock one-handed -- oh, yeah, it's possible with this lock. The spring-loaded dial is super- easy to use.
And the best -- you can set your own unlock combo. As often as you want. The reset switch on the back makes that a breeze. Of course, to reset it, you have to know the old combo first. So, take your ginko.
Cool gets even cooler with the accompanying stickers (shapes, symbols) that you can stick on the directions.
I was pretty psyched about how easy this was to use. So was my tween daughter. Guess I'll have to buy my own.
-- Chris Pastrick
The new Masters "Speed Dial" lock is more trouble than it's worth. Yours truly followed the instructions for changing the lock and could not open it using the new directional combination. The combination lever on the back is small and hard to move. The sound of teeth grinding⢠It sounds like this: Click. Click. Click.
- William Lo effler
I have the kind of mind that numbers just can't seem to stick to. My husband wavers between amusement and irritation that I can't even remember our anniversary (it was a hot summer day ...). I keep the combination to the lock I use at the gym jotted in permanent ink inside my tennies -- just in case I have a brain freeze. So this new lock seemed like something that could help me out.
The lock has a nice solid heft to it that speaks of quality. It's great for those who need reading glasses to see all those little numbers on the dial. This lock can be opened with your eyes shut.
To begin the sequence of the combination, you push down on the shackle to clear it -- in the same way you spin a combination all the way around past zero before dialing the numbers. Holding the lock in your hand, your thumb works in a natural movement to push the center into its sequence of directions.
The lock comes with a set combination, but you can change it to one of your own. With the lock in the open position, you begin by moving the reset pin up -- a handy pen tip pushed the pin easily. Following the directions, you reset the combination, then move the pin back. Instructions recommend writing down the sequence, or you can store it at www.combolocker.com.
-- Sally Quinn
Additional Information:
Master Lock Speed Dial Set-Your-Own Combination Lock
The claim: This revolutionary design features a first-of-its-kind design that opens on directional movements -- up, down, left and right -- instead of a standard rotary dial. The lock is faster to open than traditional locks, saving valuable time. The innovative lock is customizable, allowing you to create your own easy-to-remember, resettable combination with any number of movements in any sequence. For those who prefer more traditional methods of recalling their combination, the lock includes adhesive letters, numbers, colors, shapes and symbols that can be applied over the lock's directional arrows. The lock comes in red, blue, white and black with chrome.
Cost: $8.99
Where: Mass merchandise discount stores
