How can you figure out the combination to an old lock by looking at the position of the tumblers?

Answer 1

Look @ the position of the dial when the tumblers lie up. The use this formula. Consider the dial as the face of a clock. Say the dial is in the 37 minute position. Multiply 37x pi {3.14) add 13 then divide by 3. Voila, Now you have the combination! Or, use a grinder and grind the lock off. It's a little easier

Answer 2

If you mean a rotary combination lock, the lock will have several disks that have a notch in the edge, When all of the notches are aligned with a bar on the latch, and the bar can drop into all of the notches at once, the latch can be withdrawn. However, the lock must be open in order that you can see the position of the notches.