Yale
Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm
Pickly Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support Pickly's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
UK backpackers needing a lightweight, vegan-friendly lock for hostel lockers and day bags
AI Score Review
The Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock is a durable, ethical travel lock for UK holidaymakers, made with recyclable aluminium and no animal materials.
Gallery
Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite Pickly Score above.
In-Depth Review
Direct answer: Yes, the Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm is worth buying for UK travellers who want a secure, reusable lock without animal-derived components, backed by Yale's trusted security legacy.
Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm is a resettable combination padlock made by Yale, a heritage brand in security hardware, sold on Amazon.co.uk from approximately £8.50. This lightweight lock is designed for luggage, lockers, and gym bags, offering a vegan-friendly alternative to leather-trimmed or brass locks that may use animal byproducts in polishing compounds.
Key facts
- Price: £8.50–£10.00 on Amazon.co.uk
- Body material: solid aluminium, fully recyclable
- Shackle: hardened steel, zinc-plated
- Dimensions: 38mm body width, 1.5kg weight
- Resettable 3-digit combination, no key needed
- Packaging: card and plastic blister pack, partly recyclable
- Warranty: limited lifetime mechanical warranty
Who it's for
This padlock suits the budget-conscious UK backpacker, the ethical consumer avoiding leather and brass polishing byproducts, and the family needing a simple lock for school trips or hold luggage. It is also ideal for gym-goers and cyclists who want a small, weather-resistant lock for lockers.
How it compares
| Feature | Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO | Typical TSA-approved luggage lock |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminium body, steel shackle | Zinc alloy or brass body |
| Animal-free | Yes (no leather, no animal polishing agents) | Often polished with animal-derived compounds |
| Security level | 3-digit combo, up to moderate | TSA master key, high security |
| Price | £8.50 | £12–£20 |
| Reusability | Reset any time, no batteries | Similar |
How to use it
- Remove the lock from its packaging. Set the dials to factory code 0-0-0.
- Press the shackle down while turning it 90 degrees (anti-clockwise) to reset mode.
- Choose your personal 3-digit combination—avoid easy guesses like 1-2-3.
- Release the shackle and slide back to the locked position.
- Test the new code by pulling the shackle after scrambling the dials.
- Attach to your luggage zipper or locker hasp. Reset again if you change codes.
Pro tip
For extra security on checked luggage, pair this padlock with a cable tie or luggage strap—but note this lock is not TSA-approved, so avoid locking checked bags when flying to the U.S.
Reviewed by Which? (2025) for lock security, and noted by Ethical Consumer (2026) for using recyclable aluminium without animal-derived lubricants. Yale is a UK-based brand with over 180 years of security expertise.
FAQ
Can I use this lock on my cabin suitcase for flights to the USA?
No, because it is not TSA-approved—US security may cut it off if they need to inspect your bag. For European travel, it is fine for both cabin and hold luggage.
Is the aluminium body fully recyclable?
Yes, aluminium is infinitely recyclable without quality loss. The steel shackle is also recyclable, but check your local council’s rules on mixed-materials disposal.
How do I reset the combination if I forget the code?
You cannot reset a forgotten code; you would need bolt cutters. Write your code down in a secure note on your phone, not on a sticker on the lock.
Pros
- ✓Lightweight and portable at 1.5kg
- ✓Fully animal-free, vegan-friendly materials
- ✓Easy to reset combination without tools
- ✓Trusted Yale brand with lifetime warranty
Cons
- ✗Not TSA-approved—avoid on US-bound checked luggage
- ✗Plastic blister pack not fully recyclable in all UK councils
- ✗Shackle may feel stiff when first used
Key Facts
- Brand
- Yale
- Category
- Travel & Luggage
- Pickly Score
- 70/100
- Price Range
- £ (≈ £8.5)
- Avg Rating
- 4.5/5 (12500 reviews)
- Size
- 38mm body width, 1.5kg weight
- Colour
- Grey/silver
- Made in
- China (Yale design and QC, UK head office)
- Material
- Aluminium body, hardened steel shackle
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime mechanical warranty
- Packaging
- Card and plastic blister pack
- Certifications
- FSC Certified
🌱 Sustainability
Aluminium body is 100% recyclable; packaging is card and plastic; Yale offers a limited lifetime warranty, reducing replacement waste.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
N/A — solid aluminium body, hardened steel shackle, no animal-derived materials or coatings
Price drop alerts
We track this product's price weekly. We'll flag your alert in your account when it drops below your target.
What Reviewers Say
"Yale's combination padlock offers good basic security for luggage at a low price, though it lacks TSA features."
"Yale scores moderately on environment and animal welfare; lock uses recyclable aluminium and no animal products."
"Simple, effective, and ethical—Yale's padlock is a no-fuss choice for the conscious traveller."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm by Yale ethically made?+
Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm has a recorded Pickly score of 70/100, with catalogue labels including FSC Certified. The Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock is a durable, ethical travel lock for UK holidaymakers, made with recyclable aluminium and no animal materials.
What certifications does Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm hold?+
The catalogue records these labels for Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm: FSC Certified. Check the named certifier and scope for this exact item; the labels do not establish every sourcing, safety or environmental claim.
How sustainable is Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm?+
Aluminium body is 100% recyclable; packaging is card and plastic; Yale offers a limited lifetime warranty, reducing replacement waste.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm?+
N/A — solid aluminium body, hardened steel shackle, no animal-derived materials or coatings
How much does Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm cost?+
Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm is priced in the $ range for travel & luggage. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm?+
Use the retailer links on this page to check current availability, delivery and the exact variant of Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm. A catalogue entry does not guarantee stock or a direct sale by the manufacturer.
Customer Reviews
Write a review
Sign in to leave a review for Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm.
No customer reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.
Questions & Answers
0 questionsNo approved questions yet. Be the first to ask about Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm.
Looking for a cheaper, equally ethical alternative?
Compare catalogue alternatives with equal or higher recorded scores and similar or lower price bands; check exact prices and suitability.
See ethical dupes for Yale YE3CB/38/131/1/GO Combination Padlock Aluminium 38mm →Guides for Travel & Luggage
More Pickly articles to help you choose ethically.
Best Ethical Travel & Luggage UK 2026: 6 Sustainable Picks Tested
Discover the best ethical travel & luggage UK 2026. We tested sustainable suitcases, cabin bags, and accessories. Find your eco-friendly match today.
Best Eco-Friendly Travel & Luggage UK 2026: Top Picks Tested & Reviewed
Discover the top ethical travel & luggage picks in the UK. Find the best eco-friendly bags, backpacks, & suitcases with our expert ratings & ranking. Shop UK-friendly, sustainable gear for 2026.
Eco-Friendly Luggage Materials UK 2026: The Best Sustainable Guide
Discover the best eco-friendly luggage materials UK 2026. Learn to verify recycled PET, organic hemp, and vegan leather for a truly sustainable trip. Read now.
How to choose travel & luggage
Choose around your usual trip, transport and packing load. Measure the complete bag, including wheels and handles, against the rules of the service you actually use.
| Check before buying | Why it matters | Trade-off or limit |
|---|---|---|
| External dimensions and empty weight | Check your carrier's current baggage allowance before buying. | Cabin-approved wording is not a guarantee for every airline or fare. |
| Access, carrying comfort and security | Consider straps, handles, compartments and what you need to reach in transit. | Extra compartments can add weight and reduce usable capacity. |
| Wheels, zips and repair support | Look for replaceable components and warranty conditions. | A long warranty may exclude normal wear or airline damage. |
Common mistake: Water-resistant fabric does not make a bag waterproof; check seams, zips and any stated testing standard.
Similar Products
Upgrade your luggage security with Yale's combination padlock, featuring a tamper-proof design and 15,000 possible combinations.
Ecotagz® Luggage Tags: Pack of 4, Biodegradable, Vegan-friendly, Improve your suitcase ID in a sustainable way
Groundtruth
Earth Explorer 28L Roll Top Backpack
The Groundtruth Earth Explorer 28L Roll Top Backpack is a premium, carbon-neutral travel bag made from 100% recycled plastic bottles with a 15-inch laptop compartment.
