Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - padlock won't open

we have an outside padlock that just won't open--is there something we can do short of having someone saw it off? it's been outside in the rain/weather all winter. thanks.

Your best bet is to lube it up good with a can of spray lube. Spray the key hole as well as the two holes where the shackle enters the lock body.

by spray lube, what do you mean? are you able to give a name brand here?

give it agood dose of WD40 all over. And give a few sharp blows
with a small hammer.
Then stick the keys in and turn it and at the same time give it a good whack on the top inbetween the "feet" of the loop. If the the latch it's locked to is tough enough that is, if not then hold it with a big vise grip plier
Good Luck
Tornerito from CR

thanks--i'll get some WD40 tomorrow and have a hammer somewhere here--will get back to you with results.

by spray lube, what do you mean? are you able to give a name brand here?

Hi akaelsie,

Another product you may try is CorrosionX. This may help break up any rust that may have formed over the winter. Once the lock is open, then sprey it inside and out with WD-40. WD-40 is also a good cleaner as well as a lubricator. Corrosionx is thick and will need to be cleaned off, but it works well. After hurricane wilma here in Key West, we used alot of both. Hope all this helps you.

cuedude

Theres Also Ballistol. Which I use, and it works great IMO. If all else fails grab a Dremel with a cut-off wheel.

I would use Ballistol before anything else. WD-40 is not a lubricant. It is a water displacer. Hence the WD in it's name. It's great for inhibiting rust and corrosion. If you are going to lube anything make sure it has a teflon base. Also WD-40 attracts dust and in the right climate will crystalize.

When you spray the lock really soak it down. The two bearings, one on each side of the shackle are going to be stuck to near frozen to the wall of the chamber due to the rust build up.

Also at the back of the lock plug where the tail piece engages the mechanism which releases the shackle, it too will be somewhat rusted because the coil spring that wraps around the brass lug sometimes gets sticky.

After you have soaked the lock several times take the wooden part of your hammer and wrap the lock body and shackle. Many times the vibration from this will break the rust free allowing the key to turn the lock cylinder and then the shackle to release.

Whatever you do "DO NOT HIT THE KEY" when it is in the lock cylinder. It will break off and then you have a whole new problem.

I hope you are able to unlock this padlock successfully without any damage.

CYA!

now wait a minute HardeeLock, Check the label on that WD40 can I think it is a lubricant.

Tri-Flow is probably one of, if not the best lubricant available. Altho not available everywhere, you'll find that it displaces grime and dirt best. It is commonly used by gunsmiths and metal workers all over the world. It is a teflon based lubricant that doesnt dry out and gum up like many other "lubricants".
Teflon is well known as one of the leading lubricants. Try it....you wont be disappointed.

now wait a minute HardeeLock, Check the label on that WD40 can I think it is a lubricant.

WD-40 may lubricate but it is not a lubricant.

* * * * *

This is from WD-40's website:

What does WD-40 stand for?
WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That's the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed WD-40 back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion—a task which is done by displacing water. Norm's persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try.

* * * * *

Also manufacturers of any mechanical device DO NOT recommend WD-40 as a lubricant substitute for their products, because it doesn't meet manufacturer or industry standards.

The purpose of lubricants is not only to assist in smooth operation but extended life of the product which prevents wear and tear. WD-40 cannot provide this in their product. WD-40 is only a temporary fix until manufacturer recommended service can be provided.

CYA!

but where can I get Ballistol? I tried the usual places (home depot, ace hardware, lowe's)--

http://www.ballistol.com/

I buy it by the case and sell some on the side to my customers.

CYA!

With all due respect, I don't think that this forum is to be used to sell products - even on the side.

What's a padlock worth? Maybe five bucks. I'd saw it off or barrow someone's bolt cutters and start fresh.

right you are Goldstar! but I don't think anyone was selling anything,we were just having some fun;) I resign, I see this place is full of pro's I would give it a good coat of WD and once I have it open you know what? I give it a good coat of nothing else but 80W-90 transmission oil! But as I said, I resign
Have a fine day everyone!!
Tornerito

Greetings Goldstar,

I wasn't selling any products to anyone. Akaelsie wanted to know where to buy it so I referred them to their website.

What I should have stating is that I buy it by the case and sell it on the side to my customers. Hope that clears it up.

As far as, "What's a padlock worth?" Well that would depend on application and padlock model. Granted most people can buy $5 padlocks.

But some padlocks are rekeyable and may be keyed to someone's house key. Simply cutting the padlock off would put the client at a disadvantage. I have many people that live way out in the country on large parcels of land and their gate's padlocks are keyed to their house key for their convenience.

Maybe it's a vintage padlock, such as an old Navy or Railroad padlock they put back in operation.

Or maybe it's a padlock that is part of a larger padlock set that locks multiple fence gates like you might find at mines, ranches or small airports.

The big problem I run into here is when there are 20, 30 or 50 padlocks all keyed alike from the factory and one goes bad and the customer wants me to get another to match, but the factory says "No Can Do!". That's when I recommend rekeyable padlocks.

That way I can order just 1 padlock for my client, which translates into great customer service and making my client's problem go away while helping them save a lot of money.

CYA!

Akaelsie, were you able to get your padlock open?

sorry to say, not yet although the key turns almost 40 degrees whereas before it didn't move at all; i'm going to try working it a few more times and if not i'll probably have to have it cut; i was trying to avoid having to purchase a bolt cutter which i'll never use again; in any case i was planning to replace the lock and perhaps cover it with plastic to keep the elements out as it sits outside year round. i'll let you know what happens but appreciate all the input on this site.

Master manufacture many weatherproof padlocks. there are other manufacturers but none (as far as i can remember) that just make covers.

Master are very good quality and reasonably priced and are available at select locksmiths and marine shops

If you live in an area which has tool rental shops, you can probably rent a cutter for a few hours far cheaper than buying one. A hack saw is cheaper but takes a lot more muscle and time.

Great idea--I'll check a local rental shop. Meanwhile each day when I pass the lock I give it another try (hope springs eternal!) and it works better all the time. Who knows, today may be the lucky day! :-)

HURRAH, HURRAH! It opened!!!!! On my daily trip to the lock, I did the usual spraying it again with WD40 but this time it opened! Now I won't have to pursue that bolt cutter route--and will get a really good weather resistant lock this week. Thanks again for all you here on the Forum for your advice.

Great!! No more trouble!

give it a good dose of WD40 all over. And give a few sharp blows with a small hammer.

You're a life saver! I got my motorbike home and the padlock wouldn't open, thought I was going to have to leave it unsecured all night.

WD-40 all over and a firm tap with a hammer at the top of the loop and it opened first try.

If I ever meet you I shall by you a beer my friend!

Much appreciated!!!

Bryan.

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