Tool for Cutting Off a Lock

10 years ago

I hadn't opened a security lock to my tool shed for at least 3 years and when I went to open it, I was unsuccessful. I've tried spraying the key with WD40 oil, but no success. Can anyone recommend a tool for cutting off the lock?

Featured Answer

jemdandy

10 years ago

Bolt cutters may or may not work because the hasp of a good lock is hardened and may be as hard as the jaws of the bolt cutter. A Dremel motor with an abrasive cut-off disk mounted on its shaft can attack a hard hasp, and will be able to cut through with some patience. A larger, more robust abrasive disk and tool will be quicker.

The problem may be lack of electric power. In that case, you may have to resort to a fine tooth saw with carbide tipped teeth.

WD 40 can help loosen stuck parts, but penetrating oils and solutions work better. You did not say if you could put the key into the lock. I presume that you can. If you can get the key in, but can not turn it, the problem is likely stuck tumblers. When pushing the key in, the high points on the key push tumblers up, but if those stick, they do not return to the valley in the key notches and the cylinder remains locked. After once inserting the key, it comes out without much resistance, the tumblers are stuck in an "up" position. AS you move the key in and out, you should feel the tumblers riding on the key notches. In that case. turn the lock key side up and squirt in some lock lubricant followed by generous amount of penetrating oil. Let the lock soak for awhile and then rap the case with a small hammer in the direction of the tumblers. This would be perpendicular to the key slot in the edgewise direction of the key if it were in the slot. Repeatedly move the key in and out and rap the lock when the key is out until the tumblers are freed. If is impossible to free the tumblers, then resort to cutting the hasp.

Apparently, this was a lock intended for indoor applications.

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Comments (8)

millworkman
10 years ago
Large Bolt Cutters.
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Avanti Tile & Stone / Stonetech
10 years ago
Two open end wrenches......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jJP0CcuJyE
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toxcrusadr
10 years ago
Harbor Freight has bolt cutters cheap, or any hardware store.
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toxcrusadr
10 years ago
That video looks like they are breaking plastic bodied locks! Also it was stolen from KulibinTV according to the comments. I found the original just to give Kulibin a click.

This might work for steel locks, I don't know, but I wouldn't count on it.
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Avanti Tile & Stone / Stonetech
10 years ago
Not plastic. Looks like pot metal to me. Still, even with steel-bodied locks, enough torque will bend and free the shackle...
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toxcrusadr
10 years ago
Great advice on lubing, I suppose a better lube might loosen it. If it's rusted inside it may never free up.

I was a little confused about one part jemdandy, just for future reference could you clarify:

"rap the case with a small hammer in the direction of the tumblers. This would be perpendicular to the key slot in the edgewise direction of the key if it were in the slot."

I can't figure out which side of the lock you are rapping. The flat side, the narrow side, the 'bottom' where the keyhole is, or the top where the hasp is? Let's call them that and maybe it will become clear to me.
scarab4life thanked toxcrusadr
jemdandy
10 years ago
This assumes that after inserting the key, some of the tumblers are stuck in their 'up' position in the tumbler holes. When inserting the key, the high points on the key pushes the tumblers deeper into the holes and when the key is all the way in, the tumblers are spring loaded and are supposed to rest on the key. The bumps and notches puts the tumblers into position to align all the tumblers (pins) so that the cylinder is free to turn. If any of the tumblers stick and do not return to the key, the key cylinder can not turn.

Look at the key. Most are single sided, that is they have notches cut only on one edge. I'll call this the notched edge and the opposite edge the plain edge. The idea is to rap the lock on the plain edge side (toward the direction of the plain edge of the key) to attempt to dislodge a stuck tumbler and get it to rest on the key.

If you have a double edged key (like many automotive key are made for newer models), you may not be able to determine which side mates with the tumblers. Although the key is double sided, the lock may have only one set of tumblers. In that case, you'll have to try both directions.

The main idea is to apply shocks to the lock case in an attempt to dislodge the tumblers. If the interior has too much corrosion, the tumblers may be jammed too tightly to dislodge and the lock must be destroyed to open it.