Breaking into my shed

[scook94]

So it was getting difficult to turn the key in the padlock. Stupidly I left my WD40 inside, so decided that I just needed a bit more leverage. The inevitable result being that the key broke off in the lock.

What's the easiest/cheapest way of getting the padlock off the bolt?

TIA.

 

[summerdays]

Not that I'm going to be able to help ... but how secure is/was your shed anyway... can you take the bolt off? and have you got a spare padlock to put on once you finish?

 

[scook94]

To be honest not very secure at all, the main part of the bolt has a couple of screws that don't have a head so it will be difficult to get off. Where the bolt slides into only has 2 headed screws, so I've been able to access the shed that way!

My bike lives in the bedroom and we I only have a lawn mower and the OH's £45 BSO in there, so no biggy. I would like to get the padlock off and replace the bolt/screws with something more suitable.

 

[tyred]

If this is just a normal brass padlock, hit it a crack with a hammer, they often drop open. Some cheaper or older locks aren't hardened steel and can be easily cut with a hacksaw.

 

[scook94]

The lock is one of these http://www.masterlock.com/apps/mast..._id=null&category_id=USERAPP_D185&target=null

Not sure I'd get a hacksaw over the shoulder.

Would drilling out the lock work?

 

[youngoldbloke]

Angle grinder? On two occasions recently I have had to unfreeze the padlocks on our back gates using a blow-torch, WD40 had no effect whatsoever.

 

[tyred]

I'd say an angle grinder would be the best bet although you could try drilling it (careful not to snap the bit if it sticks). I don't think you would break a quality padlock like that very easily.

 

[nigelb]

Hardened steel shackle?

An angle grinder sounds a good option, maybe a neighbour has one?

Or you could spend a while blunting hacksaw blades, holding the lock in say a monkey wrench.

Nige

 

[fossyant]

Probably quicker to prise the lock/hasp off the shed...brute force - lever off. Then fit a big secure one.

 

[scook94]

Probably quicker to prise the lock/hasp off the shed...brute force - lever off. Then fit a big secure one.

I'm thinking that may be the simplest solution!

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Davidc]

Dynamite?

 

[lukesdad]

Bolt croppers ?

 

[Old timer]

I`m not a full blown locksmith but have been working on locks in conjuntion with my job( hydraulic doors) for most of my life and get called out for such jobs.
If i new it was that padlock I`d probably throw my generator on the van in case there wasn`t any power close by and then deal with it with a small angle grinder (either the lock shackle or the hasp loop) You won`t hacksaw through that shackle. I sometimes use my bolt cloppers but this kiddy might be either to tough to clop or hard to get the jaws in.
If you don`t have a grinder then you might consider prising the hasp and staple off gently. If you are going to try a hacksaw then the hasp and staple is your best bet.

 

[scook94]

Thanks Old Timer. Kinda dumb to have got a padlock like that when all it takes is removing two screws to get into the shed!

 

[cyberknight]

Thanks Old Timer. Kinda dumb to have got a padlock like that when all it takes is removing two screws to get into the shed!

I was about to suggest this ..................