How reliable are locks on t-handles?

[mike758]

On my two sheds at home we simply use the locks built isn't the t-locks on the door handles. Even though we have about $7,000-10,000 worth of landscaping equipment in one and about $3,000 in the other, theft isn't a major concern. We live in an area with a really low crime rate, we live on a flag lot, and there's only one realistic way in and out of the property. But it's still good to play it safe.

My overall question though is how legit these things are? I kind of feel like I can easily pick it or even break it if I turn hard enough. Maybe these things are legit though, I don't really know.

 

[mucksavage]

Are they a 751 Key? Our shop recently bought a shed with a t handle that used a 751. We added a padlock. Every camper trailer owner has 5 of those keys. It's my gripe with my motorhome which has an outside TV. The manufacturer puts a $700 Sony LED TV secured with a lock that uses a 751. Not real secure when everyone in the campground has the key!

 

[PnHmech]

Most people don't kno about the one key fits all. I'd add a nice pad lock. Lock are to keep honest people honest


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[jethrodawg]

I decided to add an alarm to my shed. I also live in rural low crime area but if someone decides to break-in without the monitored alarm blasting in their ear, they'd have all the time in the world to clean house.

I'm actuall considering installing wireless cameras at several key spots.

As stated, locks will just keep the honest out.

 

[mikerod]

Tons of things around a datacenter use that same 751 key, from server cabinets to UPS's. We always kind of thought of those locks as more to prevent casual access in an already secure facility. I can't believe they use them for things that are actually supposed to be theft resistant.

We also have a 333 key that is on more or less whatever doesn't use the ch751 key. It's amazing how insecure most locks are.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Are they a 751 Key? Our shop recently bought a shed with a t handle that used a 751. We added a padlock. Every camper trailer owner has 5 of those keys. It's my gripe with my motorhome which has an outside TV. The manufacturer puts a $700 Sony LED TV secured with a lock that uses a 751. Not real secure when everyone in the campground has the key!

Ha! My shed had a 751, too. I just had it rekeyed for the same reason. I've had a 751 key on my work keychain since 1985. It was for the t-handle on the cap on my work truck...

Tommy

 

[Bryanthegreat]

751 is common on ambulances also.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Yes 751 is one of the most common, on stuff that needs to be secured but not protected..

 

[cactiki]

Also, these locks are some of the easiest around to pick-I have picked them in under thirty seconds. (It's okay, I'm a locksmith!)

 

[dowmace]

A 751 will also open most onan generators

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[Jbullfrog]

Locks keep honest people out. It takes less than a minute to remove a sheet of steel and gain entry to a shed, or a handyman jack across the wood framed door jam. Your best option is insurance, and lots of outside lights.

 

[HOTFR8]

Anything I have with a T handle lock has a secondary lock as well.

 

[6768rogues]

751 opens my shed overhead door, all the compartments on a 5th wheeler my parents used to own, and the back door of a truck cap I used to have.

 

[Worsedog]

751 lock is on the handle of a $200K observation tower as well.

 

[top drive]

cable on my T handle snapped recently - with just an old wire coat hanger and some brute force on my door i was able to fish the end out and open the door within minutes. finding a wire coat hanger took longer !

discrete padlocks in all 4 corners suplimented it though - certainly wouldnt rely on it.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Wafer locks are not very secure, and yes the 751 key opens a LOT of stuff.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I have one on my shed. I lost the key last month. I just removed the two screws that held it in place. ****! Back in action. I would still like to find a key. Any suggestions ?

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

2 foot pipe will remove those locks/handles readily. They even have handy leverage points built in.

Better choice is a deadbolt top and bottom of the door. Sink the bolts into the floor and header.

But remember that the hinges are often a weak point. Anyone wanting into a shed will get in if they have enough time and nobody looking at them. A cordless grinder will remove the hinge pins readily. Or just chop the wood around the hinge mounts. There's all sorts of ways in.

Your goal is to keep people honest, and delay any thieves long enough to make your neighbor an easier target.