Picking locks on Yakima rack mounts?

[4xdog]

I recently found a 2003 Toyota Tacoma as a rust-free (Colorado) replacement for my 2001.

I'm moving stuff between the two as I get the 2001 ready to sell on -- which is a project in itself as I'm changing the muddy tan interior of the new-to-me white 2003 out for the better condition/better color grey interior of my old silver 2001. That'll make a nice looking white truck and a weird looking silver truck (for its next owner). The FJ Cruiser wheels on the white truck will go as well, in favor of the 16" originals.

The new-to-me Tacoma came with an A.R.E. shell and Yakima racks mounted via locking control towers and what I assume is Yakima's SKS single key system of cylinder locks. No keys for the rack, and apparently no record of a key number anywhere. I've spoken to the seller (second owner at least), A.R.E., and the dealer who sold the shell originally. None have any idea of the key number.

So my options are to destroy one of the towers to find the lock number on the cylinder or to pick the lock and order the appropriate key number for the rest of them.

The 'net is full of all kinds of DIY instruction for this, all of which make it look super easy. I doubt that it's that simple. The local locksmith I've used in the past has been kind of expensive and is a bit weird, so I've not yet gotten a quote to pick the lock.

We have a few locksmiths on here. I'd be most interested in your professional opinion, guys.

If (or rather when) one of the cylinders comes out, it's gonna look like this one as shown on Yakima's site:

 

[General Geoff]

find a locksport forum and post a topic asking if anyone in the st. louis area would like to make an easy $50.

 

[4xdog]

find a locksport forum and post a topic asking if anyone in the st. louis area would like to make an easy $50.

That's a pretty good idea!

 

[The Cobbler]

a locksmith should be able to make a key without a code. it's called impression a key.

 

[reptilezs]

they are incredibly easy to pick. could probably do it with some gigglers or raking it. key code is written on the core itself inside. to remove the core it needs to be unlocked and then a control key(blank uncut key) inserted to pull the core

 

[Indy125]

Is there a number on the cylinder? I know Thule racks do, and you can go to any dealer, reference that number and they will order your the correct key. Don't know why Yakima would be any different? Hope that helps.

 

[ineedtools]

That lock should be fairly easy to pick with a $5 pick set from eBay.

Sent from my R1 HD using Tapatalk

 

[4xdog]

Yes, the cylinders have the key number engraved on them -- as shown in the image linked from Yakima's site in my original post. If I get one out, the other three will be easy as I'll order a key for that lock number (plus the control key, as reptilezs notes).

They sure look like they'd be easy to pick. Good to hear others think so too.

 

[ar2stp48]

Simple wafer lock; very easy to pick. Check a few of the videos; give it a try yourself if your locksmith does not wish to bother with a wafer. Easy to make a key once you get one lock removed. Check the forums lockpicking or keypicking; may find a member in your area who will help

 

[lmalcomb]

Contact [email protected]
Patrick is a KeyPro Automotive Security Professional right there in St Louis
Or bring it to Me I am as well.

 

[jakemac]

I had a similar issue with locks on a roof box. I ordered a control key from Yakima's website.
Once I got the cylinder out , I was able find the code to order the key I needed from the same website.

 

[Mr_B]

You do not need control key get cylinder out. just use a small screwdriver or pick to push in the large wafer on very end of cylinder.
They pick easy, you can make a double sided wave jiggler key from an old cutting blade or feeler blade for nothing and have it open in seconds.
I've even done wafers like that with plastic made jiggler .

 

[WastedAgain440]

Like others have said, these locks are incredibly easy to pick. I lost my keys and had to pick the lock to have new keys made. I used a small piece of galvanized sheet metal bent in a L shape and a paper clip, had it picked in less than a minute and I'm no wizard at picking locks. Give it a shot!

 

[reptilezs]

You do not need control key get cylinder out. just use a small screwdriver or pick to push in the large wafer on very end of cylinder.
They pick easy, you can make a double sided wave jiggler key from an old cutting blade or feeler blade for nothing and have it open in seconds.
I've even done wafers like that with plastic made jiggler .

seriously these locks are so loose in the cylinder. very easy to pick/bypass. pro tip spray some lube in them before picking

 

[Randy_che]

I have picked a set of these, then got the code and ordered keys from a guy on ebay. They were very easy to pick.

 

[4xdog]

I had a day at home (after about a month of traveling) to give picking the Yakima SKS rack lock a try. About five minutes with a piece of bent windshield wiper insert spring steel as a tensioner and a three-dollar eBay pick kit, and it's done. As everyone said, super easy -- even for someone who's never picked a lock.

Thanks for all the advice, especially to ar2stp48 for the private messages.

 

[kd3pc]

I had a day at home (after about a month of traveling) to give picking the Yakima SKS rack lock a try. About five minutes with a piece of bent windshield wiper insert spring steel as a tensioner and a three-dollar eBay pick kit, and it's done. As everyone said, super easy -- even for someone who's never picked a lock.

Thanks for all the advice, especially to ar2stp48 for the private messages.

be careful, as now you see how, insecure, these locks are and if you are going to secure stuff on them, know that a $3kit and 5 minutes...the stuff can be gone.