Help With Locked Kennedy Tool box

[Leo2026]

I have a really old Kennedy toolbox that belonged to my father-in-law. It is locked and we have no idea where the key is. There seems to be a number on the lock but it is difficult to read. Do you have any suggestions on getting it open without destroying the lock? Also, what year do you think it is? Thanks in advance!

 

[no704]

Should be pretty easy to pick?

 

[Leo2026]

Should be pretty easy to pick?

I agree. I've never done that so any information on how to do that is appreciated.

 

[Cane]

I agree. I've never done that so any information on how to do that is appreciated.

Put a small screwdriver in to top and put light pressure turning it. Take a pick and put it in the bottom hold down on the point and keep sliding it out towards you. When the tumblers all fall into position it will turn on open. It'll take you a few tries since you've never done it.

You can also look at knocking the pins out of the hinges.

 

[no704]

Best way to explain is to watch a. Couple YouTube videos.

 

[RTM]

If you aren't getting it, a locksmith asked me for $20 to unlock a fire box 15 years ago. Embarrassingly fast too, took me longer to get out of the car and into his shop than it took him to do the job.

I can't imagine that Kennedy taking much longer, but cost probably 3x that now. Key number is usually stamped right under the hasp, for later.

 

[Leo2026]

The first photo shows the lock with the number. Unfortunately I am unable to read the number. Locksmith I asked wanted me to leave the box for several days until he got to it. I am not willing to do that. I'll try picking it. Thanks.

 

[Leo2026]

Best way to explain is to watch a. Couple YouTube videos.

I have been looking on Youtube but there are no videos for this specific toolbox. I'll try to pick it. Thanks.

 

[Leo2026]

Put a small screwdriver in to top and put light pressure turning it. Take a pick and put it in the bottom hold down on the point and keep sliding it out towards you. When the tumblers all fall into position it will turn on open. It'll take you a few tries since you've never done it.

You can also look at knocking the pins out of the hinges.

Thanks.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Do a pencil rubbing on the numbers to read them.

 

[RTM]

The first photo shows the lock with the number. Unfortunately I am unable to read the number. Locksmith I asked wanted me to leave the box for several days until he got to it. I am not willing to do that. I'll try picking it. Thanks.

Wow, I only saw the word Kennedy. Where do you see something that looks like a number?

On my old boxes, I’m used to seeing them Top Right, under the hasp, as shown here KY64.

 

[paulsomlo]

That should be a very easy lock to defeat - here's one of many videos on how to rake a lock. I made a set of tools from the metal spine of an old style wiper blade.

 

[alinc100]

Wow, I only saw the word Kennedy. Where do you see something that looks like a number?

On my old boxes, I’m used to seeing them Top Right, under the hasp, as shown here KY64.

I concur the key number will be under the lower thumb tab,next to the hasp May be a KY, may be a 3 digit number. We know for sure it is an Excelsior lock. More info=more help

 

[whateg01]

... Locksmith I asked wanted me to leave the box for several days until he got to it. I am not willing to do that. I'll try picking it. Thanks.

It's not doing you any good locked. Why not leave it so it'll get unlocked? How long ago did you ask? It would probably be unlocked by now.

 

[RTM]

Why not leave it so it'll get unlocked?

Maybe a fear of locksmith stealing tools when he opens it?

 

[Shelbylex]

OK, the suspense. What was inside?

Kennedy should be easy to pick. I once had a box with the broken key in it - once I was able to remove the remnants of the key, I followed you-tube video and opened it within 5 minutes.

Good luck, Leo2026, and let us know!