Hardor Freight Toolbox Lock Replacement - Please help

[m3gusta]

Please go easy on me, it has not been my weekend. I took shipment of my 72" Harbor Freight rolling cabinet the other day, and proceeded to lock the keys inside within 5 minutes.

I got my hands on a tubular lock pick and had no luck after fiddling with it for hours. I called a locksmith who came over and proceeded to use my own tools without any success, and still charged me $30.

After taking losses left and I right I just decided to drill the thing out. I taped the area really well and went to town. This didn't go well. Snapped a **** ton of drill bits and made scratches on the finish despite the tape. I didn't drill the hole center, so even after getting all the way through, the lock was still in one piece.

I should have walked away at this point but anger and rage started to consume me so I kept going. It was at this point I made my biggest mistake and marred the lock hole with my drill.

I made some mistakes. But there's nothing left to do but learn from them and try and fix them.

I'm hoping I can find a replacement lock with an outside diameter big enough to cover the entire hole which is 22.2mm wide. I'm having trouble finding a replacement lock online that matches the style of the one that came out. It looks like every lock online has an offset hole coming off the back of the lock, whereas the HF lock is a straight shot from the key to the latch/bar.

I think I'll cover the whole top panel with black vinyl to cover my mistakes. God this hurts

<a href="https://ibb.co/QmJqxz7"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/dKf3H1s/IMG-20190831-182440.jpg" alt="IMG-20190831-182440" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://ibb.co/w6P5Tm9"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/ggfkGK5/IMG-20190831-192203.jpg" alt="IMG-20190831-192203" border="0"></a>

 

[The Cobbler]

yeah, you messed up big time... maybe you can get a thin stainless washer to use as a trim pc . and doesn't HF sell replacement locks?
if you know someone with a welder they can probably cut part of that cam off & weld it to a cam from a replacement lock. check with HF first

 

[BlackLS2]

HF does sell parts...however they take months, so you must exercise much patience. The HF parts
crew are great. In the case of a lock you might get a different key. My 72 came with a mashed drawer, mashed trim, and a broken plastic latch...the sent replacements for all, with extra plastic latches in about 20 weeks.

Webste has the number...I think they are in South Carolina....Eastern time.

You might look at HD for washers that allow 1/2 EMT fitting in 3/4 JBOX hole...polish it.
.

 

[kctyphoon]

Call HF customer service. (Not the STORE, they have an actual customer service line, with real people that speak English) They can order new locks for you. People have even been able to get matching sets for multiple pieces. I ordered shelves for the lockers - it was literally a 5 minute phone call. They took about 3-5 days or 5-7 days to come. As far as the scratches - one thing you can do, is just order a small piece of vinyl to cover it. Say black. Just cut a small square, rectangle, and stick it on centered over the lock. Cut the hole out, Insert new lock, and itll look like its there to protect against scratches.

Listen - EVERYBODY has made stupid mistakes.. youre not alone.

Also - you can just email customer service too. Its very easy, but obviously will take longer than a phone call for a response. If I remember right, i did both.. i emailed them to get the part # for the shelves i wanted, and when i got a response i called with the part number.

I found the part # for the 5 lock keyed alike set for like $40 - but if i remember right, HF recently changed the style of locks they use now (they went to a barrel type right?) - so i dont wanna post the wrong thing since it was a thread from several years back.

 

[lilredex]

Have a look at the trim ring I show, it may just do the trick. Look for those at places that sell vending machines and supplies.

If you drill through the center and keep increasing the bit size, those locks fall right out....mostly brass.

https://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=425483

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5058056#post5058056

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152864

 

[Stadger]

How did you lock it without using a key in the first place?

 

[m3gusta]

Unfortunately it's easy (and stupid) as it sounds. I had the key in the lock with the drawers open. I removed the key in what I thought was the unlocked position and threw the key in the top drawer and the rest is history.

 

[m3gusta]

Have a look at the trim ring I show, it may just do the trick. Look for those at places that sell vending machines and supplies.

If you drill through the center and keep increasing the bit size, those locks fall right out....mostly brass.

Thanks, I think a little trim piece is all I need to cover up my mistake. The hole probably would only protrude a mm or two from the lock face.

As far as the scratches, my plan is to do the whole top panel in a matte black vinyl so that it looks somewhat 'OEM'. I've removed the US General badge and the plastic trim pieces so that I can try and get the vinyl nice and flush with the whole piece.

I'm kickin myself so hard right now, it was tough for me to sleep. Been excited for this box to arrive for months and I jacked it up before even putting a tool in it. But I will feel better when I can erase (hide) my mistakes.

<a href="https://ibb.co/By0j6zF"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/1rFKXvj/IMG-20190901-083142.jpg" alt="IMG-20190901-083142" border="0"></a><br /><a target='_blank' href='https://imgbb.com/upload'>image upload</a><br />

 

[BlackLS2]

Once you get past this temporary set back, you will love this box! Very cool color!!!!

 

[1982fxr]

In a couple of months you'll get over it.

Sometimes knowing when to walk away after frustration sets in is the hardest part.

 

[Prospecter]

Years ago, had a contractor digging out my foundation. One of the few things I hired out. We were talking about DIY, and I noted I was making a lot of mistakes. He said, "The thing is, the pros make mistakes, too. And you end up paying them to fix their mistakes!" (Kinda like your locksmith!) Let it go. Stuff happens, and we fix it.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

My dad has a 56 inchish us general box, my starter box was a us general service cart. Both are older models so I cant comment one today's offerings, but in my experience I never liked their locks anyways.

I would consider looking into options to upgrade your lock since your already in this position. To me the locks are the most important part of a tool box.

I would also consider getting locks with matching keys for any cabinets or other boxes you may have. Although I wouldn't want to lock those master keys in anything.

There are a few locksmiths here on GJ, one named jeffmoss I believe. I'm sure someone will stop by to offer more experienced advice. Also the hole hopefully isnt a big deal, there is a variety of things you could probably do about it. My main concern would be eliminating play in the lock cylinder.

 

[Flyordie]

Contact Harbor Freight customer service... ask if they can send a new lock set for you. They've done it before.

 

[m3gusta]

Thanks for all the reassurance guys. I've had a few days to cool off and put together a solution to move past this fun adventure.

Got some Combi-Cam combination locks on the way from Amazon. They bigger face will definitely hide my blunder as well as eliminate the need for keys so I can look at this whole thing as some kind of upgrade in the long run.

I've got some 3M matte black vinyl on the way and I'll do the whole top panel which will blend with the black top and should look pretty sweet when it's all done.

Many many lessons learned here which is all that matters in the end.

 

[kctyphoon]

This might be a REALLY stupid question - but you know the drawers have individual latches on the outside right?

Sometimes - making mistakes gives you an opportunity to make stuff even nicer than you were planning.

Can you really “lock” the lock, then close a drawer, and not be able to open it again on the HF boxes? I thought it was a series of latches on the same bar that fell down onto the drawers IF they were already closed, that prevented them from being open again? I’m my mind, it wouldnt be possible to do what you described.. but i only have the 44” box, and ive never experimented so i really dont know. My box is in my basement so ive never used the locks.

 

[m3gusta]

Not a stupid question at all, but it's true. You can lock the drawers while they are still open and it lets you remove the key. The drawers will shut close and be locked. Give a shot yourself, just don't be a goofball like me and throw the whole set of keys in the top drawer.

 

[kctyphoon]

I just tried this on my gen2 HF tool cart.. left one drawer open, closed the lid, locked it with the key, and now even WITH the key, i cant unlock it... I’m not even kidding.

Edit - alright - one of the pins in my lock must have gotten stuck. I just shot some wd-40 in the lock and it unlocked w/ the key. The lock itself and the drawer locks have nothing to do with each other - which is why i was like wtf. But with the drawers locked and one left open - on the cart, the drawer stayed unlocked when i pushed, even slammed it in.. I’ll have to try on my box next time i go in the basement. And yes - i have a tool cart in my living room.. dont ask me why.

 

[m3gusta]

Hmmm it could be something specific with the 72" box. I know one thing I'm feeling good about putting in these combination locks so I don't have to worry about locking or losing my keys again.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Is it the picture or is the box actually a green like a Kawasaki Team Green color ?

 

[m3gusta]

Is it the picture or is the box actually a green like a Kawasaki Team Green color ?

It's definitely green. My favorite color

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The combination locks arrived today. I'm having a local machine shop fab me up a pair of cams that will fit the new locks. I'll put some pics up when it's all done.

 

[m3gusta]

Well unfortunately the local machine shop wanted to charge me 2 hours @ $140/hr to fab up a few simple lock cams. The combination locks will have to go on the backburner until I can figure out how to get some cam locks which will fit them. They use a square bolt coming out of the lock cylinder whereas the HF one has an oval shape.

Slapped on the vinyl wrap and put it in a replacement tubular key. Will put in the same key on the right side so I have matching locks. First time playing with vinyl so I had to scrap it twice and start over, but I definitely started to get the feel for it towards the end. I ended up using a stainless steel washer to cover up the ugly hole I as it was still a bit visible through the vinyl.

Overall, I'm super happy with how it looks. Time for me to move on from this and start filling it up with tools

<a href="https://ibb.co/ZczvtyR"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/2c3RmX0/IMG-20190904-185229.jpg" alt="IMG-20190904-185229" border="0"></a>

<a href="https://ibb.co/THYmgPc"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/MRZMCPn/IMG-20190904-185246.jpg" alt="IMG-20190904-185246" border="0"></a>

 

[Nineeightyone]

The end result looks good, so despite the headache I'd say it was an overall success.

 

[tanukiboy]

Overall, I'm super happy with how it looks. Time for me to move on from this and start filling it up with tools

The repair looks nicer than the original, IMO. More of a "mod" than a "fix".

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

And yes - i have a tool cart in my living room.. dont ask me why.

I kind of want to know why though...

The repair looks nicer than the original, IMO. More of a "mod" than a "fix".

I have to agree, the box looks good with the black vinyl. OP did a great job

 

[kctyphoon]

I kind of want to know why though...

Cause the one it was suppose to replace is still in the dining room.

I have to do 2 things (besides buy a house with a garage)
Stop buying **** i dont need
And get one or two of those waste management bagsters from HD and get rid of a lot of stuff.

When you start getting older and your back constantly hurts, your mind doesn’t comprehend that youre just NOT gonna do some things you THINK you want to.

 

[kctyphoon]

Well unfortunately the local machine shop wanted to charge me 2 hours @ $140/hr to fab up a few simple lock cams. The combination locks will have to go on the backburner until I can figure out how to get some cam locks which will fit them. They use a square bolt coming out of the lock cylinder whereas the HF one has an oval shape.

Slapped on the vinyl wrap and put it in a replacement tubular key. Will put in the same key on the right side so I have matching locks. First time playing with vinyl so I had to scrap it twice and start over, but I definitely started to get the feel for it towards the end. I ended up using a stainless steel washer to cover up the ugly hole I as it was still a bit visible through the vinyl.

Overall, I'm super happy with how it looks. Time for me to move on from this and start filling it up with tools

<a href="https://ibb.co/ZczvtyR"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/2c3RmX0/IMG-20190904-185229.jpg" alt="IMG-20190904-185229" border="0"></a>

<a href="https://ibb.co/THYmgPc"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/MRZMCPn/IMG-20190904-185246.jpg" alt="IMG-20190904-185246" border="0"></a>

Vinyl wrap the washer.. just my 2 cents..

 

[Flyordie]

To make it simple.. you could pull the drawers, tac/weld a small plate of steel on the back where the lock hole is.. then use body filler (fiberglass etc..) to fill in where the hole is, drill a new hole for the lock, wrap it, put the lock back in and call it a day.

I wouldn't normally suggest that but you are using a wrap. So it should cover up nicely. lol

 

[m3gusta]

I've finally gotten around to filling the toolbox up after it found it's permanent home in the garage. I couldn't be happier with the aesthetic. Green and black has gotta be one of my favorite color combinations and the wrapped panel blends perfectly with the top and the drawer bottoms. I didn't think I'd be able to get past my epic screw-up but seeing these tools in here is what it's all about.

Overall I couldn't be more pleased with the Harbor Freight 72" box. I'm just a home mechanic so this is all I needed and then some.

<a href="https://ibb.co/Tt4K2cN"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/kX43BKP/MVIMG-20190924-151603.jpg" alt="MVIMG-20190924-151603" border="0"></a>
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[Shadowdog500]

It came out beautiful! Out of curiosity, how often do you lock your box? I don’t think I’ve ever locked any of the boxes in my home shop. Chris.