Help needed drilling out early 90s Matco box locks.

[monty87ls]

I have a Matco 3 bay tool box from the early 90s I think 93 and I dont have any keys. I needed to move it and the Snap on KR1100 that was on top of it.

Since they were full I started drilling the locks. The Snap On was like a warm knife to butter but I cannot get the Matco locks to budge. I went after it with many different sizes and types of bit. The most progress I made was tonight but still cant make a hole!

I had to move it full which was not fun. Any advice on what to try use on these locks? Im thinking of going to Harbor frieght tomorrow and getting a cobalt step drill bit and see if that will work or maybe just normal cobalt bits idk.

Thanks!

 

[DGersic]

Every lock I’ve drilled, I’ve run a 1/4” bit in to it and just kept drilling around to remove as much of the lock as possible.

 

[threepiece]

Well, carbide cutting tools are often used for hard materials however using them in hand held power tools is risky. Unlike High Speed Steel, Carbide does not handle tensile loads which often causes them to break. This can be even riskier with interrupted cutting. (Cuts that have gaps within the cut surface)

If you decide to try carbide I recommend a center drill, using high spindle speed (2000 rpm), and very light feed pressure.

 

[monty87ls]

Every lock I’ve drilled, I’ve run a 1/4” bit in to it and just kept drilling around to remove as much of the lock as possible.

I tried starting small and working up and couldn't get it. So the issue is have is theres 2 layers it seems so when I try drilling the outer layer it just spins, ive tried holding it and 2 broken tools later its not working.

Today i used carbide bit and it made a dent getting it to a point making it look like I did something. Decided to try a smaller bit to start a small hole and it just spun and spun and spun without doing anything!

Well, carbide cutting tools are often used for hard materials however using them in hand held power tools is risky. Unlike High Speed Steel, Carbide does not handle tensile loads which often causes them to break. This can be even riskier with interrupted cutting. (Cuts that have gaps within the cut surface)

If you decide to try carbide I recommend a center drill, using high spindle speed (2000 rpm), and very light feed pressure.

I tried a carbide bit tonight and it made a small dent but only went so far. Gonna maybe buy a set of them so can start small. Definitely kicking my but though! Ill look into the center drill. Thank you

 

[Junkman]

If there had been a number on the lock, it would have been easier to order a key. I have had good luck getting keys made by this company. CubicleKeys.com

 

[ChefRex]

If there had been a number on the lock, it would have been easier to order a key. I have had good luck getting keys made by this company. CubicleKeys.com

I think it's too late now, lol.

 

[monty87ls]

If there had been a number on the lock, it would have been easier to order a key. I have had good luck getting keys made by this company. CubicleKeys.com

Yes I know but I had to move it within a day or 2 so no time for that and no access prior to me seeing it for the first time so getting a key was not a luxury I could wait for unfortunately. Gonns figure out how to get them out and order 3 new locks from matco.

I think it's too late now, lol.

Yup. Couldn't wait unfortunately. I can see shiny snap on wrenches when peaking in one of the drawers and some large sockets. I want to get in it and see what's in there lol

 

[mm08822]

Try a 4" grinder with a cutting wheel or grinding wheel. Might be enough to get the cylinder out or at least reduce further drilling required.

Just be careful of the box sheetmetal.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Well, carbide cutting tools are often used for hard materials however using them in hand held power tools is risky. Unlike High Speed Steel, Carbide does not handle tensile loads which often causes them to break. This can be even riskier with interrupted cutting. (Cuts that have gaps within the cut surface)

If you decide to try carbide I recommend a center drill, using high spindle speed (2000 rpm), and very light feed pressure.

I would not use a center drill. Too easy to break the small tip off and then you're SOL.
Use a spotting drill. They accomplish the same thing but don't have that tip to break off.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Dremel and a ceramic or diamond burr, slow and steady, don't drill it, grind it.

 

[MOS3522]

Well too late now but those matco locks are a snap to pick with a cheap pick set (or a locksmith).

 

[CraigStu]

I am w/ mm08822 and lassen. I'd cut the exterior of the lock like slicing a pizza into small pieces that maybe can be pried or chiseled off. Hopefully get enough metal gone to push the rest into the box. Usually inside there is a rotating lever w/ a hook on the end. If you can push the lock in, the lever will most likely fall out of it's locked position.

 

[threepiece]

I would not use a center drill. Too easy to break the small tip off and then you're SOL.

Indeed, they break easily however there are techniques that can help reduce the possibility.

Using a set-up that brings your controlling hand farther away from the work surface will help reduce angle changes as the hand moves off axis. A drill bit extender is what I use.

Also, gingerly and slowly rolling the power drill in a circular pattern will create a slightly larger hole that can provide more clearance.

These tips also apply to annular cutters such as used for cutting spot welds.

In any case, there is no substitute for a careful approach here.

 

[monty87ls]

Ok so called Matco. No key code so no help there. 3 new locks $158 and change which i guess I gotta do at some point. He said there might be an access panel on top that I can drill the rivets out and unlock it so gonna dig into it. I want to get it open! Lol

 

[r00a005]

Strangely enough I had to get the lock off of my Matco toolbox yesterday. I used an angle grinder on its face and it worked quite well

 

[Junkman]

The most important part of any of these toolbox locks is the tang that locks when you turn the key. Many times, the new lock assembly won't work without the original tangs. I learned this the hard way when I pulled out a lock and lost the pieces.

 

[monty87ls]

Yeah mine is different then in that Pic. Either way I got it open so for now im good. Gonna remove the locks and start cleaning it out. Might try some amazon locks just to see if they will work since matco wants alot for the new ones.

Found some goodies in the box. Vintage 60s snap on sockets, williams, sk, matco, mac etc. Found a max 117pc tap ans die set complete. That sucker retails at $800!

There's also a KR1100 Snap on box and some smaller vintage boxes. Snap on, craftsman. Gonna clean everything up keep what I need and sell the rest. The matco box will be a replacement for a 48x24 husky box that i outgrew years ago. Was looking at newer boxes on marketplace but when I saw this stuff pop up I couldn't help myself lol. Thanks for the replies

 

[lilredex]

Most of those toolbox locks look like this, lots of choices available.

 

[monty87ls]

Most of those toolbox locks look like this, lots of choices available.

I ordered some cheap ones on amazon gonna see if they will work. Some of the drawer slides stick a bit gonna spray something in there clean them up a bit. Currently doing an inventory of what's in the box decide what I wanna keep and sell. Lots of vintage stuff which is nice.

Found a hein werner 3000lbs jack in the storage in the unit also. Curious what kinda value it has. Lots to look into!

 

[Firebrick43]

Just turn the box on its back and then upside down, the drawers will open. Then you can pull the clip

 

[monty87ls]

Just turn the box on its back and then upside down, the drawers will open. Then you can pull the clip

Its gotta be 750-1000 pounds id rather not put it on its side lol. I got it open matco told me about access panels I could drill out so im good now! Just some of the goods ive found!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Might want to check with a local locksmith to see if he has any options for a cheaper set of locks than matco.

 

[monty87ls]

Might want to check with a local locksmith to see if he has any options for a cheaper set of locks than matco.

I ordered some on amazon last night gonna see if they work. Not too worried about it right now. First plan is to empty it out and clean it up. Probably replace the liners. I was looking at a snap on classic triple bank for sale locally but when I saw this auction and couldn't help myself! He wanted 2k and woulsnt budge. Im a little over 2k in it but got lots to sell so should lower my investment.

 

[CraigStu]

Are you going to use this in a shop w/ other tech working there? I am trying to figure why you need to lock a box in your garage or basement.

 

[monty87ls]

Are you going to use this in a shop w/ other tech working there? I am trying to figure why you need to lock a box in your garage or basement.

No, this is just for personal use at home but it was locked and full of stuff when I got it so I had no choice but to get into it. I dont really care about it being able to lock but if I can make it happen for cheap enough I will

 

[BurtEggley]

Next time I might consider

1. ordering proper keys using the key code
2. Seeing if I could pull the piano hinge on the back and lift the front side out afterwards. Some hinges just have small nuts and bolts attaching them. Others are riveted but the rivets can be easily drilled and replaced when done.
3. If those fail, see a locksmith

Probably less destructive

 

[monty87ls]

Next time I might consider

1. ordering proper keys using the key code
2. Seeing if I could pull the piano hinge on the back and lift the front side out afterwards. Some hinges just have small nuts and bolts attaching them. Others are riveted but the rivets can be easily drilled and replaced when done.
3. If those fail, see a locksmith

Probably less destructive

There is no key code Matco confirmed it so they couldn't send me keys, I bought this in an abandoned storage unit and had 48 hours to remove it so didnt have the luxury of waiting for keys even if I could get them. Locksmith sounds expensive and figured drilling was quicker. Popped out a few rivets on the top and got in just annoying to move it filled.

Did I what I could given the circumstances I had.

 

[southalabama]

Was it worth the effort?

 

[monty87ls]

Was it worth the effort?

I guess it depends on what you consider worth it. I wanted the box because I need more room the tools are definitely a bonus. Haven't been through it all yet and only really organized what I showed in the pic above mainly wrenches and 3/4 inch sockets.

Snap on metric wrenches 10mm to 24mm 3 missing from the set but still have other tool boxes to go through.

Older Snap on, mac, matco regular box end wrenches, older ratcheting wrenches, off set etc. Tons of sockets still to organize older snap on, proto, williams, craftsman, SK.

Oh a set of mac lady finger pry bars, set of SK pry bars the list goes on.

Posted some pics of the current pricing for some of the stuff I found. Have that Matco cabinet too. Cant believe what someone is asking for it I think hes nuts!

 

[CraigStu]

No, this is just for personal use at home but it was locked and full of stuff when I got it so I had no choice but to get into it. I dont really care about it being able to lock but if I can make it happen for cheap enough I will

Ah, now I get it. I don't have the link where I bought mine but do a search for toolbox locks. As I remember from 3-4 years ago, they are fairly common and generic. I did have to re-use the lever from the original lock so pay attention to the type and size of the hole in the lever. Usually they are a square but I don't think they all are. I think I remember some locks came w/ 2-3 levers of different sizes and styles.

 

[58Yeoman]

I bought one of those security safe boxes one time that needed a key. The box looks like a very small suitcase with a handle and is fireproof. I took it to a locksmith to have two keys made. $25. Ouch. Much more than I paid for the box. But I'm still using it today. That was years ago. For an expensive tool box, it would be worth it, but you didn't have time, so it's moot anyway. Glad you got it open. Looks like you'll make out fine.

 

[monty87ls]

I bought one of those security safe boxes one time that needed a key. The box looks like a very small suitcase with a handle and is fireproof. I took it to a locksmith to have two keys made. $25. Ouch. Much more than I paid for the box. But I'm still using it today. That was years ago. For an expensive tool box, it would be worth it, but you didn't have time, so it's moot anyway. Glad you got it open. Looks like you'll make out fine.

Yeah def alot for 2 keys. Ive started removing the locks gonna Fiddle with replacing them later, the amazon ones I got dont fit right so gonna leave it for now.

Yeah def some cool stuff in there gonna clean it out get my stuff in there and see what im gonna do with the rest of it. Then figure out what to do with the rest of the stuff from the storage unit.

No idea how to price the snap on box as i cant find a comparable or the old hein werner jack.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

No idea how to price the snap on box as i cant find a comparable or the old hein werner jack.

Pics?

 

[monty87ls]

Pics?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

The jack is an easy $50 and the Snap On top is a good $400-500.

What part of the country are you in?

 

[monty87ls]

The jack is an easy $50 and the Snap On top is a good $400-500.

What part of the country are you in?

Dutchess County NY. Gonna start posting them soon see what I can get

 

[Noah4363]

Matco toolbox locks are usually harder steel than Snap-on, so drilling them with standard bits often won’t work well.
Before going further, try a proper locksmith approach:

• Use a cobalt or carbide bit + cutting oil, start small and step up slowly
• Keep pressure steady (don’t overheat the bit)
• If possible, try picking or impressioning first—it can be faster than drilling

If it’s still resisting, a locksmith can usually open it without destroying the whole lock, which may save you replacing multiple cylinders.

 

[monty87ls]

Matco toolbox locks are usually harder steel than Snap-on, so drilling them with standard bits often won’t work well.
Before going further, try a proper locksmith approach:

• Use a cobalt or carbide bit + cutting oil, start small and step up slowly
• Keep pressure steady (don’t overheat the bit)
• If possible, try picking or impressioning first—it can be faster than drilling

If it’s still resisting, a locksmith can usually open it without destroying the whole lock, which may save you replacing multiple cylinders.

Thanks for the advice. At the time I had already damaged one lock trying to drill it out but spoke to Matco once I got the box home and they told me how to access panels on top to lift the locking bar open. I took all 3 locks out and need to decide if im gonna order new locks from Matco or try find cheaper alternative. Matco wants $158 theres no numbers on the current lock to match a key and they didnt have it listed under my serial number either so need to do all 3.

Both amazon locks i ordered wont work. Either way got the box open, emptied it out of the tools that were in it and got mine in. Keeping a few things but gonna try sell the rest