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Locked out!

aalleexx

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
136
Location
East Texas
Hey gang, bought a good tool cart from Harbor Freight on sale. I think the keys were thrown out with the packaging. What's the best method to open it? Still need to assemble it, but locked out of box. It has one of those circular keys.(pics below) Any suggestions appreciated.
 

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Innovate1

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Jul 28, 2014
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Illinois near St. Louis, Missouri
I have heard of using a pen cap that fits but think that might be a tall tale. If the lock has a number on it you might be able to get a replacement key. Might try lock picking. The cheaper the lock the easier it is. Apply light turning pressure while pushing the pins. Haven't tried it with this type of lock. I think the key would be how to apply turning pressure while still being able to access the pins to depress them.

Locks are fairly simple mechanically. Not really as secure as many people think.
 

sennister

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Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
45
Location
Twin Cities, MN
Any markings on the lock? Might have to pick it open or have a locksmith do it for you unless you want to try and drill it out.

A locksmith can pick it with a decoding pick and then cut you a key to replace the lost ones. I guess it depends on if you want to retain the ability to lock it.

This is where I buy my lock pick sets but you need to be aware of local laws regarding buying and possession of them.

http://www.lockpicktools.com/tubular-lock-picks/

Here in MN it is illegal to have them if you are committing a crime. If you just have them in a bag or in your car there is nothing wrong. In other states, simple possession is a crime unless you are a licensed locksmith as they consider them burglary tools.

Another route might be to look at some youtube videos on opening a tubular lock with everyday items such as a Bic Pen body or McDonalds straw. Many people assume tubular locks are more secure because the key is round but this isn't the case.

Oh and the only Master Locks I own are ones used to keep up on the skill of picking. Though they are not much of a challenge, I can open most faster with a pick set than fumbling for the key and I am not a locksmith. I do work in the security field and physical security assessments are part of what I do.
 

grizzlebar

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Joined
Jan 14, 2016
Messages
93
What’s the number code on the front? I’m about to replace three of them with different keys. If I have a spare I’ll send it to you
 
OP
A

aalleexx

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Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
136
Location
East Texas
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Here's what I'm dealing with.
 

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dogdog

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Nov 15, 2011
Messages
12,711
1) go call HF or stalk out the store and see if they have a 085 number lock with key ask the manager to borrow the key for a day....

2) pick it... those tubular locks are pretty easy to pick if you have the right tools... plenty of youtube videos on this subject..

3) drill it out.... the core is just brass even though it looks shinny silvery ..... it's just nickle plated. Don't needed LH drills just drills .... you can buy any of those cabinet locks and it will fit to that hole... as long as you don't damage that hole on the sheet metal...
 

wasfuzz

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Nov 16, 2010
Messages
755
Location
Mn
most locksmiths should have the pick for that type of lock take it to them and it should be a easy 2 min process to open it.
 
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Innovate1

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Jul 28, 2014
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Illinois near St. Louis, Missouri
1) go call HF or stalk out the store and see if they have a 085 number lock with key ask the manager to borrow the key for a day....
If they won't loan you a key you could buy an item with a matching key number, take it home, have the key copied, and return it. Hopefully you find a small item...

Or call HF support and tell them you are missing the key for your recent purchase. They should be able to send one out. There is usually a number on the manual that says call this number for any missing parts or issues. They would rather send out the parts than have you return it.
 

kbs2244

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Nov 11, 2006
Messages
14,065
Take it to the local locksmith
It will be less that $20.00
Maybe $10.00
 

BryceW

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Joined
Sep 21, 2013
Messages
37
Location
Columbia, SC
Buying the tools to pick it, or paying a locksmith to pick it will both cost much more than a new lock, and then you still won't have a key. I have the tools to pick it and I've still drilled them out on occasion because it wasn't worth my time. These things are super soft. Just hit it with increasingly larger drill bits until it pops out. Ten minutes tops.
 

Hobbit

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May 23, 2011
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1,853
Location
Bama
Take the unassembled box back to HF and tell them it didn't come with a key, now what can we do to remedy this?
 

Rickster

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Jun 26, 2005
Messages
6,218
Location
SE PA
Just take the pic you have with the lock number to a locksmith shop and they should be able to look it up and get you a new key. Been down this road with many used toolboxes without keys. If the locksmith hands you a universal key lock then you need to leave and find a real locksmith shop.
 

G1K

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Feb 10, 2005
Messages
1,073
Location
Buffalo, NY
I will check my stack of keys this evening. If you do wind up drilling it out, I should have an extra lock and pair of keys. If I can find them, you can have them.

Ryan
 

phule

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Joined
Jan 11, 2016
Messages
312
I have a ring of tool box keys will check to see if I have one.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 

Spareparts

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Mar 12, 2010
Messages
2,042
Location
Lansing Ks.
I got a Husky Box and got a good discount for not having keys, called the maf. Waterloo and gave them the number on the lock, they sent me out a set of keys. Had them in 2 days no problem, no cost.
 

dsgreen3

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Joined
May 18, 2015
Messages
86
Location
Unadilla NY
Are you sure that you are locked out? I have heard of this before only for people not knowing about the drawer latch release on the sides of the drawers needing to be slid over.
 

G1K

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Joined
Feb 10, 2005
Messages
1,073
Location
Buffalo, NY
I checked all my keys and don't have that number. I also temporarily misplaced the lock set I removed from my cart. If I can find it this weekend the offer stands.

Ryan
 
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