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us general toolbox lock

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norcanlake

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I have a 56" harbor freight (us general) bottom roller toolbox. I'm looking to swap out the locks for a new set(keys are lost). I've searched the interweb but haven't come up with any replacements. I also cannot find out any info pertaining to us general boxes. Contact? manufacturer? replacement parts?replacement keys? lock manufacture? etc... any help would be appreciated.
 
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Hpozzuoli

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Great reasons not to buy from HF....I couldn't resist. I have heard locks and slides are available from HF. There were model numbers floating around, but maybe a call to HF corporate might help find what you need.
 
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norcanlake

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Hpozzuoli said:
Great reasons not to buy from HF....I couldn't resist. I have heard locks and slides are available from HF. There were model numbers floating around, but maybe a call to HF corporate might help find what you need.
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I know I don't usually buy stuff from them but I was impressed with that particular box. I picked it up used for a good price. I can't justify spending big $$$ on a box for my own personal use. My brother has a beautiful double matco hodrod collector edition box. The only one I would consider is a rat fink series box...but now I'm dreaming.
 
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astroracer

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I emailed HF when I locked the keys in my add on. They got right back to me and said new lock cylinders were 7.99. Hope this helps.
Mark
 
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LS6 Tommy

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Pop 'em out and have a local locksmith rekey them. I did that for 6 used wall mount file cabinets and 2- 3 drawer under desk cases. I think it cost me maybe $10.00.

Tommy
 
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norcanlake

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Thanks for the reply. I tried calling corporate one evening and they had me on hold for almost an hour. They basically told me to contact the store where it was purchased and they would help me. I contacted the storeand explained what corporate had said, the store said we don't have replacement locks or keys. I guess since you got positive result I will try again but I'm not going to hold my breath. Not to mention I don't have a register receipt or "proof of purchase".
 
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SweetD

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It would be relatively inexpensive. I sent a lock from a chest I had to an Ebay seller that did re-keying and I think it was like $15 for two keys, shipped. Now, he was able to cut the key from the key code # on the lock cylinder, so maybe a bit different. But I bet you can find a local source that would do it reasonably.
 
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rayra

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norcanlake said:
Thanks for the reply. I tried calling corporate one evening and they had me on hold for almost an hour. They basically told me to contact the store where it was purchased and they would help me. I contacted the storeand explained what corporate had said, the store said we don't have replacement locks or keys. I guess since you got positive result I will try again but I'm not going to hold my breath. Not to mention I don't have a register receipt or "proof of purchase".
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You're going about this all wrong. it's a common kind of lockset, you can find replacements readily. And a locksmith can make you new keys for very little.

And frankly regardless of it being Harbor Freight or anybody else, you seem to be faulting their customer support when there's been no product defect whatsoever. The only defect was you losing your keys. So see a locksmith. And be glad you didn't lose the keys with the thing locked, instead.
 
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norcanlake

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I called harbor freight... 1st call got disconnected after 10 a minute hold. second call on hold for 13 minutes. An operator answered and told me they do not sell replacement keys, they can order new locks and keys from an undisclosed manufacture in asia. It would take a minimum of 10 weeks for them to receive them and the best part is that they will not be keyed alike. Although I actually spoke to an individual who understood and could speak our english language here in the USA. anyways, I'm still waiting on the cost from a local locksmith.
 
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Richard Cranium

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When I purchased my H.F. 72 inch box, I seem to remember that there was paper work where I could purchase 5 locks all keyed alike. I looked but was not able to find any thing.
 
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BDT/NWMN

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norcanlake said:
I called harbor freight... 1st call got disconnected after 10 a minute hold. second call on hold for 13 minutes. An operator answered and told me they do not sell replacement keys, they can order new locks and keys from an undisclosed manufacture in asia. It would take a minimum of 10 weeks for them to receive them and the best part is that they will not be keyed alike. Although I actually spoke to an individual who understood and could speak our english language here in the USA. anyways, I'm still waiting on the cost from a local locksmith.
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Same ten week story if slides are needed....
:sad:
 
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Jduke

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May 25, 2014
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Pull the lock, measure the barrel and depth, and order a replacement from amazon.

I did this and have several boxes converted to the same tubular key, be sure and get a set of 4 if your doing 1-2 tool boxes, that way you can just pop one on anything else you get.

The other option is called a combination cam lock, then you don't have to keep track of keys
 
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B.S.A. (ret.)

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I bought a 26" top and bottom floor model box with only one set of keys from HF about 8 months ago. The store could not supply me with the missing keys so I had to call the Corporate offices. Asked for a set of locks keyed alike. Was told more than once the two locks would be keyed alike (do you sense where this is going yet?). Before hanging up, confirmed the two locks would be keyed alike. Ten days later, a single lock shows up. Call back to Corporate and am told locks are only sold individually. Told them to check the tape of the conversation that they made to "ensure customer satisfaction". They then said they would send me a replacement as a "goodwill" gesture. Ten days later, second lock (keyed differently) showed up. Said, "Screw it! This is what you get when you buy cheap." I've learned my lesson and I'm done with them. Good luck to you.
 
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buddyboy

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so i'm at HF last week, i see a 44" toolbox marked down 40% . I look it all over and only see a little dimple on the top drawer like someone tried to jimmy it open.

I ask the manager if that is all that is wrong with it.

he says yeah, customer couldn't get the drawer open so he tried to pry it.

I asked, why wouldn't it open?

he says, the guy was pissed off so he brought it back for a refund. we gave him the refund then opened the drawer with the key.

needless to say I bought the damn thing laughing all the way home.
 
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tcianci

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Walpole, Ma
what the OP has there appears to be a typical "cam lock" available from HD or Lowes. They include different cams but he would probably want to simply swap out the cam that is on his existing lock. They also include the stops for quarter or half turn operation. I think they're like 6 bucks each.
 
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Chadwilliam1

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I had an idea of grinding the key so they both matched. It looked like it would work because one key simply had more grooves in it that the other. On my first attempt on grounding it down with an 1/8 carbide bit the key got stick half way between lock and unlocked and I could still get the drawers out and remove the lock. oh well

Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
 
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russ_h

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Not sure why this is so difficult. I work for a small industrial parts supplier and I'm sure the locks are available from most common suppliers such as Grainger or Fastenal. If you're in Canada you can also add Gregg Distributors and Faucher to the list. Also if HF isn't willing to help, maybe try an SPG International dealer. The locks should be similar enough to work without issue.
 
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Mr_B

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This has been dealt with to death on GJ
HF do supply locks, just have the part number for it when speaking with them (loads of threads with p/n and lock info on GJ) We all know HF staff tend be low on knowledge so do due diligence prior to dealing with them .
Easy enough match/adapt cabinet locks from local locksmith, hardware store or via online store and cheap.
Cutting new key to barrel also option but personally I would make effort switch out to new standard barrels so keyed alike if got more 1 box .
I got 4 barrels with 4 keys keyed same off ebay for $22, took 3 days post and was all fitted and working following day, tiny bit of tweaking to hole in box and old lock cam to fit new lock maybe required but generally no ballache and no big expense if do your homework .
 
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ar2stp48

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Magnolia, Arkansas
"...Not sure why this is so difficult..." I must agree; 29 posts and well over a year

Lock is a standard 7 pin tubular lock. Some local hardware stores; maybe the box store; any locksmith; and many sources on the internet are a solution to the problem. And the # 131 on the lock is likely all that is needed to cut a key. Box store probably won't have the cutter for tubular keys; go to local locksmith. Ebay frequently has offers to cut any key to code (hint: #131) for a very reasonable fee

If tubular locks are not available, a key style cabinet lock fits

If HF uses import locks from "unnamed source" they may still open with a plastic Bic pen--look that up on the net for entertainment
 
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