triangle lock on gas box broken

ali-t · 17 December 2010 at 9:10PM

I'm looking for some MSE ideas on how to get into my gas box for a meter reading. I have one of the boxes that has the triangle shaped keys and when I went to use the key today the plastic triangle broke off.

I am assuming it has become brittle with the cold and there is now only a small bit of it left. I have tried using scissors and tweezers to grip it and turn it but no luck.

Any ideas?

ormus · 17 December 2010 at 9:28PM

use a large screwdriver to prise the door/frame open slightly. just enough for the door to open.

welda · 17 December 2010 at 9:41PM

I did as Ormus has advised, except I split the door just right of lock and, approximately 100mm from top of door down, I managed to prise this aprt, then accessed lock by hand, it is a pfaff, but do-able.

Next time meter reader comes to do an actual read, ask if he has a spare door, they carry spares, at least reader I had did.

:beer:

ali-t · 17 December 2010 at 9:57PM

I'll give it a shot tomorrow. I have never had a meter reading done by a meter reader but may phone them to ask if someone can change the door for me.

ormus · 17 December 2010 at 10:25PM

aye. theres always a slight danger of the plastic door cracking.

27col · 18 December 2010 at 5:55PM

You can buy new keys and also replacement doors if required.

Wig · 18 December 2010 at 6:19PM

Could have borrowed your neighbours key.

lindens · 18 December 2010 at 6:24PM

i bought a replacement lock part and triangular key off ebay for a couple of pounds

Raksha · 18 December 2010 at 6:24PM

Our door was seized shut last time the meter reader came - the triangle in the lock had broken off. The meter reader noted it and said he'd ask them to send somebody out to fit a new one. Since then, OH has managed to force the door open using a screwdriver as above.