Padlock I can't get open

Absolutely

Hi all

There's an old shed in my back garden that has been secured with a padlock for about 3 or 4 years.

I've decided it's time to get it cleared out but the padlock is rusted, the key no longer fits or goes in all the way. It's a plastic shed so it's a moulded plastic hole that the padlock goes through.

What's my best way of getting this padlock off? It's a fairly substantial lock so I can't see me hacksawing through it!

Any advice appreciated. Thank youuuuuuuuuu!

BOBS

what about WD40 - a lubricant - keep spraying and wiggling with the key!

welshsue

You could try lots of wd40 in the lock, may free it up enough to open it. Failing that, looks like trying to hacksaw it.

shandypants5

Or drill out the lock where the key goes if its a cheapie padlock. (an expensive one will be hardened steel)

davemorton

Or hacksaw the plastic think the lock fits onto, then just bolt a new hasp on.

mcjordi

hacksaw or angle grinder sounds like your only option tbh.. but try loads of WD40 or duckoil and it may loosen enough rust to allow it be opened

how much room is around the lock??

Absolutely

Thanks all

I'll give the wd40 a go in the morning.

Hacksawing isn't an option - weak wrists run in the family

@mcjordi - the irony is all the useful stuff (like the wd40 and the angle grinder) are actually locked in the bloomin' shed! However, I reckon I can stretch to another can of wd40.

Cheers me'dears!

mcjordi

are the door hinges exposed?? if so undo the fixings and gain entry that way..
i had to before when i locked the only key to the shed in the shed

ormus

get 4 men and lift the shed up?
then get yer WD40.

victor2

If you have no luck with the lock, think outside the shed (OK, box) a little and see if the door can be removed or released from the hinge side. Is there any give in the plastic to help release it in any way without causing permanent damage?

martyn05

Use WD40 or similar in the lock, leave for 30 mins or so, put the key in and gently rotate it left and right to get the internal levers etc moving, don't try and force it straight away.

If it does not work then i'm afraid you may need to borrow an angle grinder or large bolt cutters to cut it off. Be careful that you do not damage the plastic.