Breaking a padlock

[evenflow]

We have a padlock on our shed, something like this:



The key snapped off in it this morning, so now we need to get it open some other way, which it's obviously designed to be as hard as possible...

Would bolt cutters or a hacksaw be the better bet. Or something else?

[Liszt]

How much ot the key is in it? Can you not use the stub that is left to turn it?

Look on You tube for padlock opening hacks.
Seen some using a bit of a coke can.

[shirt]

angle grinder and a metal cutting disc.

[BliarOut]

Those rivets are fairly soft, taken a few apart by grinding them off and dismantling the whole lock.

[IanMorewood]

Take the hasp and staple off, much easier.

[Mr GrimNasty]

Heavy downward blow with a hammer on the shoulder.

[mgtony]

As Liszt says,or drill the bottom of the broken key just enough to wedge in a small screwdriver and it will probably turn and open. Otherwise a pair of bolt cutters if you have some or put two screwdrivers/cold chisels in the padlock clasp and lever it open.

[Mr GrimNasty]

I assure you my way is quicker!

[pokethepope]

Mr GrimNasty said:

I assure you my way is quicker!

But may ruin the shed door depending how cheap it it.

[NoNeed]

If you were anywhere near birmingham you could have used my bolt cutters. Do any of your neighbours have any? or workplace engineers.

[davepoth]

Hasp and staple is the easiest way, and least likely to damage stuff.

[mrmr96]

davepoth said:

Hasp and staple is the easiest way, and least likely to damage stuff.

But they are usually designed so that the screws are inaccesible when locked?

[evenflow]

Thanks for the replies. It's going to have to wait till I'm home tonight. I will try all and any of the suggested methods until it's broken. Virtual mars bar to the winner.

[BliarOut]

File hinge pin and drift out. Doddle

[Mr GrimNasty]

pokethepope said:

Mr GrimNasty said:

I assure you my way is quicker!

But may ruin the shed door depending how cheap it it.

Doesn't need much, trust me. In fact if you hold the lock in your hand and pull down sharply in the right way, that will be enough. They are useless, held locked by 1/8 of a ball-bearing. Strangely though, they are very resistant to all the drilling etc. that has been suggested.

If worried about violence, just jemmy between the shoulder and bar. Pop!

Edited by Mr GrimNasty on Friday 17th December 12:10

[silverthorn2151]

Mr GrimNasty said:

I assure you my way is quicker!

He's right. Opened two at am empty building this way only this week.

Biggest hammer you can find!

[mk1fan]

silverthorn2151 said:

Mr GrimNasty said:

I assure you my way is quicker!

He's right. Opened two at am empty building this way only this week.

Biggest hammer you can find!

I agree. Cold chisel and a lump hammer. One swift blow and pop.

[Munter]

mrmr96 said:

davepoth said:

Hasp and staple is the easiest way, and least likely to damage stuff.

But they are usually designed so that the screws are inaccesible when locked?

50% fitted with the screws exposed on the long part though I bet.

[hman]

mk1fan said:

silverthorn2151 said:

Mr GrimNasty said:

I assure you my way is quicker!

He's right. Opened two at am empty building this way only this week.

Biggest hammer you can find!

I agree. Cold chisel and a lump hammer. One swift blow and pop.

This is all very well but if your tools are locked in and all your neighbours are out...

I had to use a rock/brick and it took a lot of mashing to get it off, ruined the door too!

[Busamav]

small bar or heavy screwdriver in the "loop" lean on it a tad and it will open up easily ,

so easily you will wonder why you even bothered locking it.