Padlocks and lost keys

[iangrant]

What a fantastic padlock I have on the hatch. It is a 4" long armoured lump so the shoulders cover the hank bit. Impossible to open or break.

Trouble is the bloody key's gone (last seen in the wifes'posession)

Before I get at it with an angle grinder or chainsaw on the hatch has anyone any ideas or know a good safe cracker?

Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jimi]

At the risk of being obtuse, why do'nt you just ask for the key?

"Mrs Grant, please let me out to play, can I have the boat key?"

should do it nicely..

<hr width=100% size=1>.. when's that again, but ..

 

[Roberto]

I do not know if it is possible with your padlock, but I once opened one by violently hammering a screwdriver into the key hole..

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[iangrant]

Mrs Grant has lost the key - ho hum



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ParaHandy]

.. mention that saw on telly, bodger breaking into bank using nail file or kirby grip whilst threatening to removing Mrs G's make-up paraphenalia toward boat ... instant recall from memory banks where key is hidden ... guaranteed ...


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[chriscallender]

What is the padlock attached to? Since the padlock is so good, it might well be that the hasp or whatever that it goes through is the weakpoint, so maybe cut through that and replace - if its hinged then perhaps the pin of the hinge can be removed in a few seconds with an angle grinder or even hacksaw? Or maybe you can get enough access to grind/cut some screwheads off.

Would need to see it, but I'd be surprised if there isn't a way of getting in without too much brute force - my limited experience of real burglers is that they come up with something completely obvious that just didn't occur to you beforehand, so they don't normally concentrate on (good) locks.

Alternatively there is the boring suggestion of getting a locksmith to look at it, it *might* be cheaper than doing a lot of damage to the hatch. Or not.

Chris

(Worried that this post will make it sound as if I have done more than my fair share of breaking and entering, I am not in that line of business, honest!!!)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[iangrant]

I wish it was that easy - this thing is a beast..

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jimi]

Oh the old "I've lost it trick!" Do'nt worry it'll soon turn when you've done the appropriate penance! Have you been asked recently to chauffeur on any shopping trips whilst you had other (marine) priorities. Its useful to keep a spare key in the marina office to resolve such trifing inconveniences

<hr width=100% size=1>.. when's that again, but ..

 

[Magic_Sailor]

Not surprised they were

last seen in Wife's possession. If she's anything like mine check the following places.

1. On the side of the bath next to the toilet.
2. In the pile of newspapers, Good Food Guides and Marks & Spencers magazines by the side of the settee.
3. On the kitchen work surface beside the tea and coffee containers
4. On the floor of the car.
5. Amongst the potions on the bedside table (her side!)
6. Anywhere where she last was stationery for more than 60s.
7. In her handbag. Don't bother looking yourself - it was designed by Dr Who and only she can use it properely.

Hope this is helpful

Magic

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://hometown.aol.co.uk/geoffwestgarth/myhomepage/travelwriting.html>Click for website!</A>

 

[iangrant]

The harspy thing closes up and covers the screw heads - the only way is to chop, chop, chop with a diamond grinder..!

Locksmith? Lots of sucking on teeth - 'ave to grind 'im orf guv..

Sob Sob Sob...

Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Simple - just buy another boat and throw the current one away.

<hr width=100% size=1>I would give my right arm to be ambidexterous

 

[iangrant]

Re: Not surprised they were

Checked all of those places (secretly of course) I even went into that scary area - the purse!! -

Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Jacket]

If its a good quality padlock there should be an id code stamped on it. Using this you should be able to get a replacement key from the manufacturer. You just need to prove to them that it really is your boat.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[iangrant]

One can always be assured of helpful and interesting advice this forum!!



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[iangrant]

Thanks - I spoke to some woman at Yale who said - we need a key to copy it luvvy .. I think I'll take a look for some numbers, Ta

Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Twister_Ken]

Easy

Just let it be known in the Hayling pubs that you have the very latest Simtheon integrated chart plotter and cheese grater aboard and you haven't got around to security coding it yet, and the lads'll have her opened up for you in no time.

After all, boat jumble time is nearly here again.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[Aja]

Most if not all the padlocks I have have arrived with [bold]two[/bold] keys. Are you sure there isn't another one with the spare boat keys?

Donald

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[tcm]

Re: excellent opportunity

1. grind the thing off one way or another, perhaps smashing things a bit, have a nice day out BUT confess failure regarding the lock on your return home. Put two manky plasters on your fingers. Ask again forlornly if she has any idea where the key might be. Slump in chair dejectedly and await nice food.

2. Repeat. Visit the boat, have a nice sail, or sit in the pub. Or both. On your return , make sure she knows that it is definitely HER fault that you've been working at it all wekeend by saying something like "Don't blame yourself too much dear, we're bound to get it sorted eventually. We're lucky people, aren't we? "

3. Make extended appointments for useful-sounding locksmiths to attend, each time having a nice sail. Or sit in the pub. Or both, as before. The locksmiths will all need paying in cash, of course, but will all fail due to the fabulously secure nature of the lock which you wisely selected, the key to which SHE has lost.

4. Consider changing the name of the boat, to avoid "confusion" if anyone sees you on the boat somewhere else and grasses you up, er mentions it to swmbo.

5. Buy lots of chandlery and charts, and put this down to "daydreaming about the happy times when we USED to be able to go on the boat"

6. Finally, admit defeat about the lock : the only solution to this is to buy a new boat, which is a shame, but again - whose fault is it? Hm?





<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[sailorman]

i bet the afore mentioned spare is "in the chart table!"
if u can get in the main hatch u r bound to find it, so simple eh!!.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[oldharry]

If its really expensive lock, why not find an equally expensive locksmith to come and open it for you. Worked a treat when I lost the key to my cars petrol cap. Ok I could take the car to the locksmith - not so easy with a boat! Might just be worth asking though before doing terminal damage?

<hr width=100% size=1>