Stuck padlock

[strakeryrius]

Went to get the outboard off to check it over last weekend and found that the padlock seems to have seized up - I can't even get the key into it. Its a big Yale that is supposed to be suitable for outdoor use, fully rubberised on the exterior and I gave it a liberal spray with WD40 at the end of last season.

Anyone have any tips for helping to free it up - before I go and get a big pair of bolt-cutters?

 

[sarabande]

I would normally suggest a small blow torch, but.....

 

[Cymrogwyllt]

If WD40 does not solve it then go the bolt cutter route, (Most padlocks can be opened quite easily using a hammer and possibly a bar) the other options are not worth the hassle. I bought a 'weather proof' lock from B&Q, rubber covered with a rubber pop on seal for the key insert. It's survived five years on my drive gates so far with no probs

 

[rbcoomer]

Next year plaster it in Vasaline or a general purpose grease and put a plastic bag over it held with elastic band or cable tie. I think WD40 is too thin to keep water out. To remove I'd normally heat with a torch and then spray with WD40 or apply grease (not with fingers! ) You might have a problem with the rubber shroud however...

 

[Hugh Foulis]

Liberal application of Plus Gas releasing fluid and wait 24 hrs.

HF

 

[Lady Campanula]

Liberal application of Plus Gas releasing fluid and wait 24 hrs.

HF

Seconded! This stuff is also top-notch for freeing 'seized' outboards. Like jammed knots in rope, it takes time and 'wiggle'.

 

[strakeryrius]

Thanks guys - I shall get some - seen it at euro car parts. Like Cymrogwyllt this was supposed to be weather-proof, with the same cap over the key insert, but this has only done 18 months before seizing up. Although to be fair his has probably been opened on his gates on a regular basis, whereas mine has been undisturbed on the transom since last September.

 

[Cymrogwyllt]

Thanks guys - I shall get some - seen it at euro car parts. Like Cymrogwyllt this was supposed to be weather-proof, with the same cap over the key insert, but this has only done 18 months before seizing up. Although to be fair his has probably been opened on his gates on a regular basis, whereas mine has been undisturbed on the transom since last September.

Fair comment, but mine is opened once a year to allow the delivery of oil. It is sometimes a right bugga to wrok out in which 'safe place' I kept the key.

iirc WD40 is a water dispersant with some lubricating properties. I suggest a light oil spray in to the lock after using WD40 to release the lock as WD40 will clear out any traces of lubricant the lock may have had

 

[strakeryrius]

Fair comment, but mine is opened once a year to allow the delivery of oil. It is sometimes a right bugga to wrok out in which 'safe place' I kept the key.

iirc WD40 is a water dispersant with some lubricating properties. I suggest a light oil spray in to the lock after using WD40 to release the lock as WD40 will clear out any traces of lubricant the lock may have had

I think if I can get it off I shall replace it with a proper marine grade model anyway, as although its supposed to be weather proof the difference between your experience and mine tends to indicate that they didn't mean marine weather proof.

 

[Cymrogwyllt]

they didn't mean marine weather proof.

You could have hit the nail on the head there. I once bought a stainless cam cleat from a chandlers at a well known yard and fitted it to the sea kayak as an anchor point for the tow line. It siezed solid on the first trip on the sea. A line on a waist belt is ok for a river but on the sea an anchor is needed due to the probably far longer tows. In an ideal world all sea boats should have one fitted as standard. During practices I've seen one boat towed by three others. The trick is to get the line lengths right. Very little extra effort by each tower.

I'm rambling again.

 

[SAMYL]

Spraying anything with WD40 and then leaving it outside is a recipe for disaster.
WD40 washes off leaving a lovely clean surface which rusts beautifully, your lock being no exception.
Many navies around the world ban it for this very reason.

 

[Scubadoo]

I think if I can get it off I shall replace it with a proper marine grade model anyway, as although its supposed to be weather proof the difference between your experience and mine tends to indicate that they didn't mean marine weather proof.

Try the masterlock brand of locks (in B&Q), I had the same one for several years on the stern without any problems. I do soak it with white grease, or if you can find some duck oil.

 

[stelican]

Thanks guys - I shall get some - seen it at euro car parts. Like Cymrogwyllt this was supposed to be weather-proof, with the same cap over the key insert, but this has only done 18 months before seizing up. Although to be fair his has probably been opened on his gates on a regular basis, whereas mine has been undisturbed on the transom since last September.

Its important to fit the lock inverted with the U shaped opening claspe facing upward,Had the same problem had to cut it off