Padlock Problem-Help?!!!

[Tea'n'Biskit]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to the site, and have never picked a lock in my life, but am desperate to learn - here's why.

I have lost the key to a padlock (again ) which covers the meter on our central heating oil tank. I need to remove the cover ASAP to check the oil level and I know that I am going to be in sooooo much trouble when my husband realises that yes, I've lost the key AGAIN (I really am terrible with keys and he has just about run out of patience I'm afraid ) I am hoping that, with some help from some kind person who may be able to advise me what to do, I can get away with picking the lock - because once it's off I can just replace it, keep the new keys safe, and I don't think my husband would ever notice I'd swapped the locks anyway !!!

The padlock is a 'regia' it is made from brass I think, it is not very big (around 2 inches) So far I have gone through every drawer in the house, and found all the keys I could, and have tried opening it with various small keys that would have fit other padlocks similar in size or other small types of locks with no luck at all...any advice, tips, hints etc., would be really appreciated!

Also...If there's a particular tool that I can buy from the site (or perhaps could get here at home in the UK?) that would do the trick, please let me know

Thank you so much

[maldotcom2]

Well chances are that you will not get picks and learn to pick in time. I'd suggest if the lock isnt that good that you just cut it off with an angle grinder and replace it.

[Tea'n'Biskit]

Hi!

Thanks for the suggestion... I just wish it was that easy... but because of where the lock is placed (right next to the 'clock' where you read the fuel level) it would be impossible to use anything in there to cut the lock off, and anyway, I'd be terrified to use an angle grider (all those sparks!!!!!! ) on an oil tank... LOL!!!

I've had another look at it and I don't know how the hell I could get it off, you'd not even get bolt croppers at it, it's such a tight space where the cover fits

If there's a particular tool that tends to work on (cheap) padlocks, I think I'd probably be better trying it? Thanks!!!

[CaptHook]

Without seeing a picture.... gonna be difficult to help you. If you are up to trying to pick it, read the MIT guide a few times and search this site for homemade picks.
Chuck

[maldotcom2]

yeah, perhaps a dremmel tool would fit in, once again we need a picture, or perhaps if we see a picture we could tell you if you have any chance of picking it any time soon.

[skold]

if its cheap pry the shackle with a jimmy bar or something, or if it is really cheap turn the cylinder extremely hard with a strong screwdrive bent into an 'L' shape.
or drill the lock

[oldlock]

Regia are a cheap make, use a hacksaw close to the body and with a sharp blade you will get though it, just keep sawing at the same spot and you will get through the case hardening.

Paul

[toomush2drink]

Couldnt this one be shimmed ? You could make a shim from a coke can, do a search for pop can shims and you will finds video showing how.

[skold]

if it is really that cheap you could just pull the shackle off, i seem to be able to rip them of cheap 40mm padlocks with a large screw driver

[Tea'n'Biskit]

Couldnt this one be shimmed ? You could make a shim from a coke can, do a search for pop can shims and you will finds video showing how.

Thanks for the suggestion..have had a try with some home made shims, but all I managed to do was slice my finger open (ouch!!!) But I think I may have got another key the same size and will try to 'wriggle' it open...short of that I think the investment in a 'gun' might be worth saving myself all the grief my husband will give me when he finds out I lost the key (again!) LOL!!

[captainsawdust]

can you get a small pair of bolt croppers in there ? or if you can get above the shackle can you hit it with a large punch and hammer on the opening side of the padlock ?

[Tea'n'Biskit]

Hi Ian
The lock is in such a bloody awkward place (it is a tight fit to the cover of the heating oil tank) that it's really hard to work on it with anything too brutal - I daren't risk damaging the cover so hence anything like trying to force /cut open the lock is pretty much out.
I'm currently trawling in cyberspace for a reasonably priced 'gun' (UK) because as I have no experience and need to get this done quick, I thought this might be the easiest solution
so if anyone can help with suggestions????...much appreciated

[Houdini Locksmiths]

You said that you've found some keys, find a key that fits into the lock and try to rake the lock open.

Insert the key in the keyhole, then quickly bring the key in & out, do this for about a minute as your doing this add some turning pressure to the right. This is called raking, more info can be found as stated in the MIT guide. This may help in opening the lock.

Good luck

[Tea'n'Biskit]

Great tip ...will give it a go right now Cheers!!!!

[toomush2drink]

Where abouts in the uk are you based im sure somebody from here could help ?