Old Yale Padlock - Need Key to Open

[VanHutzler]

Hi: I have an old Brass/Bronze Yale & Towne Padlock from my Grandfather. I would guess that the lock dates to the 1940's to 1950's.

The Padlock is locked and there is no key. I would like to clean it up and make a key.

Is it possible to pick? How?

What Key Blank is needed to make a Key?

Can anyone identify the model of this lock with approximate date of manufature?

There is a number on the bottom: 255438

What does the Number mean?

See Photos at link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjn-evAkm1Y

Thanks in advance.

[DennisK]

Locksmith?

[VanHutzler]

Yes... I would take it to a Lock Smith... However, I was hoping someone could provide insight as to how it could be picked, as well as identify.

Thanks in advance for any information.

[Squelchtone]

Yes... I would take it to a Lock Smith... However, I was hoping someone could provide insight as to how it could be picked, as well as identify.

Thanks in advance for any information.

What will you gain if you have a model number? To pick it you would pick it as you would any other pin tumbler cylinder, stick around here and learn or watch enough youtube videos. There's no 'quick trick' to popping it open, you have to learn picking, that requires lock picks. If you have never picked a lock before, there's no simple way to tell you how to have that picked open in the next 5 minutes, it's not like in the movies.

Knowing a model number will also not let anyone tell you a better or easier way of picking it. Your padlock is either a model 830, 840, or 850 from my best estimate. Also guessing here, but for that model the keyblank is either a 13 1/2 or an 8P. The numbers on the bottom are the indirect key code, a locksmith *might* be able to look up the actual key cuts by typing the indirect code into locksmith software.

see what a local locksmith says, good luck,
Squelchtone

[mechanical_nightmare]

It is a standard pin tumbler. It probably has at most 5 pin stacks. There are many guides on this site that will tell you how to pick it. The process can be summarized as: Insert tension wrench without disturbing the pins, and apply the appropriate amount of torque (clockwise for a padlock). With a pick, feel out each of the pins, feel which one is binding. Set the pin, move on to the next binding one, and keep setting them until the lock is open.

If you want to make a key for it, you will either have to learn how to impression keys, or take it to a locksmith. (Much easier way) My guess is that the blank you need probably won't be in the hardware store, so you will have to go to a locksmith either way.

As for the numbers, they may be a direct code to the key bitting but I am not familiar with this type of lock. A locksmith would know, and if it is a code he can cut a key for it directly from the code.

The exact model of the lock is a mystery to me, but I'm quite sure there will be members here that know.

EDIT: I did not see Squelchtone's post before mine. That clears up a lot of the questions.

[jeffmoss26]

It's very hard for me to read, but the code on the plug should identify the keyway and bitting.

[GWiens2001]

It should be direct bitting

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

It should be direct bitting

Gordon

good god, is this how they did it back in the day? what kind of security is that other than knowing someone in 1940 couldn't google a depth and space chart.

[VanHutzler]

The numerical code on the bottom over the key-slot is 255438.

With this number, a Locksmith would know which blank and how to cut a key?

[DennisK]

The numerical code on the bottom over the key-slot is 255438.

With this number, a Locksmith would know which blank and how to cut a key?

I could be full of crap,but I think the other posters have said in effect "Maybe,but we don't really know!"

[mechanical_nightmare]

Even if the numbers mean nothing, or if there were no numbers stamped at all, a skilled locksmith will be able to impression a key for that lock.

[jeffmoss26]

The number alone would only give them the cuts, the 2 letters would give them the keyway and blank.