Lock for my hitch is stuck (tubular lock?) - Need help

[pfisch77]

Hello,

My trailer hitch is removable and is held in place by what I think is a tubular lock (like Kryptonite bike u-locks). It's stuck on there. When I put the key in the whole cylinder will push in a tiny bit and then spring back when I release pressure. It won't turn at all. I tried pressing on the ends of the individual pins and I get the same results. They don't move individually - the whole apparatus will push in slightly and then spring back.

I'd really appreciate any ideas for how to get this thing working again. Thank you so much!

Here's a photo. It's the best I can do for now. It's really awkward getting under the car. If there's a particular portion of the lock that you want to see let me know and I'll try again.




Take care.

Rob

[femurat]

Some grit or rust may prevent the lock from turning. A good flush with wd40 may free it up. Then replacing the lock may be a good idea.

Cheers

[GWiens2001]

Agree with Femurat.

Being a mechanic, I see a lot of trailer hitch locks. Unless there is a dust cover covering the keyway, water, dirt and debris gets worked into the lock keyway and pins. On rare occasions, the dirt gets far enough into the lock to bind the actual locking mechanism (past the key cylinder).

Spray it down with WD-40 or some other cleaner and work the key and pins a bit. You may have to repeat a time or two. If this gets the lock working again, use brake clean or some similar material to spray out the key way with the lock held with the keyway facing down. This will allow the dirt to flow out of the lock instead of further in.

Blow out the brake clean/WD-40 with compressed air. Then spray a lubricant in and make sure the key works smoothly. If it doesn’t, replace the lock.

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

Everything that was already said above about lubrication, and I would motivate it with a small hammer or mallet a little as well. I had to do that to mine after some surface rust took hold.

[pfisch77]

Thanks everyone.

I'll give this a shot.

[pfisch77]

I've tried a lot of WD-40 and some gentle persuasion with a hammer and it doesn't want to budge. I'll keep trying over the next couple of days just to give it some time.

Beyond that do you have any other ideas or will it be time for locksmith?

Thanks again!

[Squelchtone]

I've tried a lot of WD-40 and some gentle persuasion with a hammer and it doesn't want to budge. I'll keep trying over the next couple of days just to give it some time.

Beyond that do you have any other ideas or will it be time for locksmith?

Thanks again!

this will seem silly, but is it the key for that lock? do you have a couple of these locks and keysets for other trucks you own/operate? You could take the key, push it in 1/8 inch or so and start turning sharply left and right like turning a vehicle ignition key and as you do this, push in deeper into the lock very slowly, you may overcome whatever pin is frozen.

[pfisch77]

That's a great point about the key. I thought about it and I'm fairly certain that I've only got one lock of that type in my possession at the moment and no other similar keys.

Your post also reminded me that I'm not sure which way the key would turn if it successfully unlocks. Is it clockwise? I've been giving equal effort in both directions.

Back at it today.

[nothumbs]

You might also make sure the key is clean and clear of any pocket lint or other stuff in the center.

[stratmando]

I would also try PB Blaster, heard of Better Penetrants. But since it works so well on Rusted up Corroded parts, haven't needed to try the others. Would be sure all pins push in, and all are springy. If a spring failed, may need to try with keyhole facing down, so pins can fall.

[GWiens2001]

I would also try PB Blaster, heard of Better Penetrants. But since it works so well on Rusted up Corroded parts, haven't needed to try the others. Would be sure all pins push in, and all are springy. If a spring failed, may need to try with keyhole facing down, so pins can fall.

So roll your vehicle onto its side so the keyhole faces down.

Gordon

[stratmando]

Good News Gordon, may not have to Roll it over. Could park sideways on a steep hill, tap lock to get any pins to fall forward, if ALL are springy, Won't need to roll over or a Hill.

[femurat]

If all else fails, ADMIN EDIT

Make sure the new lock has a dust cover for the keyway so you dont end up in the same boat later.

DaWolfMan

[femurat]

Thanks for all the ideas. Unfortunately I haven't made any progress in getting it unstuck.

ADMIN EDIT

Rob

[DaWolfMan]

I apologize for the info i posed earlier, i didn't think what i posted would be that big of a deal but i see it was been edited and removed as "Destructive Entry".

DaWolfMan