How do I open this trap door lock without breaking it?

[lock-newbie]

Hey everyone - New here. Have a floor trapdoor lock in an old house. No key and we don't want to force it open. Our neighbor had an identical one and broke theirs open.

I've attached photos of the trap door as viewed above and the neighbor's busted lock. What do you think is the easiest way to open this without damaging it?

Thanks!

[globallockytoo]

use an air wedge to lift the door slightly (about a half inch) and loid the latch.

[Raymond]

As best I can see in the photo, the hole looks round. Therefore I would suggest a square or hex shaped tool to open it. If there was any intedned security, it might be ward where the tool must have a groove cut around it or a hole in the tip. Look in with a good flashlight and go according to what you see. I do not think these are really locks but just instead convenience latches to keep kids from putting their siblings in.

[joeblow17]

The door appears to be an aluminum hatch manufactured by USF Fabrications in Florida. There is a special operating key used to open the stainless steel slamlock. See page 78 of their catalog at:

http://www.usffab.com/usffab2/Portals/0 ... og2007.pdf

Good luck. Joe in Los Angeles

[lock-newbie]

Thanks, Joe! I think that's it! I'll contact them to see if I can get a replacement access key.