Key Just Turns and Turns

[Sanchez]

Hello All, sure am glad to have found this helpful forum. I hope you can shed some light:

I have a regular old padlock that takes a key. It got real cold here and when I went out to open the barn, the key goes in, but just turns and turns... I've kept the lock pretty well oiled throughout it's life.

Any suggestions how I can get it off? I"m trying to not have to take the whole door off over this.

thanks guys,
-s

[cheerIO]

A picture of the lock and the keyway would be very helpful here.

Is it a warded lock? Is it possible that the key was damaged?

[Sanchez]

Yes, I believe it is a warded lock. I can take pictures later when I get home but for now... .this is pretty much it:

http://www.hardwarestore.com/master-loc ... 03950.aspx

[GWiens2001]

Yes, warded lock. What to do depends on whether the problem is the lock or the key.

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

are you pretty sure you are using the correct key?

Things have been cold lately as well, some water may have frozen in there, put a portable butane torch on it for 30 seconds and then try the key.

[Banjoguyyy]

Butane idea sounds like it might work.

[Squelchtone]

Ok folks, I'm gonna step in here.. I have already deleted 3 replies to this question because they provided destructive entry methods. I'm pretty sure the OP wants to know why their key doesn't work, not how to blow the lock up or grind it off.

Please remember the forum rules and unless you're posting in the Advanced areas, don't post brute force attacks or destructive entry techniques. Someone up to no good may find the thread later and use that info to do something bad with it.

Thanks all,
Squelchtone

[billdeserthills]

I had this same trouble one time, with the same type of lock. I later noticed that I hadn't put the key all the way into the lock, before I turned it. If you have put your key all the way in & it is still turning all the way around I'm afraid it's gonna be time for one of those destructive methods, to remove it.

[globallockytoo]

turn the key and smack the side body of the padlock with a hammer or large piece of wood at the same time.
I suggest that the key may have worn to the point where it no longer contacts the bolt post.

[Sanchez]

Hey guys... My apologies for the delayed response. I very much appreciate you all taking the time to offer solutions. Turns out the lock starting working again. I have to assume it had something to do with the freakishly cold spell that we had...

I was definitely using the correct key and definitely had in all the way... I fiddled with it for a quite a while.... I have no idea how it fixed itself, but it did.

a tid bit of info you might find interesting; when i returned to the lock, it was in the open position. It's highly unlikely that I'd ever leave it open as it houses my motorcycles...which I'm very careful about not having stolen.

So I don't know... maybe once it warmed up, the thing popped open? anyways... thanks again everyone... i was relieved to find this site and receive all the great feedback.... Enjoy your holidays!!