Need to remove padlock from storage shed, no key

[farmpond]

I know nothing about lock picking. My son (also knows nothing about lock picking) bought a house. A shed is on the property but he was not given a key to the padlock on the shed.

Should we just accept the cost of having a locksmith come out to remove it, or are there less expensive options? As far as I know, a hacksaw is not a feasible way to get the lock off; the hardened steel used in these locks basically precludes that. Is there another way?

[Ezer]

Being that it's on a shed and was left behind, I highly doubt it's a very nice lock. Some bolt cutters or an angle grinder should get it off.

[farmpond]

Thanks for your reply. I've never used an angle grinder but I was just looking at some info on them. As I understand, the blades for them are made from different materials, including fiberglas and, I presume, steel. Surely, a fiberglas blade would not cut steel, so I gather the right type of blade must be used for the material you're trying to cut.

Neither I nor my son own a angle grinder but they can be rented from Home Depot for $18. I don't know what the blades cost, but this seems to be signicantly less expensive way to remove the lock than having a locksmith do it, based on several quotes I've received from locksmiths.

I see bolt cutters can be purchased for around $20 and upward; some cost much more. If a lower cost one would do the job, that would also be a more cost-effective solution.

Thanks again for you reply.

[Ezer]

Never used an angle grinder myself either. I was in this type of situation a while back, and I just used bolt cutters. I got a pair from Walmart for $18 I think. They require some strength and physical exertion to work, but it's simpler than messing with a grinder, at least for me.

[Varjeal]

I wouldn't immediately give up on the hacksaw, but considering it is probably a very cheap lock, a pry bar and hammer would do the trick without the possible self-damage that could occur with angle-grinder.

[n2oah]

If you could post a picture of the lock, that would help. I'd rent an angle grinder from Home Depot (even though I have no experience renting from the). They are quite easy to use, but also have a lot of power, so be careful. Knowing Home Depot, you might have to sign a waiver.

[NKT]

Just for info, you can buy a small angle grinder for less than $18. I can get a cutter with two diamond discs for £7 plus VAT from Makro, which translates to about $14 dollars. They are very useful tools, you will be amazed when you see one in action, especially if you get one of the ultra-thin cutting discs (1.8mm thick!) which rip through angle iron at a rate of knots.

If you hit it with a hammer, beware. You might rip a hole in the door!

[n2oah]

especially if you get one of the ultra-thin cutting discs (1.8mm thick!)

If you don't know what you're doing you might break a disc (even though it's highly unlikely) and get shrapnel flying at you at 100mph+.

[farmpond]

Wow, left my computer for awhile, got back and discovered 4 more messages here. I appreciate the input from everyone. The various comments and cautions are helpful.

I just saw a grinder (Ryobi 4 In. Angle Grinder, Model AG401) on www.homedepot.com for $29.97. So, I think we need to give this some thought; I don't know yet what all these grinders can be used for, but since by son just bought this house that needs a lot of fixing up, a purchase would make good sense even if only slight use beyond this lock removal is anticipated.

And, yes, I noted the comments of caution about using a grinder on a lock. I think maybe a pair of vice grips solidly gripping the lock and holding it against something solid, if possible, would be prudent. Also, I'm under the impression very little pressure should be used with the grinder.

And then, we still have the bolt cutter option.

[NKT]

Noah,
No chance. Just cut with it, don't try to grind!

I've never had one pop on me yet. Make sure you don't do something silly like take the guard off. Wear eye, hand and ear protection (as with all power tools) and you will be fine.

Farmpond,
Yes, very little pressure is needed to cut.

You can sand, grind and cut pretty much anything with the right blade. For fast sanding, etc. use a sander disc. Grind stone or metal with a stone or metal grinding disc (the thick ones) and cut with a stone or metal disc (the thin ones). Cut ceramic tiles with a diamond disc.

Buy one. It will deal with a heck of a lot more than just padlocks!

[Shrub]

Use your hacksaw to cut through the hasp that the padlock is fastened to, once the door is open the hasp can be unscrewed and a new hasp and padlock fitted, the cheapest way i can think of unless you hit the padlock untill it opens, it depends on the type of lock you have, most cheapo pinned locks open with a tap on the side with a hammer but you wont open a wafer lock like that.

[Kaellman]

Depending on what kind of lock it is, there is varouis methods for removing it. Can you identify the lock or post a picture of it perhaps?

[sonic]

Another tool that is slower than the right angle grinder and has a ton of uses in the house after you cut your lock off is a Deremal tool with the re-inforced fiber wheel. Again, wear your safety gear as the disk is real small but spins at 20,000 rpm. If you get it in a bind, the tool will generally stall but the disk may break.

[quickpicks]

Surely, a fiberglas blade would not cut steel.

Oh yes it will.

[MeRZHiN]

since it's a padlock, you can just break the metal/whatever it's locked to. that will be more easy then trying to pick it. Just use an iron saw to do it.