Key Stuck in Padlock

[Trentc]

Hi all,
I did a really stupid thing. I was playing around with my locks and I stuck the wrong key into one of my padlocks. It is hung up on pin number1 so the key is sticking out almost all the way. I haven't broken off the key but I can't get that thing out. I have pulled and pulled with pliers, wiggled and pulled etc.
Does anybody out there have any tricks or solutions for this.
I hate to destroy it or throw it away because it is one of my favorite practice pick locks.
Yes I know that I should get some brains first. Sometimes I just screw up.
It's a "Task Force, First Watch" laminated padlock 40mm.
Thanks.
Trent.

[digital_blue]

Try and slide a very thin pick along side the key and lift the pin out of the way. Failing that, a needle, or straightened fish hook might do the same thing for you.

Good luck, and don't feel bad. We all do crap like that from time to time.

db

[SpaceCow]

its a pretty ridiclous idea but if you had a really strong magnet it would pull the pins up. But thats not very realistic is it?

[Shrub]

Of course it is, get one of the special brass magnets and your away.

Trentc, Db has nailed it, if you want a bit more info search for extractors etc.

Dont pull or force it out, with luck you havent already damaged the lock.

[Mad Mick]

its a pretty ridiclous idea...

Wow! You know, you're absolutely correct.

[SFGOON]

Dude you've got a brass magnet!!! I'll give you $2,000GPB for it, assuming it works...

Wanker...

[Trentc]

Hey guys, thanks for your help and ideas.
This key fits so tightly in the keyway that I can barely slide a piece of paper next to the key. I will try to find some shim stock and see it that will do the trick. Only thing is though, that being so thin, the shim stock probably won't be strong enough to push the pin down.
Any other ideas guys ?
Thanks again,
-trent-

[Mad Mick]

Any other ideas guys ?

Although you say the gap between the key & plug is very small, try this...
If you can get a security tag from inside a CD/DVD etc. take it apart and salvage one of the metal strips. Since the key is hung up on #1 pin, you will have quite a bit of the strip to play with...cut the top edge of the strip to a shallow angle (<45 degrees) and insert it so that it rides along a ward. At the same time you are inserting the strip, wiggle the key in & out slightly, to relieve the spring pressure on the pin.

This may, or may not help, but it beats trying to out-bid SFGOON for SpaceCow's brass magnet.

[Trentc]

Now that is a really great idea.
All I gotta do now is round up one of those tags.
Thanks !
-trent-

[Shrub]

You may and i only say may here, be able to hit it with a mallet (a mallet is wood, plastic or rubber) on the opposite side to the pin, at the same time as you strike it you try and pull the key out, there may just be enough for you to bounce the pin back up to pull the key out.

It is afterall a practice lock that youve probably weakend the springs a little anyway regardless of what youve done but pushing the wrong key in.

As a tip, in future you could use a bit of string and tie the key for that lock to the shackle, make it long enough so it still works the lock but is always with it, do the same for all your other locks as well.
The key can be tied to a cylinders mounting holes if you have any of those.

[Chrispy]

Drill out the retaining pin in chamber one and take out the spring. Plug up and buff.

[Auto45]

Drill out the retaining pin in chamber one and take out the spring. Plug up and buff.

Now this is the best one yet.

[SpaceCow]

This may, or may not help, but it beats trying to out-bid SFGOON for SpaceCow's brass magnet.

Hey now, dont be dissing on my brass magnet. The real secret is that its actually the planet jupiter and it attracts more things than just brass. Plus winning bidder pays shipping.

[Chrispy]

I'll swap you your "Planet Jupiter Brass Magnet" for my "Planet Saturn Wood Magnet". You pay shipping.

[Trentc]

Hi Guys,
I tried all of the ideas and the security tag from inside a CD/DVD did the trick.
Here's the details if you ever need them:
I cut open the security tag from inside a DVD. It had 3 very thin, flimsy pieces of metal film that kinda looked like the old "injector" type razor blade refills from the 1960's. 1 of the 3 was stuck to the covering so I didn't use it.
I put the 2 good ones together and took a piece of scotch tape and wrapped that around one end of them to just hold them together and sort of work as a handle.
They were still so flimsy that I thought it wouldn't be strong enough to hold the pin up.
I messed around with it for about 5 minutes and it didn't seem to go in quite far enough so I cut it in half "longways" to make it less high.
Then it went in better and I kinda bent it back against the lock body to help hold it in pace and I pulled the key right out !
Man that was such a great feeling ! And the lock was not damaged at all. !
Thanks to you all for your ideas and special thanks to Mad Mick for the idea that worked for me !
You guys are all great for helping me out !
Thanks a million !
-trent-