American 560 PL question

[CycloneJack]

I am having problems with the american series 560 padlock. A previous tenent in a rental left it locked on a garage door. The plug will not move at all, I tried silicone lube and graphite to no avail. Is the plug stuck or is this a trait of the lock? I could hack saw it off but the steel is slick and thick as hell! any info or tips would be great!

[CitySpider]

Here's a tip: break it. Hacksaw it, bolt cutter, whatever. American padlocks are incredibly tricky when they're brand new. If it's been used a lot, it's out in the weather, it's rusty, etc etc etc, then it'll be much easier to break it or find a way around it.

Besides, nothing says you can't pick it after you've broken it off.

Caveat: I have no experience with that model in particular. It might be incredibly easy, I don't know.

[Chucklz]

The obvious question is, do you have the correct key for the lock, and if it is a duplicate, was it done corectly?

The obvious solution... drill.

[CycloneJack]

I was able to remove the lock by detaching the handles it was attacted to. I will just work at it for the next few days and hope it opens. I could hack it or drill, it would just be a shame because Its worth about 40 bucks and would be a great practice lock.

[Chucklz]

Indeed it would be a mighty fine practice lcok, but It will be a real pain to pick. I found a 5560 model padlock, is that what you are referring to? Brass body, boron steel shackle? If so, I would forget the hacksaw.

Picking is going to be one heck of a challenge best of luck, and when you do get it open, I probably wouldnt lock it for a while.... just sit and admire your work.

[CycloneJack]

yeah the hack saw just glides over the latch. The steel is to slick to grip well. If I cant detach it from the garage door handles I think I will just try drilling. I soaked it in silicon lube, the plug can now move a bit.

[CycloneJack]

Its a model 560

[CitySpider]

Does it say anything else on it? Could you give us a physical description?

[marso]

Call a locksmith. The time and money you spend on drill bits etc.. it is not worth it.

[CycloneJack]

Sorry for the lack of info, It has a large brass body that is rather worn(more green colored then gold). Rectangle in shape, about the size of a large fist if the body was laid across the knuckles. Only markings are american U.S.A 560 etched in the front of the body. The pins are to dirty to get a good pick, so I will need to drill or possible bolt cut. I have a drill press and some carbon bits-could this eq. work?

[Darek84CJ]

Carbon bits? No offense....but HAHAHA. I've been working and fabricating metal for the past 3 years, and a carbon bit on metal would go dull in a heart beat. For the hardeneded pins of American Locks, you need Cobalt drill bits. You'd probaly need 2 bits to make it sucessfully. First take a punch and mark the appropiate drilling location. Drill with 1/8 bit, then a 3/16 inch bolt.

2 cobalt bits of those 2 sizes will probaly run you 25 dollars.

[UnLock]

Hey Darek,

You're absolutely right about using Cobalt bits. I have used them in the past (not for locks though) and they go through metal quite easily. Just make sure you don't apply too much pressure to the bit. Cobalt bits make drilling metal a breeze (kinda depending on thickness of course).

Cobalt bit + Metal = Hole

[CycloneJack]

Thanks for the info- I drilled today with the colbolt bit and it was a breeze, first punch and I was able to get at the pins. Now I can put back on the handles! thanks again!

[Chucklz]

Good work. At the very least, you have a nice paperweight. I dont know if this particular American lock is rekeyable, if so, you could possibly still salvage it.