Newbie - Removal of Shackle on Small Padlock??

[Norcal29]

Hello All,

I'm a newbie to this forum and would appreciate some inforamtion on the following question, but please excuse my ignorance as I know "nothing" about locksmithing.

I am interested to know how to remove the shackle from a padlock such as the "Brinks" brand that has a "Solid" body as opposed to a Master lock that is made up of many "Plates". In addition to the removal of the "Shackle" I want to be able to replace it. The lock size in question is just a little over one inch wide and it is NOT necessary for the lock to operate after replacing the "Shackle", if that's important to the process.

Can this be done with some small specific tools without removing the lock cylinder? If the cyclinder has to be removed what tools would I need? Can these tools be hand made easily?

I want to keep the tools and process as simple as possible.

Any assistance you might be able to provide would be MORE than greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge and the help.

Ron

[Norcal29]

... the lock is new, with a key and unlocked.

Thanks.

[thertel]

Saying that it is a "Brinks" lock is not enough information for us to help you effectively. Give us a model number or a picture of the lock from the side, bottom and top. It really depends on if it is one of the rekeyable locks because that is relatively easy, or if its a non rekeyable.

More information is always better than little or no information.

thomas

[Norcal29]

Thanks Thomas, I will obtain more information and make another post.

Again, I apologize for my ignorance on the subject.

Ron

[Norcal29]

Manufactures information:
- Manufacture is Hampton Products International, Foothill Ranch, CA

- Brinks Solid Brass Padlock model 101-30001. 1 3/16" (30MM). Identified as a "Toolbox Lock".

-Actual Measurements:
Brass Portion is 1 11/64" Wide, 1 1/16" Tall, 33/64" Thick. Height including shackel in closed position is 1 15/16". Shackle diamenter is 3/16".

- There is a small pin hole on the bottom of the lock approximately half way between the key cylinder and the outside of the lock under the side where the shackle remains in the lock body. The pin hole measures 3/64" (by eye).

I can scan and email the line drawing on the back of the product card that came with the lock if you provide me with your email address. I have no way, that I know of, to post a picture on this site.

Again, any assitance would be extreamly appreciated.

Regards,
Ron

[funboy79015]

That particular model of Brinks padlock is not meant to be taken apart. However there are a couple of threads discussing disassembling similar locks.

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=2732&highlight=padlocks

and

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=4001&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

maybe those will help

[Norcal29]

How disappointing.

Presumably that means that all the components (springs, levers, etc.) must be placed into the bottom of the lock, First, and then the cyclinder is "Pressed" into the bottom when it is manufactured? Or something like that?

Can you recommend another manufactures solid brass body lock, of similar size, that could be disassembled and reassembled without destruction as outlined in the links you provided?

Thanks for the help.

Ron

[Chucklz]

Does the lock have to be solid brass? What are the size constraints? And what are you actually attempting to do here. I know remove the shackle, but what is the "ultimate goal" so to speak.

[Norcal29]

Hi Chucklz,

My goal is to find a lock that is "Short" enough to be turned sideways and slipped into a bottle, through a narrow neck, and then replace the shackle while the lock body is still in the bottle so that people will wonder how it got there.

I know it might sound crazy, but it is a challenge and I'm currently not knowledgeable enough about locks to accomplish this feat without the expertise of you folks. However, I know it can be done because I have seen examples of it. Biggest problem is I can't read the brand of lock in the photograph, and since it is a brass lock, that is why I was going in that direction.

Here’s what I can tell from the photograph that might be helpful. As best as I can make it out the brand of lock appears to most probably be 5, maybe 6, letters in length. The name is encircled with a rectangle with rounded ends (all a solid line). The last 2 letters are most likely "RA" and the last "3" letters could be "TRA". But for sure the last letter is "A".

Perhaps this information for you more knowledgeable folks is enough to zero in on the lock?

Thanks again for your patience and continued assistance.

Ron

[Romstar]

And here I thought a ship in a bottle was difficult.

Geez, was I ever off base.

Romstar

[weilawei]

And here I thought a ship in a bottle was difficult.

Geez, was I ever off base.

Romstar

Wow that's such a cool idea.. now I have more things to try as hobbies! (I actually went and looked up how to build ships in bottles. Just like me.. I see something cool and I want to do it. >_< )

A lock in a bottle sounds fun too

[Chucklz]

In general, locks have narrower shackles than bodies, so, what you are looking for is a lock that has a rather wide, but not tall body. Depending on your bottle size, one of the Master brand "adjustable shackle" padlocks will probably do quite nicely, as the shackle is very very easy to remove.
http://www.masterlocks.com/removableadj ... hackle.htm

This is NOT an official site for Master.

[Norcal29]

Chucklz!

Thanks for the information and your patience. I truly appreciate you folks sharing your knowledge with someone outside of the profession that has only a casual and very specific area of interest.

I will review your suggested link and return with a post.

Thanks again for all the help, really appreciate it!!!

Ron

[Norcal29]

Yes, that would work. However, if at all possible, I would prefere to find a padlock that did not "Appear" to be so obvious in the ability to remove the shackle.

Is that a possibility?

Ron

[32768]

This might be construed as cheating, but what about cutting the shackle off? You could open the lock so it pops up and then cut it off as closely as possible to the body. When you push the shackle back down the locking mechanism should hold it down and the cut will be hidden inside. If the locking mechanism's not enough to hold it, a little epoxy should do the trick.

However you do it, I'd love to see photos when it's done!

(Now I'm off to make extra long handled picks for opening locks inside bottles)