Super Glue in Padlocks

[dll932]

This happens to the schools in our area every holidays. Unfortunately the only workable solution is to soak the lock in acetone. Till the glue in gel. Then remove as much as can be with a pick. Till the key turns. And then strip the padlock to parts soak and clean and then rebuild. Usually quicker to replace. ....but if you need the parts. ...and the usual way to "protect" is to have a properly cleaned and well lubricated lock. So the glue doesn't have a chance to bind on the surfaces of the lock. Just on the lube.

An ultrasonic cleaner works nicely-toss locks into it in some (non-flammable) solvent. Apply some mild heat to dry it out (or spray brake & electric motor cleaner in it-evaporates quickly) and use lube of choice. IF you have a climate where you can use WD40 or TriFlow, those displace moisture.

[ARF-GEF]

My cynical black heart has doubts about the story of the original poster, but hey, I see no reason not to help even if he is just a guy needing help wit ha funky story
But if you do write that article, please make sure you credit lp101 somewhere.

As many have said before heat combined with prayer is the only option I can think of. Unless it's mounted on a plastic or wooden door. With padlocks it shouldn't be a problem though.
Freqeunt WD-40 sounds good to me, much cheaper than frequent patrols

If you invest in an ultrasonic cleaner be sure to check out the actual frequency. You want one above 40kHz and stay away from the cheapests, they are far underpowered for a job like this (but perfect for cleaning delicate objects)

I never heard of a padlock protector which defends against glue, but I'm very intrigued. Generally_Nice, or anyone who knows about it, could you give me a link or a hint?

I marvel at the acetone stories, I tried it a longish time ago, when a similar post came up, but it didn't really get the lock to work as smoothly as I expected a lock to work. I did get it to turn, but man I would never use that lock.

[Pure]

The best way of going about it is, first heating it with a blow torch/pencil torch. Then run either a blank key or the working key in and out of the lock. This will work on the first try almost every time. If he the pins lock again, just repeat the process until it's all gone.

[Achyfellow]

Superglued/bubblegummed locks happened virtually every monday in the school I went to. They just used really cheap padlocks bought in bulk from the cheapest manufacturer (Because who the heck would want to break into a school anyway, right?) and, when superglued, bolted them off and tossed them away.

If you are looking for a fast way to do it, there is probably a really acid solution you can work with to dissolve the glue with minimum damage to the lock, but it would be dangerous (Very dangerous depending on what you are working with) and it would require time, so I don't think it would be a nice move.

There is one question I'm curious thought: What is someone superglues an abloy 362? What would a locksmith do?

[GWiens2001]

There is one question I'm curious thought: What is someone superglues an abloy 362? What would a locksmith do?

Considering that destructive entry is an advanced forum subject, will simply say that if you are not afraid to make noise or attracting attention, there are no padlocks that can not be removed in short order. It will take 10-15 minutes (tops), but it can be done.

Gordon

[Evan]

There is one question I'm curious thought: What is someone superglues an abloy 362? What would a locksmith do?

Considering that destructive entry is an advanced forum subject, will simply say that if you are not afraid to make noise or attracting attention, there are no padlocks that can not be removed in short order. It will take 10-15 minutes (tops), but it can be done.

Gordon

LOL, properly harnessing the power of fire never failed to remove padlocks that were "protected" against cutters, yet that is not a method for the faint of heart...

~~ Evan

[donkeyranch]

I have not tested this but its something to think about. Maybe there is something they could put in the lock before hand like WD40 to prevent the glue from sticking. In the long run dirt will build up in the lock becouse of this but that is not as bad as a lock that is glued.

[MBI]

I have not tested this but its something to think about. Maybe there is something they could put in the lock before hand like WD40 to prevent the glue from sticking. In the long run dirt will build up in the lock becouse of this but that is not as bad as a lock that is glued.

You're on to something there.

One of the guys to teaches medeco factory certification classes to locksmiths, is the head locksmith for a school district as his full time job. While many locksmiths get very squeamish at the thought, in their district they exclusively use WD-40 to lube locks. However, he qualifies that statement with certain conditions. He says he uses WD-40 because it's inexpensive compared to other lubricants they might use, and he can guarantee every lock will get a new shot of it on a regular basis so it doesn't dry out and gum up the lock. He says it also gives them less of a problem when they have students put superglue in the locks.

There were a couple other reasons he mentioned which I can't remember, but he was adamant in stating that for most people WD-40 is NOT a good solution, but in their specific case since the locks are regularly maintained, it worked well for them.

[dll932]

I have not tested this but its something to think about. Maybe there is something they could put in the lock before hand like WD40 to prevent the glue from sticking. In the long run dirt will build up in the lock becouse of this but that is not as bad as a lock that is glued.

You're on to something there.

One of the guys to teaches medeco factory certification classes to locksmiths, is the head locksmith for a school district as his full time job. While many locksmiths get very squeamish at the thought, in their district they exclusively use WD-40 to lube locks. However, he qualifies that statement with certain conditions. He says he uses WD-40 because it's inexpensive compared to other lubricants they might use, and he can guarantee every lock will get a new shot of it on a regular basis so it doesn't dry out and gum up the lock. He says it also gives them less of a problem when they have students put superglue in the locks.

There were a couple other reasons he mentioned which I can't remember, but he was adamant in stating that for most people WD-40 is NOT a good solution, but in their specific case since the locks are regularly maintained, it worked well for them.

That's what I have done for many years. Of course, in many places locks aren't regularly maintained, and dusty places pose a challenge.