MasterLock 175, lost reset key

[Oatmealer]

I have had a MasterLock 175 for years. I want to change the combination (It's always been my lock and I do have the correct combination to open it), but I do not have the reset key anymore. I ended up buying a new MasterLock 175 for a fence (I am aware that they can be bypassed quite easily, they are merely for a visible deterrent and they aren't protecting anything of value), but the new reset key doesn't work in the older 175. It just turns freely, there's no tension and it's not hitting any spring or button. I've tried a flashlight and a magnifying glass to see into the little keyhole, but the angle is too sharp to see anything. So, I tried a couple different dental type picks to see if I can feel anything in there. I figured I could just hold the spring manually while I changed the combination. I can't feel anything in there.

I've searched and browsed these forums, checked Google and even looked at the MasterLock site. The only information I've been able to find is that a replacement reset key is $.68, but it looks just like the one I already have.

The only difference I can see between the new 175 and the older one, is that the older one has a longer shackle.

Any thoughts before I go to the bench grinder and attempt to make a couple different sizes of reset keys from scratch? Am I overlooking something simple perhaps?

[Robotnik]

As far as I know, the older and newer 175s use the same reset key. The key itself is nothing but a length of metal that depresses a button when the correct combo is entered and the shackle is open. The bit on these keys doesn't act on anything, rather it locks the key into a groove.

What I'm getting at is that you're probably dealing with a failed reset function on your older lock (stuck button or something similar). Just about anything long and narrow-gauge should work as a reset key (pick, 4-penny nail, etc), so if you're pressing the button and feeling nothing, it may be failed.

[Oatmealer]

As far as I know, the older and newer 175s use the same reset key. The key itself is nothing but a length of metal that depresses a button when the correct combo is entered and the shackle is open. The bit on these keys doesn't act on anything, rather it locks the key into a groove.

What I'm getting at is that you're probably dealing with a failed reset function on your older lock (stuck button or something similar). Just about anything long and narrow-gauge should work as a reset key (pick, 4-penny nail, etc), so if you're pressing the button and feeling nothing, it may be failed.

That's along the lines of what I was thinking. I can't find anything in there to push. It's not a big deal really, I just wanted a new combo. The lock still functions, even if the 4 digit code is 1-2-3-4. (Just kidding)

Thanks for the reply

[Robotnik]

That's actually the combo I set on all of my stored 175's

One more point of clarification (though you may already know this) - the reset button is located straight ahead into the keyhole , not down in the groove. It's the protruding tip of the reset key that depresses the button.

[Oatmealer]

As far as I know, the older and newer 175s use the same reset key. The key itself is nothing but a length of metal that depresses a button when the correct combo is entered and the shackle is open. The bit on these keys doesn't act on anything, rather it locks the key into a groove.

What I'm getting at is that you're probably dealing with a failed reset function on your older lock (stuck button or something similar). Just about anything long and narrow-gauge should work as a reset key (pick, 4-penny nail, etc), so if you're pressing the button and feeling nothing, it may be failed.

Here's a new, bizarre twist. I sprayed some graphite dry lubricant in there, shook it around, put the reset key in a few times and wiggled it around to work the lubricant in just in case maybe something is seized up or stuck in there. I tapped the casing with a hammer on each side a few times (I didn't beat the day lights out of it, just taps). During that process I accidentally rolled the 4th dial a few numbers forward. Now, that is the new combination. Somehow, when I turned the 4th dial, that combination stuck. Very strange.

[Oatmealer]

That's actually the combo I set on all of my stored 175's

One more point of clarification (though you may already know this) - the reset button is located straight ahead into the keyhole , not down in the groove. It's the protruding tip of the reset key that depresses the button.

Ahhhh I gotcha. So the bitting of the key just holds the tip of the key into the button. It must be stuck, It doesn't push in or move at all. I see what you mean.

That's a pretty good combo. No one would ever think to try it!