Lock won't Unlock – sorted: New key v Old

[Seevio]

If you want to unlock it without causing any damage, simply challenge the lockpicking lawyer to unlock your "unpickable" lock.

 

[mistyoptic]

Can you turn the box upside down and then try? Just in case something within the lock jamming it

 

[Scoosh]

Can you turn the box upside down and then try? Just in case something within the lock jamming it

Probably not – given that it is circa 6ft x 4ft x 2ft 6in and is full of clothes weighing a LOT !

 

[classic33]

Probably not – given that it is circa 6ft x 4ft x 2ft 6in and is full of clothes weighing a LOT !

At that size, anyone in there?

 

[Pat "5mph"]

@Scoosh, why do you feel the need to lock up your clothes?
Sorry, but this is well weird!
Imo, of course: probably very logical in 'Embra

 

[gbb]

In all probability the lock has broken internally (as mentioned up post)
Pushing the door was mentioned, if the door is warped etc, it can place excess pressure or friction on the latch, pushing the door as you turn the key relieves that pressure/ friction.

Had similar with a bin cupboard door, simply wouldn't undo. Took the hinges off giving me access to the lock, stripped, Inspected, I think it was just siezed and dry. Lubed it up liberally, worked ever since.

 

[Poacher]

I have an old (50yr+) wooden under-bed box with a simple lock and key.

Probably not – given that it is circa 6ft x 4ft x 2ft 6in and is full of clothes weighing a LOT !

Do you use a ladder to get into bed?
There's loads of lock picking sets on the bay - could be a useful skill to acquire!

 

[Scoosh]

There's loads of lock picking sets on the bay - could be a useful skill to acquire!

Yes, I've been quite surprised at the number of U-Tube videos instructing how to pick all kinds of locks.

 

[classic33]

Yes, I've been quite surprised at the number of U-Tube videos instructing how to pick all kinds of locks.

Did you get the lock open though?

 

[slowmotion]

There might be some small piece of debris jamming the lock mechanism. Try giving the lock a blast with a compressed air aerosol duster. WD40 might not be powerful enough.

 

[newts]

Yes, I've been quite surprised at the number of U-Tube videos instructing how to pick all kinds of locks.

Box locks are harder to pick than cylinder locks 😉

 

[Scoosh]

Also tried turning it upside down and turning the key – obviously to no avail.

The locksmith reckoned there is nothing wrong with the key – no breakage nor excess wear of either 'lug'.
He recommended turning the key as far as it will go, then applying a hard thump – like with a mallet.

Did you get the lock open though?

Not yet – been a bit busy but hope to try the locksmith's guidance above...

 

[classic33]

Also tried turning it upside down and turning the key – obviously to no avail.

The locksmith reckoned there is nothing wrong with the key – no breakage nor excess wear of either 'lug'.
He recommended turning the key as far as it will go, then applying a hard thump – like with a mallet.

Not yet – been a bit busy but hope to try the locksmith's guidance above...

Assuming the lock is on the lid, locking against the side, have you tried sitting on the lid whilst turning the key in the lock?

If you're planning on turning the key as you swing the mallet, may I suggest you use a pair of pliers to hold the key.

Edited to add, if you insist on holding the key, have a first aid kit ready.

 

[newts]

You could try tapping the lid with a Mallet/block of wood as you turn the key, it might just the bolt/latch being tight in the lid keep plate?

 

[classic33]

Is it actually locked, thereby making unlocking impossible?