Any advice on how to remove a frozen outboard padlock? I put one of those Master Lock outboard locks on in the spring, and I can't get it off now. The key won't go more than 1/4" into the padlock. I tried WD40 and then powdered graphite with no effect. If the lock can't be opened, has anyone had any luck in cutting off the part of the lock system (the long u-shaped extrusion) that actually holds the engine to the bracket? I tried a hacksaw, but only succeeded in removing the cladding. I couldn't get any cut going at all. I really don't want to leave my new outboard mounted to the boat outside all winter. Thanks.
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frozen padlock
Did you try heat? There is probably nothing wrong with your lock that a little thawing won't fix. My approach would be a hair dryer, if that's not possible, I'd next try a butane torch.
Did you try heat? There is probably nothing wrong with your lock that a little thawing won't fix. My approach would be a hair dryer, if that's not possible, I'd next try a butane torch.
Frozen padlocks
is the lock "frozen" from rust/corrosion or frozen water? If it is water heat the lock (hair dryer or heat gun as opposed to torch)and try or if rust corrision use some penetrating oil (not wd 40)like PB Buster.If all this fails buy/borrow/rent some heaby duty bolt cutters and cut the shank of lock.Good Luck!
is the lock "frozen" from rust/corrosion or frozen water? If it is water heat the lock (hair dryer or heat gun as opposed to torch)and try or if rust corrision use some penetrating oil (not wd 40)like PB Buster.If all this fails buy/borrow/rent some heaby duty bolt cutters and cut the shank of lock.Good Luck!
Don't waste your time. Put your boat in storage
and invent a damn locking system THAT WORKS! I'll buy it.
and invent a damn locking system THAT WORKS! I'll buy it.
If you're in a marina they'll have a
pair of heavy duty bolt cutters you may borrow. Call the office and explain your problem.
pair of heavy duty bolt cutters you may borrow. Call the office and explain your problem.
Flaming hairspray
Use hairspray in an aerosol can with a butane lighter and you'll torch up in a hurry. I used to do this to open my car door while in frozen Detroit in the dead of winter. Then the car caught on fire.
Use hairspray in an aerosol can with a butane lighter and you'll torch up in a hurry. I used to do this to open my car door while in frozen Detroit in the dead of winter. Then the car caught on fire.
Make a trip to your local hardware store!
Spend the 50 0r $60 for a good set of bolt cutters. then keep them on board at all times. this is one tool that should be on board at all times. god forbid that your rig should come down and you don't have the means to cut it away. If you phrf race, most venues have a requirement that you have the means on board to cut away a downed rig and all the standing rigging. btw a hack saw won't do. capn jim "Que Pasa"
Spend the 50 0r $60 for a good set of bolt cutters. then keep them on board at all times. this is one tool that should be on board at all times. god forbid that your rig should come down and you don't have the means to cut it away. If you phrf race, most venues have a requirement that you have the means on board to cut away a downed rig and all the standing rigging. btw a hack saw won't do. capn jim "Que Pasa"
Lock problems are heck...
I've got one of those long boxed-in locks that completely encases the tightening levers on my outboard. The boat was sold to me with the understanding that there was no key to that lock. I've purchased its replacement, and even learned to pick locks in order to get the thing off. Should've looked first. The boat did, in fact, come with a key to the lock. It's broken off inside, but the cylinder won't turn for anything. I'm currently debating calling a locksmith or drilling the puppy myself. Just don't want to make it worse than it already is. BTW, the idea about keeping bolt cutters on board is great. Got a set hanging in the garage...they've got a new home as soon as Kon-Tiki goes back in the water!
I've got one of those long boxed-in locks that completely encases the tightening levers on my outboard. The boat was sold to me with the understanding that there was no key to that lock. I've purchased its replacement, and even learned to pick locks in order to get the thing off. Should've looked first. The boat did, in fact, come with a key to the lock. It's broken off inside, but the cylinder won't turn for anything. I'm currently debating calling a locksmith or drilling the puppy myself. Just don't want to make it worse than it already is. BTW, the idea about keeping bolt cutters on board is great. Got a set hanging in the garage...they've got a new home as soon as Kon-Tiki goes back in the water!
It is one of those box-shaped locks
thanks to all for their input. If I wasn't clear before, the lock in question is one of those long, box-shaped things that encase the tighening levers that mount the outboard. The padlock itself is almost completly encased by the box too. The only part of the lock exposed is the bottom (where the key fits in), and a small part of the top of the hasp. You can't get to the straight sides of the hasp where you would normally snap off a misbehaving lock with bolt cutters. I don't think there is enough of the top of the hasp exposed to snap with the cutters, but I'll take another look.
thanks to all for their input. If I wasn't clear before, the lock in question is one of those long, box-shaped things that encase the tighening levers that mount the outboard. The padlock itself is almost completly encased by the box too. The only part of the lock exposed is the bottom (where the key fits in), and a small part of the top of the hasp. You can't get to the straight sides of the hasp where you would normally snap off a misbehaving lock with bolt cutters. I don't think there is enough of the top of the hasp exposed to snap with the cutters, but I'll take another look.
Mike, it might be time to torch it off.
Try a acetylene cutting torch. I'd loan you mine but the tanks are too heavy. But seriously, contact a welder/shop and explain the problem. Tell them that the engine is stuck on a boat. They should have a heat blanket to protect the surrounding area. Good Luck
Try a acetylene cutting torch. I'd loan you mine but the tanks are too heavy. But seriously, contact a welder/shop and explain the problem. Tell them that the engine is stuck on a boat. They should have a heat blanket to protect the surrounding area. Good Luck
Dremmel Tool with cutoff blades
You can get a kit at Lowes etc. and you will find it has many uses. I wouldn't leave home with out one.
You can get a kit at Lowes etc. and you will find it has many uses. I wouldn't leave home with out one.
Drill it
Could you maybe drill out the tumbler where the key fits? Otherwise, I would either seek a locksmith or heed Freds advice on the cutting torch. Good Luck PS... Never a shortage of opinions is there?
Could you maybe drill out the tumbler where the key fits? Otherwise, I would either seek a locksmith or heed Freds advice on the cutting torch. Good Luck PS... Never a shortage of opinions is there?
If You Can Get to the Bar It'll Work I Promise
This is the puppy I was talking about. It will cut through the bar like butter I've done it myself. Make sure you wear safety glasses. The Dremel Tool would work but it will take a while. It would take forever with a hacksaw but here is a trick, use two blades one going each direction you then get a cut going both ways. http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00919990000&bidsite=CRAFT
This is the puppy I was talking about. It will cut through the bar like butter I've done it myself. Make sure you wear safety glasses. The Dremel Tool would work but it will take a while. It would take forever with a hacksaw but here is a trick, use two blades one going each direction you then get a cut going both ways. http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00919990000&bidsite=CRAFT
2nd on the Dremel tool
though I would sure try soaking it with PB Blaster for a couple of days first - it really penetrates and softens rust. The Dremel can get into some pretty tight places, but use the heavy duty fiberglass reinforced discs, preferably 1.25 or 1.5 inch if they will fit. And WEAR EYE PROTECTION.
though I would sure try soaking it with PB Blaster for a couple of days first - it really penetrates and softens rust. The Dremel can get into some pretty tight places, but use the heavy duty fiberglass reinforced discs, preferably 1.25 or 1.5 inch if they will fit. And WEAR EYE PROTECTION.
Use PB to unstick the lock.
Use PB Blaster (penetrating oil) available at the car store. Let it sit a couple of hours and then try the key. Those locks always freeze up and that's what I do.
Use PB Blaster (penetrating oil) available at the car store. Let it sit a couple of hours and then try the key. Those locks always freeze up and that's what I do.
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