How do I open a padlock when I've lost the key?

Answer 1

Boltcutters!

Answer 2

If you have a Dremel type tool it is very easy to cut any padlock using a reinforced cut-off blade. You can get a 6 pack of those for about $4 at a home center. Wear some type of safety glasses or goggles to keep the tiny shower of hot metal sparks out of your eyes.

You can also drill out the brass cylinder (the part where you put the key in) with any high speed steel drill bit of a diameter just a tad bit smaller than the diameter of the cylinder. This is so the bit doesn't cut into the steel that forms the bottom of the lock. Once all the brass is removed the lock will usually just fall open.

And of course there is great ease in picking a Master lock. You'll need to make a tension bar and a pick out of an oil dipstick. I'll leave it to you to figure out how to do that as well as how to use it.

I learned all of my nifty little techniques in Angola, LA

Answer 3

Look on the bottom of the lock. Sometimes there will be a code on it (it rubs off rather easy so it may not be there).

If you see it, call a locksmith and give them those numbers and the brand of padlock (Masterlock is very common). He can produce your key from that code.

otherwise, bolt cutters, or call a locksmith to make a new key. It is called impressioning and shouldn't take more than 15 minutes or so. But it does require a service call.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do I open a padlock when I've lost the key?

Answer 5

Sure, that should not be a problem for a locksmith. Sometimes there is a code stamped into the lock, some times it has to be done by impressioning, but it can be done. The only consideration is that if it is an inexpensive padlock, it may be more cost effective to just buy another.

Answer 6

How To Open A Padlock

Answer 7

By hiring a locksmith, finding the key, learning to pick locks, or if it is small enough, cutting it off with a pair of bolt cutters, cutting it open/ off with a carbide or diamond edged drill bit, or cutting it off with a diamond- or carbide-edged wire or saw.

Some padlocks have a code on them which you can use to contact the manufacturer and get a replacement key.

other (very risky) options which I DO NOT advise:

freezing it with liquid nitrogen and then hitting it with a hammer (caution- hazardous- you may get hit by metal shards!)

Melting the lock with some kind of propane torch such as a silversmith's torch or a welding torch. (caution- severe fire and burn hazard)

Exploding the lock with some form of explosive. (caution- hazardous- you will probably wind up with bits of metal in you unless you are wearing plate mail or you have some really long fuse or very long timer on your explosive.)

Answer 8

hacksaw through the bar.
will take a bit of time but will do the job.....
it may be easier to hacksaw though what is padlocked, if through the staple of a hasp and staple fitting, it''ll probably be easier to hacksaw through the staple. then just buy another. you've got to buy a new padlock anyway...

Answer 9

Usually it is far easier to cut off whatever is being locked than to cut or destroy the lock itself. Attack the hook the padlock hangs on with a hacksaw. Usually replacing the foot locker or shed door hardware is cheaper than getting a locksmith.

Answer 10

Bolt cuttlers. Hacksaw if you're patient.