
- Look under the padlock for the keyhole. Tilt the bottom of the padlock towards you so that you can see the keyhole.
- Insert the key into the keyhole. Take the key with your index finger and thumb and firmly push it into the keyhole.
- Turn the key counterclockwise to free the shackle. Most key locks will unlock when you turn the key counterclockwise, although this may not always be the case.
- Pull on the body of the lock to pull it free. Once the shackle has disengaged, pull on the body of the lock to free it.
How do you remove a lock from a padlock?
[5] Pull on the body of the padlock to disengage the lock. Once correctly input all the numbers, you can pull on the body of the lock to disengage the shackle. When you put the lock back on, make sure to rotate each dial a couple of times to reset the lock.
What to do if your padlock is rusted and stuck?
A rusted and stuck padlock does you no good. In this video, discover how to unlock a jammed or rusted lock, quickly, easily, and mess-free. Using a proper lock lubricant like 3-IN-ONE ® Lock Dry Lube, you will be able to loosen, lubricate, and protect your lock from future rust and corrosion, without attracting gunk and grime.
How do you open a padlock?
Regardless of what you decide to use, opening a padlock is easy as long as you have the correct combination and use the right method to open the specific type of lock that you have. Look on the back of the lock to find the combination. Most padlocks will have the combination listed either on the back of the lock or somewhere within the packaging.
How do you unlock a locked door without a key?
Hit the side of the lock with a small hammer. Sometimes you can dislodge the shackle from the lock by simply tapping on the side of the lock. This won't help you get the combination or a new key, but could help you open something if it has a padlock and you've forgotten the combination.

How do you fix a stiff padlock?
Lock is stiff and difficult to open You can apply some graphite spay or silicone based lubricant in the lock, put the key back in and turn it a few times. Never use oil based products such as WD-40 to lubricate locks because although they may help initially, they tend to cause problems with clogging later on.
How do you loosen a rusted padlock?
Strike The Lock Lightly With A Hammer After spraying WD-40 into the keyhole, let the lock sit for a few minutes, this would give the liquid some time to loosen the notorious rust particles and make it easy for the lock to be opened. After letting the lock sit for some time, strike it gently with a hammer.
Why do padlocks get stuck?
Blocked Keyway The most common reason for a padlock keyway being blocked is because a key broke off in the lock.
How do you reset a hardened padlock?
Take these steps to reset your lock:Pull up the shackle to open the lock.Rotate the shackle 90° counterclockwise and press all the way down.Hold down the shackle and set your own combination by turning dials.Turn the shackle back as normal. The setting is now complete.
Does wd40 unfreeze locks?
Q: WD-40 shouldn't be used in door locks or ignition locks. It dries out and turns to goo, which can cause the tumblers to stick. It was initially meant as a de-rusting spray and general-purpose lubricant (say, door hinges). Locksmithsrecommend using Teflon spray lubricant inlocks now.
How do you lubricate a padlock?
1:132:14Maintain a Master Lock Padlock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply lubricant sparingly a very light spray or a few drops is all that is needed allow theMoreApply lubricant sparingly a very light spray or a few drops is all that is needed allow the lubricant to drain deep into the lock tapping.
Is it OK to put WD-40 in a lock?
Should I use WD40 to lubricate door locks? The simple answer is you should not use WD40 to lubricate locks. WD-40 is one of the solvent-based lubricants and does not contain any lubricant and over time can make your lock even stickier by gumming the lock up.
Is WD-40 good for locks?
But this multi-faceted product has limitations – it should never be used to lubricate locks! The main reason for this is that WD40 is not a true lubricant; it is a water and oil displacing solvent. This means that it can actually remove any lube already in the lock, leaving it dry and susceptible to sticking.
What do you do when your Master Lock won't open?
Please try resetting the lock again by following the instructions below:Place lock in the open position.On the back of the lock, slide the reset lever into the “up” position.Insert the shackle into the lock and squeeze firmly twice to “clear” it.Pull up on the shackle to open the lock.Enter your new combination.More items...
How do you unlock a guard lock?
1:533:20[646] Guard Security 1500 Combination Padlock Decoded FASTYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow I'm going to turn this dial to the left of full 360 degrees so I ensure that I pass the secondMoreNow I'm going to turn this dial to the left of full 360 degrees so I ensure that I pass the second digit once. Then I'm going to lift up on the shackle again and keep turning until I feel a stoppage.
How do you unlock a lock?
0:040:54Strategies for Students: How to Open a Combination Lock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep one have them start by turning the dial to full turns to the right Swee passes zero twice keepMoreStep one have them start by turning the dial to full turns to the right Swee passes zero twice keep turning until you get to the first number in the combination.
How do you open a rusted padlock without a key?
Use a small or light-duty hammer to give the lock a few mild blows. This may be enough to break the rust seal. Try to strike it at the top of the lock near the shackle holes. Use the handle to strike at the curved shackle and the key opening.
How do you use WD 40 to remove rust?
0:413:34How to Effectively Remove Rust with WD-40 Rust Remover SoakYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat I have in front of me are a few rusty parts now we're going to be using this rusty metal pipeMoreWhat I have in front of me are a few rusty parts now we're going to be using this rusty metal pipe right here and I'm going to take some of the wd-40 rust remover soak and pour it into the tray.
How do you remove rust from a lock and key?
Pour the vinegar into a bowl. Add the keys. Allow the keys to soak for 30 minutes. If the rust layer is thick, soak for another 30 minutes.
How to get a key out of a lock?
With your safety glasses on and spray pressurized air down the lock shank and into any holes on the top part. Repeat for the key hole, sticking the nozzle as far as you can get into the lock. Give it a couple of taps with the hammer and repeat.
How to open a combination lock?
Give it a couple more taps with the hammer. Insert the key and work it from side to side while compressing the lock. With combination locks keep rolling the numbered tumblers around and around and then set them on the proper combination and try to open.
How to keep a lock from sticking?
Keep an exposed lock from sticking by protecting it from the elements. A cover flap of leather, plastic, or rubber from an inner tube attached to the door frame above the lock works wonders, shedding water and keeping dirt out.
How to close a modal window?
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.
Can you use WD-40 on cottage lock?
Exposed cottage padlocks are prone to corrosion and debris infiltration, making them sticky or impossible to operate. But don’t treat them with WD-40 alone: while a quick squirt might get the lock working, WD-40 is more of a solvent than a lubricant and will displace the lubricants inside a lock, leaving it open to corrosion. (What little lubricant is in WD-40 doesn’t stick around very long after application.)
How to fix a lock that sticks?
Test the lock. Let the WD-40 sit for a few minutes. This will give it a chance to start breaking down the dust and dirt accumulated inside the lock that’s impairing its movement. Once it’s had some time to set up, slide your key in and out of the lock a few times and observe how smoothly it moves. If it doesn’t meet resistance, your work is done. If the lock still sticks a bit, you may need to try a more heavy-duty lubricant such as powdered graphite.
What to use to get sticky lock out?
If your lock is so sticky that you can barely get your key in and out, you may need something as tough as powdered graphite. Once applied, the graphite particles form a fine layer on the surface of the metal, lubricating and “brushing” away dust and dirt.
How to use WD-40 in a lock?
Attach the applicator straw to the nozzle of the can. Hook up the red applicator straw that comes included with the can of WD-40. These straws are thin and flexible and fit right over the opening of the nozzle where the oil comes out. The addition of a straw will allow you to penetrate deep into the inner workings of the lock, lubricating it more effectively.
What is the best lubricant for a lock?
Get a tube of powdered graphite. Powdered graphite is a special dry lubricant that can be found in most hardware or department stores. It is designed to encourage smooth movement between two metal surfaces without attracting grime, which means it won’t gum up like oil-based lubricants. If your lock is so sticky that you can barely get your key in and out, you may need something as tough as powdered graphite.
What does a straw do to a lock?
A straw will also keep the spray of the lubricant confined inside the lock where you want it, rather than all over your front door.
What to do if you don't have powdered graphite?
If you still don’t have any luck after trying powdered graphite, call a professional locksmith to come out and take a look at your locks. Sometimes the problem is with the pins inside the lock slipping down and loosening, which can't be fixed with just lubricant.
How to get WD-40 lubricant out of lock?
Press down on the button on the rear of the WD-40 canister to begin releasing the lubricant into the lock. Don’t be afraid to use a liberal amount of oil—a sticky lock needs the attention. Hold down the spray button until the WD-40 begins to overflow from the lock opening.
How to freeze a padlock?
To freeze to the point where a padlock won’t open, all you need is freezing temperatures. The area where the lock resides should show signs of frost. Because the surrounding ice is melting naturally the ice in the lock will do the same. In some cases, the frost may hold on longer inside the lock, but it should be in the process of melting.
When a padlock won't open, what to do?
Don’t leave a broken padlock where it is. When a padlock won’t open, remove it . This is essentially true when you are changing locks on a new home, where you need to gain access to every part of the property. Broken padlocks in retail security settings or shared living accommodations are especially important to address as they can block emergency evacuation routes.
What is a shackle on a door?
Shackle – The U-shaped length of metal that loops into the hasp on a door, gate, etc. Cuts at the base of the catch the locking pawls so the shackle does not slide freely out of the lock body.
Why is my door lock jammed?
The shackle is going to be jammed as the result of a blockage in the shackle hole, or broken component, which is causing the locking pawl not to retract. The locking pawl might not be fully disengaged, or it is disengaged but the shackle is binding on something else. You likely encountered a door lock jammed in this way before, when the deadbolt will not retract.
Why won't my padlock open?
When a padlock won’t open due to a broken actuator, it means the keyway is as good as useless for getting the lock open. To remove a broken padlock that has issues with its actuator you will most likely have to cut the lock open.
What is the keyway of a padlock?
Plug – When you look at the keyway of a padlock, you are looking at the plug. The key is inserted into the plug, which will be rotated to move the actuator and retract the locking pawls.
Why is my padlock keyway blocked?
Besides the key, people will sometimes stick foreign objects into the keyhole. This may not be visually apparent if objects have been forced into the recesses of the keyway, but you will notice that the key will not fully insert.
How to cut a padlock?
Use a bolt cutter to cut the body of the lock. While a common belief is that you should cut a padlock at the shackle, this is wrong, as the shackle is often made of the toughest metal throughout the lock. Instead, use 18 or 36 inch (45.72 cm or 91.44 cm) bolt cutters and position them over the lock's body. Apply pressure on the handles and try to cut all the way through the body of the lock to remove it.
Which way do you turn a padlock?
Some padlocks will require you to put the key in and turn it clockwise to lock it.
What does the first number on a lock mean?
The first number in the code represents the number that your leftmost dial must be on to open the lock. Rotate the dials until the indicator on the side of the lock lines up with the first digit of the code. Sometimes the indicator for the numbers will be a red line or arrow.
How to get a lock out of a lock?
Hit the side of the lock with a small hammer. Sometimes you can dislodge the shackle from the lock by simply tapping on the side of the lock. This won't help you get the combination or a new key, but could help you open something if it has a padlock and you've forgotten the combination. Apply tension on the shackle by pulling on the body of the lock, then hit your hammer on the side of the lock's body to open the shackle.
How to line the indicator on a lock?
Line the indicator with the second digit in your combination after you pass the first number. Stop rotating the dial once you land on the second digit. Remember to pass the first number in the combination when turning the dial or your lock will not open.
How to open a combination padlock?
To open a combination padlock, start by turning the dial 3 times to the right to reset the numbers, since most padlocks won't work unless they're reset. On your third rotation, turn the dial to the first number in your code. Next, turn the dial to the left until you land on the second number.
How to reset a padlock if you don't reset it?
Look for a three digit code when you buy your lock. Turn the dial at least three times to the right. Turning the dial three full rotations clockwise will reset the numbers and allow you to input the first number in your combination. In most padlocks, if you don't reset it, your code won't work.
