stuck lock

[broil_me]

ok...i just bought this truck....1988 s-10 blazer 2.8l v6.....and ive had nothing but trouble. but first a rather simple question...the lock my hatch is seized up....i think....i cant even get the key to go in much less turn. does anyone have any suggestions on how i can fix this??

[BlazerLT]

Spray WD-40 in it to free it up.

[ricksza]

Unless a key is broken off in it.

[broil_me]

Originally Posted by ricksza

Unless a key is broken off in it.

ok...so how do i tell if a kee is broken off inside...and more importantly...can i get it out?

[ricksza]

Push the little door open and look inside or try to insert a paper clip. If part of a key is in there, it won't go all the way in. As for getting it out, it would probably be cheaper to replace the lock cylinder but a locksmith would be able to remove it.

[broil_me]

there is definately something in there...wow i shouldda looked 1st eh? but....now i wanna try and get it out b/c im cheap suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[ricksza]

A locksmith will use small picks to pull the broken piece out.
But for something different, I've heard this, but never tried it. Hook a paper clip to positive battery voltage and touch it to the broken key without touching the door or the sides. Turn off the voltage as soon as it touches. This will weld the paper clip to the key and then it can be pulled out. If you try this, the paper clip will get red hot fast. Use leather gloves or pliers to hold it. Like I said, I honestly don't know if it will work. Personally, I can't see why it would weld the paper clip to the key but not the tumblers in the lock cylinder.

[clariveros]

Originally Posted by ricksza

A locksmith will use small picks to pull the broken piece out.
But for something different, I've heard this, but never tried it. Hook a paper clip to positive battery voltage and touch it to the broken key without touching the door or the sides. Turn off the voltage as soon as it touches. This will weld the paper clip to the key and then it can be pulled out. If you try this, the paper clip will get red hot fast. Use leather gloves or pliers to hold it. Like I said, I honestly don't know if it will work. Personally, I can't see why it would weld the paper clip to the key but not the tumblers in the lock cylinder.

wouldn't you want to disconect your battery before this?? to heat up a paper clip you would probably require a high enough voltage to fry the fuse box???, I dunno how about a small set pliers like for a hobby application or a paper clip attched to a magnet, just a suggestion, i have never had this happen so i guess it would be good to know how you resolve it.

[ricksza]

Magnet won't work, keys are made of brass.

[96jimmy4wd]

a locksmith has a tool that is really a handle with a fine tooth hacksaw blade about 1.5 inches long and 1/16 inch wide to remove broken keys try taking a 32 tpi blade to a grinder

[clariveros]

Originally Posted by ricksza

Magnet won't work, keys are made of brass.

Good point

[broil_me]

ok...i dont think im gonna try 'welding' b/c i enjoy living and im not that handy with electricity...but thanks for the suggestion...if i happen to get it out i'll let u know how i did it

[blazee]

You could try bending a really short L on the end of a paper clip and work it under the bottom of the broke key, if you can hook one of the teeth you might be able to work it out

[blazee]

Originally Posted by blazee

You could try bending a really short L on the end of a paper clip and work it under the bottom of the broke key, if you can hook one of the teeth you might be able to work it out

Somthing like this:



If you make two of them and work one in the top and one the bottom, You may be able to pull it out

[broil_me]

I'll try it when i get home...that wont be for another 6 hours but thanks...that sounds like the best option ive heard