Snapped key in my trailer hitch lock..... Any ideas?

[paulfoel]

You the type, bright yellow, fit over the towball....

Not been used for a while so think its seized but key has snapped off in the lock now....

Any suggestions?

Im assuming its easier (if at all possible) to drill out the lock rather than cut the actual bars? After all if it was that easy everyone would do it and nick them.....

 

[DAZB]

Try a magnet to remove the broken part of the key and tap the lock as you do to help it along.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Try a magnet to remove the broken part of the key and tap the lock as you do to help it along.

If that fails, angle grinder..

 

[Nozzle]

.

 

[paulfoel]

Try a magnet to remove the broken part of the key and tap the lock as you do to help it along.

Trouble is I've still got no key to unlock it then

 

[paulfoel]

If that fails, angle grinder..

Drill out the lock no good?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Drill out the lock no good?

You can but try drilling it.

If you can get it off, without drilling, or an angle grinder - by getting the remains out, you should be able to get a replacement key easily enough.

 

[paulfoel]

Hmmm. OK. Not sure how do to but I guess I just drill into where the key goes?

 

[paulfoel]

Local locksmith quoted me £110+VAT -hmm bit much that

 

[mattylad]

If you can get the key out a simple lockpick rake will likely open it quickly.

 

[johnny2007]

I'm surprised nobody hasn't suggested to buy a new trailer yet...

 

[leej90]

I've seen an online "hack" where a glue gun glue stick is melted with a flame at the end, melted end pushed into lock allowed to harden and when pulled away the key comes out with it.
Don't know if it'll work but might prevent u having to ruin the lock by drilling.

 

[paulfoel]

Well managed to get the broken off piece out at least. Even managed to get a new cut from this.

Alas, no joy. Looks like its seized or something.
Assuming cutting off is no go, I can't drill above or below the lock. Would drilling into the actual keyhole itself and slowly using larger drill bit work?

 

[daveaspy]

Have you tried any penetrating oil to try and loosen things up? Plusgas used to be the go to for seized bolts...

 

[bourbon]

cut it off with an angry grinder and get a new one, Lot less faff