Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On May 31, 12:35*pm, Viewer wrote:
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

It's one of those round ones that you can not get cutters into huh? If
not, call the local cops and ask if they have a pair of bolt cutters
and a few minutes to help you out, or lastly rent or borrow a pair. If
it's one of the round ones, you might have to take the bolt off of the
bottom and remove they whole clamping mechanism, then without the
tounge in the way, you might be able to get a Sawsall in there.

Scotty

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On May 31, 1:01*pm, wrote:
On May 31, 12:35*pm, Viewer wrote:

Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

It's one of those round ones that you can not get cutters into huh? If
not, call the local cops and ask if they have a pair of bolt cutters
and a few minutes to help you out, or lastly rent or borrow a pair. If
it's one of the round ones, you might have to take the bolt off of the
bottom and remove they whole clamping mechanism, then without the
tounge in the way, you might be able to get a Sawsall in there.

Scotty

I meant to say, "take the nut off of the bottom of the mechanism".
Sorry

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

Viewer wrote:
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!
Have you considered a Dremell, a metal cutting blade and a new lock?

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

"Keith nuttle" wrote in message
...
Viewer wrote:
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!
Have you considered a Dremell, a metal cutting blade and a new lock?
A friend with a smoke wrench? (Cutting torch)

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On May 31, 3:28*pm, "CalifBill" wrote:
"Keith nuttle" wrote in message

... Viewer wrote:
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!
Have you considered a Dremell, a metal cutting blade and a new lock?

A friend with a smoke wrench? *(Cutting torch)

Smoke wrench, I like that;)

Scotty, head mechanic, Rowdy Mouse Racing ;)

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On Sat, 31 May 2008 09:35:32 -0700 (PDT), Viewer
wrote:

Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

WD-40 ain't gonna do it for you.

What you need is some PB Blaster which has more solvents than WD-40
and is specifically designed for tasks like this. What's happened is
that the piston key that clips onto the lock's shackle is stuck or
rusted. It's on a spring that the keylock compresses.

Spray the heck out of the shackle, then turn the lock sideways and
spray into the keyhole. Let it soak for ten minutes or so, then tap
the lock with a hammer as you turn the key in the keylock.

Presto - unlocked.

Trust me - I've unfrozen pistons in cylinders with that stuff. Works
like a charm.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On May 31, 5:56*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Sat, 31 May 2008 09:35:32 -0700 (PDT), Viewer

wrote:
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

WD-40 ain't gonna do it for you.

What you need is some PB Blaster which has more solvents than WD-40
and is specifically designed for tasks like this. *What's happened is
that the piston key that clips onto the lock's shackle is stuck or
rusted. *It's on a spring that the keylock compresses.

Spray the heck out of the shackle, then turn the lock sideways and
spray into the keyhole. *Let it soak for ten minutes or so, then tap
the lock with a hammer as you turn the key in the keylock.

Presto - unlocked.

Trust me - I've unfrozen pistons in cylinders with that stuff. *Works
like a charm.

Frekin' Short Pants!

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

Thanks so far for the help. Here's a little more detail: Yes, it is
the kind that wraps all around the receiver and has a little mushroom
shaped thing that goes inside where the hitch ball normally does. The
lock body is about 1/4 inch steel that wraps all around (in kind of a
U shape) the part of the trailer that holds the ball. The key inserts
and turns very freely, but I can feel the locking mechanism budge or
move even a fraction.

I've been soaking it in WD 40 all day and periodically whacking it
with a hammer. I've also been trying to pry on the mushroom thingy
whenever I can. Since the lock is on a trailer and a boat is on the
trailer, I cant do much but work on it in position. I'll keep up my
technique until it either gets free or Monday comes and I relent and
call a locksmith.

Keep the ideas coming!

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On Sat, 31 May 2008 16:11:26 -0700 (PDT), Viewer
wrote:

Thanks so far for the help. Here's a little more detail: Yes, it is
the kind that wraps all around the receiver and has a little mushroom
shaped thing that goes inside where the hitch ball normally does. The
lock body is about 1/4 inch steel that wraps all around (in kind of a
U shape) the part of the trailer that holds the ball. The key inserts
and turns very freely, but I can feel the locking mechanism budge or
move even a fraction.

I've been soaking it in WD 40 all day and periodically whacking it
with a hammer. I've also been trying to pry on the mushroom thingy
whenever I can. Since the lock is on a trailer and a boat is on the
trailer, I cant do much but work on it in position. I'll keep up my
technique until it either gets free or Monday comes and I relent and
call a locksmith.

Keep the ideas coming!

Ah - that's a simple lever mechanism with a spring.

You really need to use PB Blaster because the levers are probably
rusted to the housing.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On Sat, 31 May 2008 16:11:26 -0700 (PDT), Viewer
wrote:

Thanks so far for the help. Here's a little more detail: Yes, it is
the kind that wraps all around the receiver and has a little mushroom
shaped thing that goes inside where the hitch ball normally does. The
lock body is about 1/4 inch steel that wraps all around (in kind of a
U shape) the part of the trailer that holds the ball. The key inserts
and turns very freely, but I can feel the locking mechanism budge or
move even a fraction.

I've been soaking it in WD 40 all day and periodically whacking it
with a hammer. I've also been trying to pry on the mushroom thingy
whenever I can. Since the lock is on a trailer and a boat is on the
trailer, I cant do much but work on it in position. I'll keep up my
technique until it either gets free or Monday comes and I relent and
call a locksmith.

Keep the ideas coming!

Put the WD40 away and get the stuff Tom told you to get. Seriously.

The dude knows of which he speaks.

Once you've tried that, and if it still doesn't work, come back.
--
John *H*

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

Viewer wrote:
Thanks so far for the help. Here's a little more detail: Yes, it is
the kind that wraps all around the receiver and has a little mushroom
shaped thing that goes inside where the hitch ball normally does. The
lock body is about 1/4 inch steel that wraps all around (in kind of a
U shape) the part of the trailer that holds the ball. The key inserts
and turns very freely, but I can feel the locking mechanism budge or
move even a fraction.

I've been soaking it in WD 40 all day and periodically whacking it
with a hammer. I've also been trying to pry on the mushroom thingy
whenever I can. Since the lock is on a trailer and a boat is on the
trailer, I cant do much but work on it in position. I'll keep up my
technique until it either gets free or Monday comes and I relent and
call a locksmith.

Keep the ideas coming!

Get a grinder and a metal cutting wheel. It will be off in 45 seconds.
The locksmith will cost about the same and, in this case, you still
have a new tool.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

"Viewer" wrote
it is the kind that wraps all around the receiver

You talking this kinda thing?
http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/pr...ub_cat_id=D33A

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

"Keith nuttle" wrote in message
...

Thanks!
Have you considered a Dremell, a metal cutting blade and a new lock?

Home Depot has a cheap grinder/ cutter like a large Dremel ( which I
thought of at first ). Used it to cut the stainless steel mounting posts
that were set in concrete, took a while, lots of smoke and sparks but it
will do it.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 31 May 2008 09:35:32 -0700 (PDT), Viewer
wrote:

Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

WD-40 ain't gonna do it for you.

What you need is some PB Blaster which has more solvents than WD-40
and is specifically designed for tasks like this. What's happened is
that the piston key that clips onto the lock's shackle is stuck or
rusted. It's on a spring that the keylock compresses.

Spray the heck out of the shackle, then turn the lock sideways and
spray into the keyhole. Let it soak for ten minutes or so, then tap
the lock with a hammer as you turn the key in the keylock.

Presto - unlocked.

Trust me - I've unfrozen pistons in cylinders with that stuff. Works
like a charm.

Not as much fun as a smoke wrench.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On Sat, 31 May 2008 23:43:54 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 31 May 2008 09:35:32 -0700 (PDT), Viewer
wrote:

Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

WD-40 ain't gonna do it for you.

What you need is some PB Blaster which has more solvents than WD-40
and is specifically designed for tasks like this. What's happened is
that the piston key that clips onto the lock's shackle is stuck or
rusted. It's on a spring that the keylock compresses.

Spray the heck out of the shackle, then turn the lock sideways and
spray into the keyhole. Let it soak for ten minutes or so, then tap
the lock with a hammer as you turn the key in the keylock.

Presto - unlocked.

Trust me - I've unfrozen pistons in cylinders with that stuff. Works
like a charm.

Not as much fun as a smoke wrench.

Or a Mexican Speed Wrench.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

"DK" wrote
Get a grinder and a metal cutting wheel.

Harbor Freight has cheap little angle grinders for $15-20 that would
probably make short work of it.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

"Viewer" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

The key just opens a little window under the lock. With the window open,
insert the appropriate allen wrench into the window and turn it counter
clockwise to release the lock from the hitch.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On May 31, 6:54*pm, "Ernest Scribbler"
wrote:
"Viewer" wrote

it is the kind that wraps all around the receiver

You talking this kinda thing?http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/pr..._id=B85&sub_ca...

Yes! That is exactly what I am dealing with. Quite a secure device, if
I may say so. I'll try to find some pb blaster.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

Doh! It sure as @#*&%! does. Man am I glad I read this before calling
a locksmith. Now I just have to get an allen wrench. Does it unscrew a
bunch of turns or a few? What an ingenious device!

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

"Viewer" wrote in message
...
Doh! It sure as @#*&%! does. Man am I glad I read this before calling
a locksmith. Now I just have to get an allen wrench. Does it unscrew a
bunch of turns or a few? What an ingenious device!

Just a few turns will do it. I think 5/32 is the size allen that fits.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On Sun, 1 Jun 2008 13:05:43 -0400, "Jim" wrote:


"Viewer" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

The key just opens a little window under the lock. With the window open,
insert the appropriate allen wrench into the window and turn it counter
clockwise to release the lock from the hitch.

D'Oh!!

Right you are - I was thinking of a different lock.

Good catch.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On Jun 1, 9:47*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Sun, 1 Jun 2008 13:05:43 -0400, "Jim" wrote:

"Viewer" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

The key just opens a little window under the lock. With the window open,
insert the appropriate allen wrench into the window and turn it counter
clockwise to release the lock from the hitch.

D'Oh!!

Right you are - I was thinking of a different lock.

Good catch.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

me too...

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

wrote in message
...
On Jun 1, 9:47 pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Sun, 1 Jun 2008 13:05:43 -0400, "Jim" wrote:

"Viewer" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

The key just opens a little window under the lock. With the window open,
insert the appropriate allen wrench into the window and turn it counter
clockwise to release the lock from the hitch.

D'Oh!!

Right you are - I was thinking of a different lock.

Good catch.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

me too...

Me also. Mine just uses the key to remove the lock. I do not ever use it
anymore, but there is one around here someplace.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On Sun, 1 Jun 2008 21:05:24 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


wrote in message
...
On Jun 1, 9:47 pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Sun, 1 Jun 2008 13:05:43 -0400, "Jim" wrote:

"Viewer" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I have a Master Lock #34 on a trailer tongue. The lock hasn't been
used in a couple of years and now it is stuck. The key inserts A-OK
and turns, but nothing happens. No feeling of the piston thing that
goes into the ball moving, nothing. I have WD-40'd and hammered away
to no avail.

I'm new to this boat (i.e. it's mine to use if I can get it running
etc.), and I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

The key just opens a little window under the lock. With the window open,
insert the appropriate allen wrench into the window and turn it counter
clockwise to release the lock from the hitch.

D'Oh!!

Right you are - I was thinking of a different lock.

Good catch.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

me too...

Me also. Mine just uses the key to remove the lock. I do not ever use it
anymore, but there is one around here someplace.

I think evrybody has one of those in the garage.

Stuck trailer tongue lock
 

On Sun, 1 Jun 2008 21:32:14 -0400, "Jim" wrote:


"Viewer" wrote in message
...
Doh! It sure as @#*&%! does. Man am I glad I read this before calling
a locksmith. Now I just have to get an allen wrench. Does it unscrew a
bunch of turns or a few? What an ingenious device!

Just a few turns will do it. I think 5/32 is the size allen that fits.

Good catch, Jim. I thought it was a different kind of lock. I was about to
suggest he cut off his trailer tongue and weld on a new one.
--
John *H*