Reciever hitch lock
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,507
Likes: 0
From: Magrath
Reciever hitch lock
My key broke off in my reciever hitch pin lock last night. Worst part is, it is locked with my Ford reciever emblem and not the ball hitch that I needed to pull my trailer tonight with. I was wondering what the best method of taking the pin off. I got the key out and have a spare, but that one doesn't turn either and I didn't want to snap that key (last one).
Anybody have any ideas on how to free up the lock. If not, what would be the best method for cutting it off. I was thinking my angle grinder with a cutting wheel would probably work best.
Thanks for any help.
Anybody have any ideas on how to free up the lock. If not, what would be the best method for cutting it off. I was thinking my angle grinder with a cutting wheel would probably work best.
Thanks for any help.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 0
From: Southern NH
Can you remember what kind of lock you have? On some of these, the pin that locks it in place inside of the receiver, is made out of hard plastic. Maybe try giving it a good whack with a Bf-hammer on the other side of the lock to see if the plastic pin breaks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
> but that one doesn't turn either and I didn't want to snap that key (last one).
Get a copy of the key, jack up the truck so the lock is tilted up and you can fill it with PB Blaster. Then fill it up with PB until it runs out both ends. Let it sit. Then fill it again, and keep inserting the key and taking it out without trying to turn it. Once the key slips in and out, then keep wiggling it instead of turning it. Keep putting PB Blaster in there because it will help flush the stuff out when it foams out.
Get a copy of the key, jack up the truck so the lock is tilted up and you can fill it with PB Blaster. Then fill it up with PB until it runs out both ends. Let it sit. Then fill it again, and keep inserting the key and taking it out without trying to turn it. Once the key slips in and out, then keep wiggling it instead of turning it. Keep putting PB Blaster in there because it will help flush the stuff out when it foams out.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Just cut the thing off with a grinder. I don't know what you do for a living, but assuming you make more than $15.00 per hour, it only makes sense to spend 30 seconds cutting the broken lock off rather than spending 1-2 hours soaking, drinking, heating, drinking, tilting, drinking, waiting, tugging, drinking, hammering, drinking, reapeating, etc. until the thing gets loose. Unless you have a vacation day, in which case it would be time well spent freeing the broken key from the lock and returning the lock to serviceable condition.