Reciever hitch lock
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Joined: Jan 2003
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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
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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.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
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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.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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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.