So I bought too cheap of an in-bed toolbox. I had this feeling when I was purchasing it that I should have gone the extra miles for a UWS or Adrian Steel ...

But I was in a hurry and got one from Home Depot actually, in their 'Husky' line. First clue of the problems I would have was that even pro locksmiths with decades of experience couldn't make a key for me, due to the use of foreign blanks on Home Depot's part. Their stores can't even make keys for these boxes ... they give you a number to call in Atlanta that becomes perpetual phone tag. (I gave my extra key to an employee and he lost it in the first 24 hours. What was I thinking?)

Now I have two issues with the box. On one side, it won't latch. On the other, it won't open at all.

Any thoughts on options here? Can I drill out the lock buttons and replace their junk latches with external hasps and padlocks? Are there specialists at truck-toy stores that can put a pro top (UWS), on an existing tool box?

 

I'm no expert, but thats what I'd do. Punch the locks out, get the latches working and put a hasp and lock on the drivers side (or both if it doesn't secure enough). Might be a pain, but its secure.

 

Those lock assemblies can be replaced, at least on older boxes. You should probably do some checking about adaptability before you get too aggressive in removing the old locks.