Have you ever gone to your storage unit only to find that the lock has been replaced with a round or tubular lock? If so, you know how frustrating it can be to open the unit.
In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of how to cut a round lock off a storage unit in just a few easy steps.
Can You Cut a Round Lock Off a Storage Unit?
While having a storage unit can bring convenience and flexibility to your life, having the wrong type of lock on it can create a problem if you ever lose or forget the key. If you’ve locked your storage unit with a round lock, it can be tricky to open it without the right key.
But with the right tools and some patience, you can remove a round lock from your storage unit. First, use bolt cutters to break the metal hasp securing your round lock in place. Then, using hex-key wrenches and extra-long screwdrivers, you should be able to unscrew any known brand of round lock.
Remember that security matters when renting a storage unit – invest in a good quality padlock rather than relying on the cheap ones provided by most facility owners – doing this will not only increase security but save you time and effort from removing a round lock in the future should something happen!
Why Should You Cut a Round Lock Off a Storage Unit?
Storage units are a great way to keep your belongings safe, but always be prepared for all eventualities is important. Cutting a round lock off a storage unit is one of the best ways to ensure that you are protected in the event of an emergency or if the lock stops working.
Not only can cutting a round lock provide immediate access to your items, but it also ensures that no one else will have access either since they will not know the combination or understand how to take apart the contraption.
Plus, by utilizing special tools and the right technique, you can cut through almost any type of lock control while still preserving its integrity. So, with these benefits in mind, you can choose to cut a round lock off your storage unit.
7 Steps to Follow on How to Cut a Round Lock Off a Storage Unit
Step 1: Tools You’ll Need
The first step in cutting a round lock off a storage unit is collecting all of the necessary tools. You’ll need two items: bolt cutters and a drill. Bolt cutters come in multiple sizes, so make sure that you choose one that’s appropriately sized for your lock.
If your bolt cutter is too small for the job, it won’t be able to get through the metal of the lock. On the other hand, if it’s too large, you risk damaging your storage unit door frame or surrounding walls.
Step 2: Drilling Through the Lock
Once you have the appropriate size bolt cutter on hand, you’ll need to use a drill to create two holes in the top of the lock cylinder. The holes should be slightly larger than your bolt cutter blades.
Once these holes are drilled, insert your bolt cutter blades into them and apply pressure until the cylinder is split into two pieces (this may require some elbow grease). After that, simply remove both halves of the cylinder from their respective sides of the door frame, and your storage unit should be unlocked!
Step 3: Safety Precautions
Whenever you’re using tools, it’s important to practice safety. Make sure that your workspace is free of clutter and that you are wearing protective gear, such as goggles and gloves.
Also, be aware of how much pressure you’re applying to the lock cylinder with your bolt cutters – too much pressure can cause the cylinder to break off and become a hazard.
Step 4: Locate Your Lock
Before you start cutting, make sure that you’ve identified which lock needs to be removed. Some storage units have multiple locks (one on each side), so take the time to verify which one is the round lock that needs to be cut off.
Step 5: Inspect Your Lock
Once you’ve identified the lock, inspect it carefully to ensure that it won’t cause any damage when cutting it off. If there is any rust on or around the lock, you may want to apply a lubricant to prevent the blades of your bolt cutter from getting stuck in it.
Step 6: Measure Your Lock
Before you start drilling, measure your lock cylinder’s diameter to ensure that you have the right-sized bolt cutter for the job. You don’t want to end up with a bolt cutter that’s too small or too large – either scenario could cause damage to your storage unit or even injury.
Step 7: Remove the Lock
Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary tools and taken all the necessary safety precautions, you are ready to begin cutting your round lock off a storage unit.
With your bolt cutters in hand, insert them into the two holes that you drilled into the top of the cylinder and apply pressure until the cylinder breaks into two pieces. After that, simply remove both halves of the cylinder from their respective sides of the door frame.
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to cut a round lock off a storage unit. Following the steps outlined above will help you do so safely and quickly to get back on with your day. Good luck!
Alternative Ways to Cut a Round Lock Off a Storage Unit
When cutting an old round lock off of a storage unit, the fastest and most efficient way is to use a cutting torch. However, if you don’t have one or lack experience, then other alternatives are available.
A rotary tool such as Dremel tools, hacksaw, or even an angle grinder with cutting discs can be used, but these should be used with great caution and safety protocols implemented to avoid danger.
In addition, cutting through metal can produce sparks and generate very high temperatures, which could ignite combustible materials, so proper precautions should be taken in all cases.
Things You Need to Know Before Cutting a Round Lock Off a Storage Unit
Cutting the lock off a storage unit may seem like an easy task, but several important steps must be considered before attempting the job. First, make sure you are legally entitled to access the unit and cut off the lock. Otherwise, you could be facing serious legal consequences for trespassing and burglary.
Once you know that cutting the lock is within your legal right, assess your options closely. For example, if you want to preserve some of your items in the unit, try lubricating the lock or employing a professional locksmith to pick it first. Those methods will work better than using bolt cutters on a round lock because they cause less damage.
However, if none of those options are available or practicable, using bolt cutters is usually effective in cutting through a round lock. No matter what method you choose, exercising caution is paramount when undertaking this procedure.
Benefits of Cutting a Round Lock Off a Storage Unit
Cutting a round lock off a storage unit can be beneficial to gain access to valuable items. It saves time and money by offering an alternative to long-term leasing payments while allowing the user to use the equipment or belongings inside the unit.
Additionally, cutting off the round lock is often a simpler and more economical technique than having new locks installed by a locksmith. Acquiring fast entry with no problems will also prevent another person from removing or stealing your hidden valuables in the meantime.
This method ensures that you can remain in possession of your property until you can secure them again with long-term storage solutions.
4 Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Cutting a Round Lock Off a Storage Unit
1. Not Using the Correct Tools
One of the most common mistakes people make when cutting a round lock off a storage unit is not using the correct tools. The first step is to use a bolt cutter to cut through the shackle, which is the U-shaped portion of the lock.
Next, you will need to use a Sawzall or reciprocating saw to cut through the lock’s body. Finally, you will need to use a drill to make a hole in the center of the lock to insert the bolt cutter and cut through the remaining metal.
2. Not Cutting in the Right Spot
Another common mistake people make when cutting a round lock off a storage unit is not cutting in the right spot. When cutting through the shackle, you will want to ensure that you are cutting as close to the base of the shackle as possible.
This will help prevent the shackle from sliding back into place and securing the lock again. When cutting through the body of the lock, you will want to ensure that you are cutting through the center of the lock so that you can easily remove it with your bolt cutter.
3. Cutting Too Slowly
Another mistake people often make when trying to cut a round lock off a storage unit is cutting too slowly. This can cause the metal to heat up and become more difficult to cut through.
Additionally, it can also cause the metal to bind together, making it more difficult to remove with your bolt cutter. To avoid this, you will want to make sure that you are cutting quickly and evenly so that the metal does not have time to heat up or bind together.
4. Not Wearing Protective Gear
Finally, another mistake people often make when trying to cut a round lock off a storage unit is not wearing protective gear. When working with power tools, always wear eye protection and gloves so that you do not injure yourself.
Additionally, it is also important to wear ear protection when using a Sawzall or reciprocating saw so that you do not damage your hearing.
Does Cutting Off the Round Lock Void Any Warranty on The Storage Unit Itself?
Cut off any frozen, broken, or difficult-to-remove lock. It may seem like a viable solution when faced with the problem of getting into a storage unit. However, it is worth considering if there are any warranty implications. For example, does cutting off the round lock void any warranty on the storage unit itself?
To ensure that you’re not in breach of any warranty conditions, it is best to check beforehand with the unit’s manufacturer and make sure that they will cover any repairs should anything happen down the line. This might be particularly important to consider if you are repurposing an existing storage unit and expect to resell it sooner rather than later.
Are There Safety Tips that Should Be Followed when Cutting Off a Round Lock from The Storage Unit?
If you find yourself in the middle of trying to cut off a round lock from your storage unit, there are a few safety tips that should be followed. First, wear appropriate protective gear, such as heavy gloves, a face mask, and safety glasses.
Secondly, use the right blade for cutting the lock; be sure it’s sharp and securely attached to your saw or drill. Lastly, keep your free hand away when removing the lock if it suddenly snaps backward due to any cutting pressure being applied.
Following these simple safety tips when removing a round lock from your storage unit can ensure an efficient and hassle-free process.
Conclusion
Cutting round locks off storage units isn’t as difficult as it might seem at first glance; with just two tools—a drill and bolt cutters—you can easily unlock any storage unit with a round or tubular lock.
Of course, suppose you don’t feel comfortable attempting this task yourself. In that case, it’s always best to seek professional help from a certified locksmith who can safely unlock your storage unit without causing any damage.
With these tips in mind, we hope you feel confident enough to take on this project yourself! Good luck! Thanks for reading our post about how to cut a round lock off a storage unit.