Are you looking for a way to store your belongings securely and in style? Perhaps you’re at a crossroads, trying to figure out how to keep precious items safe without having an unattractive set of locks on display. Reclaim the aesthetic balance with a storage lock that will look just as stylish as whatever it is you’re trying to hide away!
Cutting a storage lock is an easy, effective way to free up whatever items are inside the unit and regain your peace of mind. Whether you’ve lost or broken your key or just can’t seem to turn the cylinder enough on its own, with our simple guide below, you will find yourself ahead in no time!
Read on for helpful tips and tricks on how to cut a storage lock quickly and safely.
What Will You Need?
Before getting started, make sure you have the right tools handy. These are the followings:
1. Lock: Your lock should be a basic disk or cylindrical lock, usually found on most storage units.
2. Bolt Cutters: For cutting the shackle of the lock
3. Hacksaw: For cutting the cylinder portion of the lock
4. Angle Grinder: Although not necessary, an angle grinder will make the process quicker
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to get cutting!
10 Easy Steps on How To Cut a Storage Lock
1. Use the Bold Cutters:
Start by using the bolt cutters to cut through the shackle or U portion of the lock. If necessary, use an angle grinder for a faster result. Be careful and make sure that you don’t accidentally cut yourself!
2. Cut the Cylinder:
Once you’ve separated the two parts of the lock, move on to cutting through the cylinder portion of the lock with either a hacksaw or an angle grinder. Make sure you have enough clearance between your blade and the surface of whatever unit it is attached to when making this cut. Otherwise, you may damage part of your storage unit in addition to how upsetting it will be if you cut too deep.
3. Remove the Cylinder:
Once you’ve cut through the cylinder, you can now remove it carefully. Make sure not to damage any part of the unit or surrounding items while doing this. If necessary, use a screwdriver to pry it out gently.
4. Open The Door:
You should now be able to open the door without having to worry about a lock getting in your way! Be careful when opening the door, as it may have been locked for some time and could be stuck in place. Because of this, you may need to use a bit of force.
5. Check for Damage:
Now that you’re inside take a look around and make sure there isn’t any damage from your cutting process that needs addressing before closing up shop again (e.g., sharp edges). If so, use sandpaper or another tool to smooth down the edges. It will not only make the unit look better but will also prevent any further damage.
6. Clean Up:
Clean up any messes you’ve made, such as dust or debris from cutting your lock. You don’t want to leave your storage unit looking messy! Try to use a vacuum or wet cloth to pick up any dirt or debris that may have fallen on the floor.
7. Reinstall New Lock:
Once everything is nice and tidy, it’s time to put in a new lock if desired – that way, you won’t have to go through this process again! If not, make sure the door is securely closed before leaving. It is important to secure the area as best you can.
8. Change Your Combination:
If you choose to install a new lock, make sure you change the combination for added security measures so that nobody else can gain access without permission. Additionally, if you’re using a keyed lock, make sure to keep the new spare key in a safe place. It will save you from having to go through the same process again!
9. Set Up Alarm System:
Consider setting up a security alarm system for your storage unit for an extra layer of protection. That way, you’ll always know when someone is trying to gain access without your say-so! Moreover, this alarm system can add an extra layer of protection if someone attempts to break into your storage unit.
10. Enjoy Your Unit:
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your secure storage unit and the peace of mind that comes with knowing how to cut a storage lock. Be careful not to leave any valuables inside the unit and properly lock them before leaving. Also, make sure to check up regularly on your storage unit as it could be subject to weather conditions and other factors.
By using these easy steps, you can now confidently cut a storage lock without worrying about potential damages, thefts, or other security issues. Utilize these tips to get the most out of your storage unit and keep all of your belongings safe! By following these steps, you are ready to cut a storage lock easily and with peace of mind. Enjoy the added security and convenience that it provides!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use strong bolt cutters to slice through the lock easily. The teeth on the cutter need to be sharp enough to make quick work of the hardened steel.
- If you don’t have access to bolt cutters, you can use an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc for more precision and control when cutting the lock open.
- Protect your hands when working with tools that expose you to flying sparks or other debris from cutting metal.
- Wear safety glasses because tiny pieces of metal can fly off during the process and cause potential harm to your eyesight.
- Finally, if all else fails, call a locksmith who specializes in storage unit locks – they will be able to help you open the lock quickly and safely.
By following these steps, anyone should be able to easily and safely cut a storage lock open. Just make sure that all safety precautions are taken before starting the project. And, of course, never forget to take any necessary precautions when dealing with power tools or anything else that could potentially cause harm during the process.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Don’t Use a Hacksaw: A hacksaw will likely damage the lock beyond repair.
2. Don’t Try to Use an Angle Grinder: An angle grinder generates too much heat and can also cause irreparable damage to the lock.
3. Don’t Drill Through the Locks: Drilling through a storage lock will not only potentially harm or destroy its parts, but it will also make it easier for someone else to steal your belongings in the future.
4. Don’t Pry Open the Padlock: Prying open a storage lock may work temporarily. However, it will weaken padlocks and expose them from potential intruders in the future
5. Don’t Use Bolt Cutters: Bolt cutters can be effective if the lock is made of soft metal. However, they may also cause damage to their surrounding parts. If you must use this tool, make sure to protect any surrounding areas with tape or cloth before cutting.
When it comes to cutting a storage lock, it’s important to know what not to do and what should be done. By avoiding the five aforementioned practices, you can protect your belongings and ensure that you don’t accidentally cause more harm than good when trying to open a storage lock.
What Type of Lock Cannot Be Cut?
Certain types of locks cannot be cut with traditional cutting tools and require special equipment to open them. These include cylinder locks, combination locks, safe locks, and high-security padlocks.
If you find yourself in a situation where none of the above mentioned methods are effective, it is best to call a qualified professional for assistance. Professional locksmiths possess the necessary skills and experience to safely and effectively get your lock open without causing any damage or putting your belongings at risk.
Knowing how to cut a storage lock properly can provide peace of mind that your possessions remain secure and protected from potential threats. Make sure to follow these steps carefully in order to protect your valuables while also ensuring that you don’t cause any unnecessary damage to your lock.
With these tips on cutting a storage lock, you can rest assured that your valuables remain secure and safe from potential threats!
Conclusion
To summarize, learning how to cut a storage lock is a valuable skill that can help you open locks without keys in an emergency or retrieve the contents of something you’ve accidentally locked with no key. While it may seem intimidating initially, the process isn’t as difficult as you may think – all you need are a few simple tools.
Cutters are especially useful for cutting through locks on things like storage units if you don’t have the key to get inside, but be sure to take proper safety precautions when attempting to do so, and keep in mind that you will likely damage the lock in some way.
Ultimately, this is a great skill to add to your toolbox that could come in handy down the line!