:smack:
I locked my son’s Christmas presents in the shed, with a MasterLock padlock on it. Put the key on my bedside table, went about my life. The key is now gone, and I have looked everywhere for it. I’m pretty sure he went into my bedroom and took it- not to get into the shed, but just because he does things like that. Not maliciously, but he has an active imagination and often uses household items to act out scenarios- hey, it keeps him busy. There is a small chance we will find it outside somewhere tomorrow when the sun is out, but maybe not.
What to do? Before you link to a video on how to make a shim out of a Coke can or how to pick a lock with a paperclip, keep in mind that I’m not McGuyver, and I probably won’t be able to do anything like that.
Usually padlocks come with two keys. So I assume that the second key is inaccessible. Given that, you can rent a pair of bolt cutters or an angle grinder for ten or twenty bucks, assuming that you’re comfortable using one of those. If not, perhaps a friend or neighbor is comfortable with such tools. Or it should not cost very much to have a locksmith make a trip out to your house (particularly if you tell them the reason).
Okay, I will try it tomorrow if the key’s not found. I don’t have high hopes, because I suck at things like that, but you never know. I also see that you can buy shims- I did not know that.
Yeah, I don’t have the second key, and I’m sure my landlord doesn’t either, as he will have me leave it under a mat if he needs to access the shed. Bolt cutters are an option I have thought of, and a possibility. I have lots of manly neighbors that should be able to cut it if it comes to that.
I thought maybe some doper knew of some super-secret easy way of getting that lock off… nothing’s easy, I should have known that.
Yes, let me get my spoon! Oh wait, I think I’d rather buy the presents again!
If all else fails, which I’m sure won’t happen, there is a window with the glass out that is only covered with plastic. I will have to break the wood in it, but oh well, it’s not like it’s functional anyway.
Hardware stores, both the big guys like Home Depot and the smaller guys, often rent out bolt cutters and other hand tools, as well as the big noisy scary power tools.
Bolt cutters aren’t scary or hard. They’re like pruning sheers, but for metal. Get the longest ones they have - leverage is your friend - and even a woman with weak arms can cut a Master lock. Ask me how I know.
If it is an actual “Master” brand lock, look at the bottom of the lock near the keyway. There should be a 4-5 digit number stamped there. Write it down and and take it to a locksmith. Do not go to a hardware store, big box store, etc. You need an actual locksmith. They might be able to make a replacement key using the number code.
I don’t know how much it would cost you, though, so you might call a couple of them to see what they charge.
