I lost about 45 minutes this morning trying to get my padlock off. Heat, PB blaster, and bolt cutters. Wound up breaking one key and eventually got the dang thing to turn. The recieving clerk was of course oh so understanding...yea ok. I went through a few
cheap company supplied padlocks last winter then bought a couple higher end "weatherproof" locks about $30 each. I guess I used this last one, one time too many though.
I'm going to pick up some 3 in 1 oil to try and make them last longer but what kind of locks are you guys using? Is it better to spend money on a higher end lock or buy a case of cheapos and replace them more often? Also what about keyless combination locks, how do they stand up to the weather, road vibration, etc. I only haul paper roll stock and coffee cups BTW. Nothing high value. If someone wants to try and steal some rolls I'll sit back and grab some popcorn.
Padlocks
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by AM14, Jan 6, 2017.
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I go to the dollar store, buy a cheap bottle of motor oil, dump the oil into a bowl, bucket, whatever and dump the padlocks in too and keep the padlocks submerged for 24 hours or longer. I have never had a padlock, cheap or expensive, fail on me. I do this once a year.
AM14, Snailexpress and Ruthless Thank this. -
they want us to use locks on our trailers but it's pointless. the trailer is getting unloaded everytime we stop, unless fueling. last time i checked no one has broken into a trailer while it was in motion. too much of a hassle if it freezes, I'll pass.
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Use a lock with lube points, keep it clean. I use wd40 rust release to clean mine. I have two, I change them out every once in a while. If you use oil beware some of the brands gunk up locks at low Temps.
High % alcohol and some time in the sidebox before you wd40 will help too (gets rid of water and salt residue.) After I spray a lock with alcohol and let it dry I wd40 it.aussiejosh, Lepton1 and Big Don Thank this. -
sherlock510 and AM14 Thank this.
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WD 40 and soak it up good whenever it gets to acting sluggish.
Have a big lock that I've had for years, its got a few nicks from people trying to cut it unsuccessfully before I got it.
I have a toggle lock I use in better conditions, but really, where I run, locking is seldom needed.Last edited: Jan 6, 2017
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Specially if trailer is placarded and terrorists can use HM against the public of Commifornia regardless vehicle is moving 55 mph.
I still have strong fillings after $5000.00 fine for unsecured HM load.RollingRecaps and AM14 Thank this. -
If it's going to get really cold. I will take my lock off. Not worth the hassle.
Most locks can be cut off easily enough anyway if someone wants to get into the trailer.
Also most guys don't seem to use locks anyway.AM14 Thanks this. -
I just dealt with this myself while I had a few days off over the holidays. I blasted them with brake cleaner, then used an air compressor to blow out as much crud as I could. A good soak with PB Blaster, and they work like brand new locks.
One of my coworkers takes those plastic sandwich bags and wraps up his locks after putting them on the trailers, then secures the bags with a rubber band to keep the dirt and moisture out. It looks kind of goofy, but he's not always having to clean or replace his padlocks either.Duurtipoker and true blue Thank this. -
Thanks everyone. I've had them stick before but never like this morning. I'll try soaking it and pick up a new one to take better care of. Might try that ziploc bag idea too. On a somewhat related note, I saw a Metropolitan trailer today that had a sign saying it had an alarm system. Is there a keypad inside that the driver has to disarm? Or is this just a false deterent. Simply out of curiosity.
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