Padlocks

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Some companies require it.I drove for a company that required you lock your trailer whether it's full or empty,lock your fuel cap,lock your gladhands if you drop the trailer while on home time and we had to lock the yellow and red brk every time we left the truck which I never did because I had a heck of a time figuring out the lock thingy.If security for the company seen you came in with an unlocked trailer he was to report us.

 

Try to say it against the Commifonia supreme court judge.
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.

 

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.

 

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.