How do I remove a trailer lock?

Mate Joined: Dec 31, 2003 Posts: 21 Location: Oak Island

My son's G3 has a lock on the pin that removes the tongue. Unfortunately, the lock is frozen up and I can't pull the tongue out. We're not getting any lights and I'm pretty sure I just need to pull the tongue in and out a few times to scrape some corrosion from the electrical contacts (which are part of the tongue).

TIA....

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 6:25 pm Post subject:

If you don't have an Acetalene torch just heat the lock hasp in the curved part untill it is as red hot as you can get it then let it cool on it's own, don't use water or help it cool any way. This will anneal the metal and make it softer so you can cut it with a bolt cutter (and not ruin the cutters), or a hacksaw.
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Mark Pike
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Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 6:32 pm Post subject:

Buy a cheep side grinder with a cut off wheel.
Harbor Fright tools $20

Barry
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Piedmont Coastal Anglers
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Mate Joined: Dec 31, 2003 Posts: 21 Location: Oak Island

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2010 7:04 am Post subject:

Try a drill and drill out the cylinder and see if a screw driver will open it up. It may be froze up thier too.

Hope this helps
Barry
_________________
Don\'t never go faster than your guardian angle can fly.
Piedmont Coastal Anglers
Come and visit us Bass Pro Shop Concord 3rd Tuesday of each month

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2010 1:24 pm Post subject:

Mate Joined: Dec 31, 2003 Posts: 21 Location: Oak Island

Here's a pic of the lock:
http://tinyurl.com/2cjm7hj

As you can see, the locking mechanism is attached to the trailer... if I knew how that worked, I'd know a lot about how to proceed....

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2010 9:53 pm Post subject:

Grind off lock end flush with trailer and drive out all of it with a punch. This should cut the pin at the locking collar (The pin goes into the lock and the collar closes around the narrow/neck of the pin). If it was mine thats what I would do.... 3lbs. hammer and a large punch should take care of it after you cut.

Mate Joined: Dec 31, 2003 Posts: 21 Location: Oak Island

Thanks, any idea how the lock is attached to the trailer? It has to be structural, because that is what supports one side of the pin with respect to compression and tension from towing....

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2010 10:20 pm Post subject:

call bob at south chatham he has a way I bet or can make you a new one

Mate Joined: Dec 31, 2003 Posts: 21 Location: Oak Island

OK, guys, I think I've got it... I've bought another lock assembly from the manufacturer and I'll post pics and instructions on fixing this problem when I get the parts and have time to tackle it.

This feature may be good at thwarting thieves, but in a salt water environment, it is kindova dumb idea. Even the manufacturer had no idea what to put in the lock to keep this from happening. They suggested always using the plastic cover, but that would only insure that moisture would stay *within* the lock. Not Good.

Thanks for everyone's input....

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 11:00 pm Post subject:

..White lithium grease is your friend.. 8) d:^) Schneeks..

Mate Joined: Dec 31, 2003 Posts: 21 Location: Oak Island

Yeah, I tried to keep the lock full of that, but with salt water access to both sides of the tumbler, it was just a matter of time. UPS finally brought the replacement and I noticed that the pin had changed to stainless from chrome plate and that the cylinder was no longer brass....
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