How To Use A Lock Cutter

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If yous've misplaced your primal or forgotten the combination to a lock, you may demand to cut through the lock in social club to remove it. Luckily, with a few supplies from your local hardware store, y'all tin suspension through the lock to access what y'all need. By either using bolt cutters, an angle grinder, or a hacksaw, yous'll be able to open up most steel locks.

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Apply a pair of bolt cutters at least 24 in (61 cm) long. Visit your local hardware store to see their selection of bolt cutters. Aim to get cutters 24 inches (61 cm) long or larger since they will give you the most leverage as you endeavour to cut through the lock.
- Larger pairs of bolt cutters tin can cut through locks with a larger diameter.
ii
Put the lock'southward shackle betwixt the blades of the bolt cutters. Tilt the lock to the side so you can easily cutting the side of the shackle, or the metal clasp that holds the lock together. Hold the bolt cutters in a comfortable position near your waist. Pull the handles apart so the blades open. Place the bolt cutters on i side of the shackle close to the trunk of the lock.
- If the lock isn't fastened to anything, secure it in locking pliers or a vise so it doesn't move effectually when you try cutting it. Spin the handle on the vise to close it around the lock.
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Squeeze the grips together to close the cutters. Concord the grips on your cutters and apply firm pressure to break through the lock. Squeeze the handles together until information technology cuts through the shackle.^[i]
- If you can't cut through the lock yourself, ask a friend to aid you close the commodities cutters.
- If the lock is made of hardened steel, bolt cutters may not work.
- Bolt cutters work best on padlocks or chained cycle locks.

1
Purchase an angle grinder from your local hardware shop. An angle grinder is a portable motorcar that uses a disc to cut metal and tile. Use a 60 dust disc that'south ³⁄₆₄ inch (one.2 mm) thick for the easiest way to cut through the lock's shackle.^[two]
- Angle grinders work best on padlocks or bicycle locks.
- If y'all're working at home, utilize an bending grinder that plugs into the wall. If you need to work somewhere without electricity or an outlet, buy a battery-powered grinder.
2
Wear gloves and a face shield to protect yourself from sparks. Get a rubber shield that covers your entire face and utilise thick gloves meant for shop piece of work. Habiliment a long-sleeved shirt and pants if you can for added protection.^[3]
- Make certain at that place are no flammable objects nearly yous or in the room since a spark could ignite them. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby merely in instance.
iii
Hold the bottom of the lock secure with vise-grips. Vise-grips are locking pliers that clamp onto an object. Open the vise-grips to the same width every bit the lock you're trying to cut. Plough the spindle on the end of the vise-grips' handle to lock information technology in place and so the lock doesn't move around.^[4] Employ your non-dominant paw to tilt the lock to the side and hold information technology steady.^[v]
- Vise-grips can exist purchased at your local hardware store.
- If you're working in a shop, clench the lock within of a vise instead.
iv
Cut through the tiptop of the lock's shackle using your angle grinder. Turn on the bending grinder and slowly press the disc onto the shackle. As you lot cut through the lock, the grinder will shoot off sparks. Proceed firm pressure on the grinder so it works through the shackle. Once you lot finish your cut, plow off the grinder and remove the lock.^{[half dozen]}
- The lock may be hot near the expanse you cut. Use gloves to handle it or allow it cool downwardly offset.

one
Keep the lock sturdy with vise-grips. Grip the bottom of the lock with a pair of vise-grips. Tighten the nut on the handle to ensure the lock doesn't move around while you're holding information technology. Tilt the lock away from the object information technology's attached to.^[7]
- Don't employ your blank hands to hold the lock since you could fire yourself.
2
Hold a lit propane torch to the shackle for about iii minutes. Option whatsoever location on the shackle to heat. Lite the torch with a striker and turn the valve on the nozzle to make the flames into a tight cone. Hold the tip of the flame against the shackle until it turns ruddy hot.^[eight]
- Observe an expanse on the shackle that you tin can hands maneuver a saw around.
- Work in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials.
- Keep a burn down extinguisher nearby in case there's an accident.
three

Let the lock absurd down for 2-3 minutes. After the lock is red hot, plough off the propane torch and let the shackle cool. Don't dip the lock in h2o to cool it down, since this could strengthen the steel again.^[ix]
four
Saw through the area yous heated. Use a fine-toothed hacksaw meant for cut through metal. Hold the lock in place with vise-grips in your non-ascendant mitt, and pull the back and along beyond the area you lot heated with your ascendant mitt. Utilise business firm pressure to the lock to cut through it completely.^[ten]
- The heat softens the metallic and helps the saw teeth stay in place as you try to cut the lock.
- Hacksaws work all-time on metal locks.

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Add New Question

Question

My lock is a lock that says it can't be cutting off. I lost the key, so how can I become it off?

Your lock most likely tin be cut off, it volition only take a little longer. You can endeavor the steps in the commodity, and if y'all take problem, then you can contact a locksmith to remove the lock for yous.
Question

What tool is used to cut locks?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Reply

There are a few different tools you lot tin use to cut off a lock. Bolt cutters are the most common. Simply prune off the lock's shackle to remove it. You could also employ an angle grinder and cut through the shackle, but you'll need to secure information technology with vice grips and wearable face protection to protect against flight sparks. Another option is to rut the shackle with a propane torch for about 3 minutes and and so saw through it with a hacksaw.
Question

Can bolt cutters cut a lock?

Drew Hawkins1

Customs Answer

Yes, commodities cutters are an constructive tool yous can use to cut off a lock. Choose a pair of long-handled commodities cutters and place the shackle between the blades. Squeeze the grips of the bolt cutters together until they cut through the shackle. And so, just remove the lock. All the same, if the lock is made of galvanized or hardened steel, the bolt cutters may not be able to penetrate the shackle.
Question

Volition 18 inch bolt cutters cut a padlock?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Respond

If you're stiff plenty, they may be able to cut through. However, bolt cutters that are at least 24 in (61 cm) long will allow yous to put more leverage on the shackle of the lock. Larger pairs of bolt cutters are better able to cut through locks with a larger bore shackle. Information technology can also assistance to secure the lock with a pair of pliers or a vise so information technology doesn't move while yous cut it.

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Call a locksmith if you don't want to permanently damage the lock.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

In one case a lock is cut, it's permanently damaged. Make sure to replace information technology and proceed the combination or primal in a condom place.
But cut locks that vest to y'all.
Work in an area without flammable materials while using an bending grinder. Ever go on a burn down extinguisher nearby in case of an accident.
Wearable a face up mask and gloves when working with an angle grinder or propane torch to protect yourself from sparks.

Things You'll Need

Bolt cutters

Piece of work gloves
Face shield
Angle grinder
Vise-grips

Propane torch
Protective glasses
Vise-grips
Hacksaw

About This Article

Article Summary X

To cut a lock, all you need is a pair of bolt cutters. Concord the lock at an angle as you cutting through information technology, which will make the cut process easier. You tin can also cut through a lock with an angle grinder. Make sure to put on gloves and a face shield first, since grinders can produce sparks. In one case the grinder is turned on, just utilise some pressure level and information technology will cut through the lock. For tips on how to cutting a lock using heat and a hacksaw, read on!

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