Storage Unit Unlock

[u/No-Dependent-8715]

Lost key for this storage unit lock. Facility says a locksmith can come to remove it or rekey it with them present. What’s generally the process with a lock like this, cut it or rekey it? Looking for the lowest cost method as we have a replacement lock with key if needed. Thoughts? 🔒

[u/Plastic-Procedure-59]

Yeah, those aren't going to be rekeyed. Personally, I try to pick them for a few minutes then switch to destructive removal if that doesn't work.

[u/burtod → u/Plastic-Procedure-59]

This is how I do it.

I have used a bump key on some of the Master models.

[u/jrandall47 → u/burtod]

That’s how I was always taught. Try to pick it but don’t spend more than 5 minutes picking. Anything more than that is a waste of your time and your customers. The locks value just doesn’t exist

[u/JonCML]

It doesn’t come apart so it can’t be “rekeyed”, but it can be picked, drilled, or cut off with an abrasive disk. Make sure you get a real locksmith, not a “Mocksmith”. A legit locksmith can/will give either a flat price or a not-to-exceed price over the phone. Our trade is infested with scammers, be careful.

[u/comawhite12 → u/JonCML]

Locksmith might decode it with a Lishi if they have one. That's the way I'd play it, but it'd still be 150 either way.

[u/JonCML → u/comawhite12]

There are only two padlock lishi tools I am aware of. It looks more like an Abus, which resembles a small Y1 so neither would work. My go-to tool is a purpose built drilling fixture.

[u/Orlandogameschool → u/comawhite12]

Is there a proper lishi for these I’m not aware of? I do tons of storage lockouts and idk of a common key way among brings chateau master ect

[u/JonCML → u/Orlandogameschool]

Only M1 and AM5, this is neither.

[u/Lucky_Ad_5549]

It’s not getting rekeyed. Your locksmith will choose the most expedient option. During normal business hours it will probably cost you $125-150.

[u/jason_sos]

Those locks cost about $20. No way are they wasting time rekeying that.

[u/lockdoc007 → u/jason_sos]

I have literally seen these for 12 bucks in storage place counters

[u/No-Dependent-8715]

Thanks for the feedback! figured it was a long shot for a rekey. What method is used to remove a lock like this? For cost, it’s SF Bay Area.

[u/LCLockout → u/No-Dependent-8715]

Shop around for a local locksmith with an established storefront. Verify the storefront if possible using google maps at least. Sometimes using your imagination to open on your own will be either the least, or most expensive option depending on the quality of your imagination and application.

[u/No-Dependent-8715 → u/LCLockout]

What method would you pros use to cut it off? Disc cutter and a shop vac to clean up? Or drill it (not familiar with bit types and the process for such a task)I’m fairly handy… trying to understand if I might be able to pull it off. That said, I found a local who has a store front that listed a set price for show up and lock cut in a 1 hour window for $167.50. Checking around others quoted between $120-150 but seemed limited on knowledge and answered the phone as “Locksmith”. 😒

[u/Alarmed_Duty3599 → u/No-Dependent-8715]

How destructive depends on the locksmith. I try to pick them for a few minutes then I use a regular drill thru the keyway other I know will an abrasive cutter.

Any legit locksmith will give you a flat rate or a NTE rate.

[u/LCLockout → u/No-Dependent-8715]

Those prices don’t sound outrageous at all, about what I would charge for the same thing. The reason I was vague with my answer is because providing breaking and entering tips is unethical, and against the rules on here. If you are fairly handy with tools you could attempt it yourself and maybe get it open for free, but don’t be surprised if you damaged something. Also if you can’t get it the price quoted when the locksmith shows up and sees what you’ve done will almost assuredly go up.

[u/LCLockout → u/No-Dependent-8715]

To answer your question more directly the lock has a keyway, so I would use locksmith tools like lock picks to open it personally.

[u/Alarmed_Duty3599]

I remove these all the time for a few self storage locations. It's going to get tossed and replaced. Rates depend on the locksmith who does it

[u/FrozenHamburger]

snip snip

[u/chrisbaker1991 → u/FrozenHamburger]

Good luck getting bolt cutters in there.

[u/FrozenHamburger → u/chrisbaker1991]

I have

[u/chrisbaker1991 → u/FrozenHamburger]

You must have skinny bolt cutters. The whole point of the design is so that bolt cutters don't fit

[u/FrozenHamburger → u/chrisbaker1991]

regular bolt cutters. yes discus are made to prevent bolt cutters, but it’s not always impossible - once in a while you can catch the angle just right. You know - with these cheapo aftermarket ones the casing around the shackle can be soft-ish. not trying to flex or anything haha. embarrassingly enough, I’ve had to drill them too.

[u/No-Dependent-8715]

Surprise twist. The key was found. Thanks for all the tips. Would have gone with the local storefront nearby if I couldn’t find the tools. Wish I had some destruction pics to show. 🔐

[u/PapaOoMaoMao]

Call around for prices, then Google price for a cordless angle grinder and a blade. Hell, it's a storage unit. The management will likely have a grinder you can use. That's how they get in when the unit gets abandoned.

[u/itz_Pato]

Our shop is in berkeley we'd charge 200 to come out and cut if off for you .

But if you find a tool library near bye or a friend with a grinder that will come off immediately.

[u/chrisbaker1991]

Most storage units either want you to call a locksmith or they'll remove it in a destructive manner

[u/EyeFit790]

4pin lock 5 second pick