If you are moving to a new house or need some extra space for your stuff, then storage units may be the solution. Storage units are rented out by the month and can range from small spaces that fit only one person’s belongings to large warehouses that store entire households.
The tips below will help you open a storage unit lock without a key if you ever find yourself locked in with no way of getting out! So, this article is for you. You will learn how to open a storage unit lock without a key with just one simple trick!
Step to Follow on How to Open a Storage Unit Lock Without a Key
Step One: Drill the lock
You will first need to go out and buy a drill bit that is roughly the same size as the shaft on your t-handle. Next, drill into the lock using moderate pressure until you have drilled through one of the discs inside it, then apply more force if necessary. Be sure to check often so that you do not go too far into the lock.
You need only drill through one disc to open the lock, but if you only drill halfway through a disc, it will not work as well. You can try to drill through one disc, then flip the lock over and drill through another to wedge them apart, but it might take more than one disc in this case.
Step Two: Use a T-Handle
Insert your t-handle into the hole you drilled and turn counterclockwise until the discs separate. Do not apply too much force, or you could break the t-handle. This method will only work if your lock is not too old, and it is always wise to try this on an older lock before taking apart a newer one.
If the lock still requires more force than you can provide with the gentle turning of the T-Handle, or you cannot turn it at all even after you have drilled a hole, then more force is needed. Do not try to pry the discs apart, as excessive force should not be applied to a lock that has been drilled.
Instead, if the discs cannot be pried apart by turning the t-handle, take the drill bit and insert it into the hole that you previously drilled and turn clockwise with gentle pressure until you can unlock it. If this method does not work after several attempts, then more damage will be needed. This will help in how to open a storage unit lock without a key.
Step Three: The Bump Key
You will need a bump key that fits your lock if the drill method does not work or you do not have the tools to produce one yourself. If this is the case, simply purchase a bump key and pick your lock with it. To make a bump key, take a key with the same dimensions as your lock and file down one side of it to make it flat.
Make sure that the bump on the key is facing up once you have filed it down so that it will fit inside the pinning when you try your hand at picking your storage unit lock with a bump key. If this does not work, then you may need to pick your lock with an actual key instead.
You could try the bump key again if it did not unlock the storage unit lock for you after filing it down to flatten it out. You can repeat this step as many times as necessary until you can successfully open your storage unit door. If it does not work after several attempts, you may need to pick your lock with an actual key instead.
Step Four: Picking the Lock
Purchasing a drill bit and a T-handle will be cheaper than purchasing a bump key if this is your first time trying these methods, but if you want to simplify the process by using an actual key, you can purchase that instead. You can try using the bump key again if it did not work for you after filing it down, or you can try picking your lock with an actual key instead.
You will need to purchase a tension wrench, which is relatively inexpensive before you can pick your storage unit lock successfully. This is because the bump key does not involve any wiggling or pressure like the t-handle or using a drill bit does. You will also need to purchase a set of lock picks and find the proper technique for your particular lock.
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Step Five: Try the Lock on Other Storage Units
A storage unit that you own has a more accessible lock to pick than one that you do not own because they are yours. You can easily unlock other people’s units with your key if their locks are more complex, but it will be harder for them to unlock your unit because you have only one.
Many storage units use simple locks that are easy to pick with a key or a bump key, but it is always wise to purchase your own if you are having trouble picking them for any reason. The locks you find on storage units at a public facility can range from extremely easy to extremely difficult because anyone else could have the only key.
Step Six: Buying a Storage Unit
You can also purchase one of your own if you are tired of fighting with the locks on other people’s storage units. This will save you time and money by not having to purchase any more tools, but it will cost you more in the long run. You will have to pay for your lock at public facilities or using your lock.
People often have to purchase several different tools to open a storage unit lock or pick one successfully because locks can range from easy to difficult depending on the situation. These steps should help you in learning how to open a storage unit lock without a key.
Step Seven: Cutting the Lock
If you cannot pick the lock successfully or your storage unit is too cheap to provide you with a key, you will need to cut one open instead. This process is always faster if you have an actual saw because cutting through metal with wire snips can be challenging.
You will need to purchase a hacksaw frame for this purpose, which is relatively inexpensive. You can also buy replacement blades for it when they become dull because you will need them repeatedly while trying to cut through the metal of the storage unit’s lock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if You Lose Your Storage Unit Key?
If you lose your storage unit key, the lock can be unlocked by contacting a locksmith. If the lock is broken or there is no key left in it, you will need to get your storage facility and request a new one.
Can I Cut the Lock Off My Own Storage Unit?
There are some legal aspects to this question. If you have a storage unit owned by someone else, then the lock may be on it because they own the property and you do not.
However, if you have rented your storage unit from someone like a company or individual, then you can break the lock as long as there is no damage done to anything inside the unit.
Can Someone Break Into a Storage Unit?
Yes, it is possible to break into a storage unit if you have the right tools and know-how to do it.
Storage units are designed with security in mind, so that this process may be time-consuming and difficult.
You should also be aware that many states have different laws on breaking into a storage unit which can result in criminal charges or fines. It is best to check your state’s laws before attempting this process.
What to Do if You Lost a Key to a Lock?
If you have lost a key to a lock, then the first thing that comes into your mind is how to get it back.
However, this is not as easy as it sounds. You need to identify which type of lock and what kind of key you are looking for to make an informed decision on what to do next.
Let’s Understand Some Important Things Related to Locks :
- Different types of locks require different keys or combinations.
- There are various keys like a deadbolt, mortise, lever tumbler, etc.
- The first step is identifying the type of lock that you are dealing with and whether it has a matching key or not.
Conclusion
When it comes to opening a storage unit lock without the key, you can try several different methods. The method that will work best for your situation depends on whether or not the door is locked and what type of lock system the storage facility uses.
If you’ve lost your key but know which direction turns off the lock clockwise or counterclockwise, use this knowledge to help decide how you should proceed with opening up access. This blog post has given helpful advice on how to open a storage unit lock without a key.
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