How can I break into my locked underneath storage compartments?

[elliot_peas]

The storage compartments under my bus, on the driver side, are locked shut and the locks are welded closed.

It doesn't smell like there's dead bodies in there, so that's good. But I think the heater valves might be in there and I want to shut off the radiator heaters before cutting, looping off and removing them.

I have tried a prybar but I just bent the sides of the doors, which doesn't seem like a good solution. I can see from underneath that the radiator hoses pass into the storage compartment. I've traced them otherwise and I can't find any valves.

I can't lift the bus at the moment. I do have an angle grinder. I'd rather not destroy the doors or the compartment.

What do?

 

[somewhereinusa]

I would think you could use your grinder to take off most of that lock then punch it in.

 

[o1marc]

Grind the 4 latch rivets off and the handle assembly should pop right out. Replace the rivets.

 

[Elliot Naess]

Or if there is room, hacksaw blade between the door and the body, to cut the pin or bolt (each side).

 

[elliot_peas]

Cool thanks!

 

[elliot_peas]

Or if there is room, hacksaw blade between the door and the body, to cut the pin or bolt (each side).

Oh right because the mechanism is like the inside of my truck bed door

 

[Rivetboy]

Oh right because the mechanism is like the inside of my truck bed door

Pound a square shank screwdriver into the key slot and turn it with a big crescent wrench and that cheap little pot metal lock will not even whimper when it breaks in half. Pull out the pieces and open the latch . The suggestion of grinding off the rivets will not work as the latch is still attached to the latch. Finally, sawing off the lock rod on either side still wont work easily and it forks everything up. If you destroy the lock cylinder it very inexspensive to replace and you can purchase the replacements all keyed alike .
Good Luck

 

[Rivetboy]

Grind the 4 latch rivets off and the handle assembly should pop right out. Replace the rivets.

UH UH the lock rods are still attatched to the latch. Personal experince on this one.

 

[o1marc]

Pound a square shank screwdriver into the key slot and turn it with a big crescent wrench and that cheap little pot metal lock will not even whimper when it breaks in half. Pull out the pieces and open the latch . The suggestion of grinding off the rivets will not work as the latch is still attached to the latch. Finally, sawing off the lock rod on either side still wont work easily and it forks everything up. If you destroy the lock cylinder it very inexspensive to replace and you can purchase the replacements all keyed alike .
Good Luck

What do you mean the latch it attached to itself?Usually these locks are like pictured and once the rivets were out, pull the bottom of the assembly out and down, change out the lock. I hear what you're saying, but can't picture the other side of the latch.

 

[Rivetboy]

What do you mean the latch it attached to itself?Usually these locks are like pictured and once the rivets were out, pull the bottom of the assembly out and down, change out the lock.

Mis typed It is not known what the insides look like and a lot of locks of this style have locking rods that are attatched to the latch and go into holes in the jamb to prevent from prying the door open. The lock cylinder is the easiest thing to destroy and the cheapest to replace.

 

[o1marc]

If it's like this on the back side, I see your point. Since the lock is no good, I agree, just drill it out.

 

[Rivetboy]

What do you mean the latch it attached to itself?Usually these locks are like pictured and once the rivets were out, pull the bottom of the assembly out and down, change out the lock. I hear what you're saying, but can't picture the other side of the latch.

Also, the picture you posted of a cylinder lock is a higher grade than the cheap pot metal one he is dealing with. For the style you show, a cordless drill makes short work of them too..

 

[CaptSquid]

Just drill out the lock.They're cheap to replace.

 

[o1marc]

They're $5. I would have had it drilled out before the second post.

 

[Rivetboy]

They're $5. I would have had it drilled out before the second post.

Work work work work, work work work

Name the movie and win a prize!

You guys have tired me out.
It is now Beer-O Clock

Smoke em if you got em:biggrin:

 

[o1marc]

Work work work work, work work work

Name the movie and win a prize!

You guys have tired me out.
It is now Beer-O Clock

Smoke em if you got em:biggrin:

10/4, 4:20

 

[o1marc]

Work work work work, work work work

Name the movie and win a prize!

You guys have tired me out.
It is now Beer-O Clock

Smoke em if you got em:biggrin:

Quote by Governor Lepetomane

 

[CaptSquid]

The sheriff is a N.......

 

[o1marc]

The sheriff is a N.......

My how times have changed.

So what prize do I win. I'll do one better, you win a hundred dollar bill. Would you like my phone bill , light bill, or cable bill?

 

[elliot_peas]

Y'all I'm so happy about this thread, this is wonderful thank you!