Breaking a padlock :D

[ajstan]

This has got to be the best task an IT worker has ever been set

Basically, someone who worked here before managed to put the wrong key in a padlock, breaking it and leaving half of it still in the lock.

The task: To break it (or pick it but I can't see that happening since its the wrong key stuck in there). in such a way which will not damage the PC or the desk.

There are many big power tools at my disposal but using them in a way which won't risk blood and guts spewing everywhere is tricky since its under a fixed desk which is fairly low down and awkward to get to.

Anywhere here are some pics of the lock:

So, tell me your good ideas

 

[ajstan]

Borrow some bolt cutters?

A: The its hardened steel and is extremely tough, I think probably too much for bolt cutters.

B: Because its so tight under the desk there is not enough room to get the end of the cutters over that part of the lock.

 

[ajstan]

second the notion of trying to get the key out.

No chance of that, its well and truly stuck

 

[ajstan]

Thanks guys for all your great answers

What I'm going to try is cut here with a reciprocating saw (not enough room to use a hack saw - I will report back here with some pics when its done :

tbh a angle grinder should go through the brass np

 

[ajstan]

Yh, I'm about half way through with my junior hacksaw


I'm just waiting for my boss to get back from holiday so he can bring in his reciprocating saw

 

[ajstan]

OP delivers!!!!!The computer is free!

I really thought it would take ages to saw through this bit it take no longer than 30secs

Unfortunately the action shot I took didn't take properly, so I've just get some pics of the tools and the aftermath

 

[ajstan]

why the safety gear.

Gloves and goggles were the only thing used.

 

[ajstan]

Well done, you went to pointless measures to saw it off when you could have just pulled the broken bit out with pliers and then used the correct key, as people have previously mentioned.

The key was never going to come out.