On Nov 25, 4:34*pm, "Robert Green" wrote:
I've got a padlock that's been outside too long. *The key won't turn
(although after copious amounts of WD40 it does, finally, enter the lock)
and it's in a rather hard to reach spot. *I'm heading off to Harbor Freight
this weekend, so I was thinking that the best way to remove the lock would
be to buy an angle grinder and the appropriate cutoff wheels.

Of course, it would be nicest to simply unlock it, and any tips or
suggestions about how to coax it open are welcome. *Brass body, looks like
chrome steel hasp and brass key. *Have not tried penetrating oil, hammer
bopping, vibrating, heating or cooling yet. *Saving the lock is unimportant
so cutting is a good alternative as I've wanted an angle grinder/cutoff tool
for a while. *(-:

I see them cutting through industrial-sized padlocks like butter on "Storage
Wars" and it looks like they are using an electrically powered 5 or 6" angle
grinder. *HF sells an air powered version, but I've got a cheap
compressor )-: that I doubt would power it. *An electric tool would be
better. *I have a lithium-ion powered Dremel, but I don't think it would cut
through on a single charge. *It's just to lightweight a tool for this job.

Anyone have any tips for weatherproofing a replacement? *Blobs of silcone
over the key hole and where the hasps enter the body of the lock?

--
Bobby G.

Any 4-1/2" grinder with a thin (~1/8" or less) abrasive wheel will
make short work of any pad lock or hasp
and generate the least amount of sparks and debris.

A "plug-in Dremel" with those thin cutoff wheels will also do the job.

Never used a battery powered Dremel but those thin (1/16"?) cutoff
wheels remove
such a small amount of material that the total energy required might
keep the job within a single battery cycle.

Unless you really want to buy a POS HF angle grinder, I'd suggest
giving your Dremel a try.

Tegger's suggestion of a water proof lock is your best bet for a
replacment.

cheers
Bob