Small problem, looking for some help.

[45 ACP]

Does anyone have one of those locking pins that secures your trailer ball to your hitch mount under your bumper?

I just bought a truck and the previous owner had one of those locking pins in it but he couldnt find the key. A locksmith quoted me $50 to pick it and make me a key, but I dont want to spend the money. I was going to cut it off but it appears to be stainless steel and my cutting torch wont cut stainless. Im wondering, if I can find someone that uses this same pin that maybe thier key would be the same and be able to unlock it? Anyone use one of these or have any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help.

[Ibtsoom]

Can you get at it with a recip saw with a metal blade?

[45 ACP]

No. I thought about a sawzaw but I dont think I can get that in there and dont know if it would cut it even if I could. Grrrrr. Already banged my shin on it twice last weekend....

[Flat Crazee]

locking pin

Hey you might try going to a trailer supply store and getting the same brand locking pin (about $20.00) and if It works you can either keep it or return it, if it doesn't work return it for sure. I'll be in Sea Isle on Friday if you'd like to try my key... if that is in your area. Good luck

[coachlaw]

I leave mine in. It only takes a couple of shin knocks before you learn your lesson.

[Gilbert]

I leave mine in. It only takes a couple of shin knocks before you learn your lesson.

yup. mine stays in and I feel bad when I'm at a red light and people walk to the back of the truck and bust their shins.



I have a key you could probably try. Is the lock for a regular key? Mine is a circular key like this one.

[Beandaddy]

Fire up your torch with extra oxygen an melt the end off. The extra oxygen will blow off the melted stainless. If it is just bent on the end get it hot and straighten it and drive it through.
Beandaddy

[bountyhunter]

I've used my torch on one before. It takes some time but it will cut it...

[45 ACP]

Thanks guys. Im about to get off work but I am going to war with this thing tomorrow here at the shop.

[corndog]

I am certain it is not stainless. If it were stainless a sawsall would cut it no problem since stainless is softer than carbon steel. It is probably a hardened steel that will detroy a sawsall blade just chrome plated. Im guessing could be wrong. If its hardened steel a torch with make quick work of it. If you cant get it off with that use a plasma cutter. I got one in Freeport let me know.

[boom]

If it is a regular key, just drill out where the key goes. I have to do it every time I have to change balls. lol

[dbarham]

or get a dent puller ram it in screw it down and rip all the guts out then carve it up!

[Swells]

If it is a regular key, just drill out where the key goes. I have to do it every time I have to change balls. lol

That's what I'm thinking. Carbide drill bit, should fall apart.