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Old 12-07-2014, 10:25 AM   #1
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Broke off key in slam latch

Last trip of the year over Thanksgiving and I broke off the key in one of the locks on the storage hatch door. Tried to use dental picks to pull it out. Tried a very strong magnet. There are fours screws on the back side of the hatch door but the back plate is riveted at the bottom and you can't get to them with the door locked shut.

I guess I could drill out the cylinder to at least be able to open the hatch but what does it take to put a new lock in? Are the locks/keys universal so that the new lock will be keyed like the others?

Trailer is still under warranty and put away for the winter. I have the option to take it back to the dealer in the spring and have them fix it but if someone knows of any easy, quick fix, I'm willing to give it a try.
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Old 12-07-2014, 10:35 AM   #2
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Would your auto club (AAA ?) pay for a locksmith to remove the broken key?
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Old 12-07-2014, 10:45 AM   #3
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Thanks Ford Idaho but I don't have a membership with an auto club. I wonder if Good Sam Roadside Assistance covers this? Need to do some reading.
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Old 12-07-2014, 10:51 AM   #4
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They may cover, a phone call is still cheap worst that could happen is they say no.

And you can still take it to a dealer later.
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Old 12-07-2014, 11:29 AM   #5
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Thanks Ford Idaho but I don't have a membership with an auto club. I wonder if Good Sam Roadside Assistance covers this? Need to do some reading.
Good Sams covers lock outs, It doesn't say entry door only. Give them a call...
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Old 12-07-2014, 01:24 PM   #6
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broken key

remove the latch with a couple screws and take to a locksmith or get a new lock from the factory. easy to install not expensive and usually all keyed the same as existing
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Old 12-07-2014, 01:31 PM   #7
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Kent, removing the latch is the problem. I can crawl into the basement and remove the four screws on the back plate of the assembly but there are still two rivets covered by the sealing area that I cannot get to when the door is closed. From what I can see, you cannot remove the back plate without drilling out the rivets.
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Old 12-07-2014, 02:25 PM   #8
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If the key is broken off in the lock there is a chance that with a little work you can turn it and open the compartment. Try putting something in the lock and try to turn it. Maybe several small screwdrivers, really small or screwdriver picks that come with assortments sometimes. .
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Old 12-07-2014, 04:48 PM   #9
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The only good news is that all SouthCo slam latches use the same R001 key. If you replace the latch you won't have to keep track that latch's key. You'll just have an extra set.
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Old 12-07-2014, 09:10 PM   #10
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The key will not come out unless the lock is locked on some locks. Keep the door opened and the lock locked and push key out from the back on some locks. I tell the camp host I am a lock smith, check with the camp host. a locksmith can make a key from a broken key. Save both pieces.
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Old 12-08-2014, 06:23 AM   #11
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You may be able to CAREFULLY pry the bottom of the hatch opening downward to release the locks. It depends on how much gap there is between the bottom of the door and the bottom of the opening whether this will work. I did this once without causing any damage. Once you have it open you can remove the latch and take it to a locksmith or remove the key yourself on a bench.
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Old 12-08-2014, 10:40 AM   #12
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Let the dealer fix it in the spring. Surely you can find another minor item that is needing attention under warranty so that you can make the trip worthwhile. The key and latch should be under warranty. I am sure yours is not the first one to break.
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Old 12-08-2014, 11:15 AM   #13
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From inside the basement, use a couple of thin flat screw drivers and work the tongue of the latch up. The tongue is tapered on the basement side and should be easy to do. You could also do it from the outside with a small flat screw driver and a length of wire. Simply loop the wire around the tongue, use the screwdriver to raise the tongue, pull the wire tight to hold that position and continue to raise the tongue with the screwdriver and tightening the wire.
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Old 12-08-2014, 07:56 PM   #14
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I've recomended using a small paper clip and bending a small hook or L on the end and work it under the key. Some times you can hook a tooth and pop the broke key out.
Seen it work before, don't know if it would help you or not.
Might also be able to solder a little piece of wire to it and pull it out too.

Just a couple ideas.
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Old 12-09-2014, 06:42 PM   #15
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My nephew used a pen knife and a tooth pick. Slide them in on opposite side and pulled back. Took a few try's but he got us in. Just be gentle.


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Old 12-09-2014, 06:53 PM   #16
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Most keys are made of brass so a magnet will not work. If you could get a small enough drill bit and drill a small hole in the key. You then might be able to pull the key out with the dental pick. You have to pull the key straight out or it will jam in the key way.
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Old 12-24-2014, 12:06 AM   #17
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I know this post is a little old but worth mentioning here. Easy way to get broke key out of lock is with a small coping saw blade. Some time you may need 2 saw blades but usually one will get it out of almost any lock. Just break the end or cut the saw blade keeper which is a little round pin on the end of the blade, then insert the blade next to the broken key turn saw teeth to the key and pull out key piece. It also helps to put some lube in the key hole first I use WD 40. Have goten many keys out this way over the years.
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Old 12-26-2014, 12:29 PM   #18
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I know this post is a little old but worth mentioning here. Easy way to get broke key out of lock is with a small coping saw blade. Some time you may need 2 saw blades but usually one will get it out of almost any lock. Just break the end or cut the saw blade keeper which is a little round pin on the end of the blade, then insert the blade next to the broken key turn saw teeth to the key and pull out key piece. It also helps to put some lube in the key hole first I use WD 40. Have goten many keys out this way over the years.
X2 for the saw blade. I used one as described years ago and it did the trick.
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Old 12-26-2014, 12:58 PM   #19
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Great idea.
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