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Old 07-23-2018, 05:16 PM   #1
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THOR #12238
Outside Bin Lock Won't Turn

Hopefully this is a quick fix and doesn't require a locksmith.

One of my outside bin locks is currently stuck. It will not turn at all regardless of "jiggling" or putting key in either direction.

I've already sheared one key when I first tried opening it. I don't want to shear my second and only other key without attempting some sort of maintenance fix.

Our RV is pretty much brand new (2018 Thor ACE). I did not notice any sort of rusting or other mechanism that could be jamming the lock when I locked it this weekend.

Any thoughts or ideas? I'm thinking of spraying in some WD40 into the lock itself to see if that frees anything up. But I'm willing to look for any type of help.

Many thanks in advance.

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Old 07-23-2018, 05:30 PM   #2
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WD40 and push the lock in as you try to turn it.
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Old 07-23-2018, 05:32 PM   #3
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Use a dry Graphite lube in the lock first...
WD-40 is good stuff: it's just not suitable for this application.
Then: push IN on the door (right around the latch), and try turning the key.
If you are lucky: pushing in on the door will reduce the pressure on the latch, and the graphite lube will loosen up the lock.
Good Luck!
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Old 07-23-2018, 05:41 PM   #4
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I agree graphite lube is best for locks in the long term but it does nothing to try to "break" any corrosion that may be impeding the lock from turning.
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Old 07-23-2018, 05:43 PM   #5
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Just had this happen on our Axis, but on a non-lock bin latch. A few quick squirts of WD40 and it freed right up.
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Old 07-23-2018, 05:48 PM   #6
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It's a 2018 RV...
Corrosion could be a possibility for sure; but I'd try Graphite first, and save the wet lubes for subsequent tries.
Besides: WD-40 will gum things up; if you don't clean it out!
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Old 07-23-2018, 06:52 PM   #7
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Make a couple spare keys before doing this. If you break your last key it will cost you more $$ and more headaches.

Jerry
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Old 07-23-2018, 07:07 PM   #8
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Too new for corrosion...just a thought...mine came with 75 different keys. You sure you're using the correct key? Don't laugh...it took me several tries to figure out which pair went with which box.
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Old 07-23-2018, 07:14 PM   #9
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It took me six Months to figure out what all of the keys were for.
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Old 07-23-2018, 07:20 PM   #10
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I still have one mystery key left.
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Old 07-23-2018, 07:21 PM   #11
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The bathroom door?

(That was my last mystery key!)
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Old 07-23-2018, 07:40 PM   #12
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Thanks one and all for the thoughts and suggestions.

Problem solved. I pushed in on the door near the lock as I was (gently) turning. I was able to get it open.

As I had the door open, I was fiddling back and forth with the locking mechanism so see what was going on. There is a bolt that holds the lock on place on the inside. As I was turning the key, I noticed that the bolt turned slightly indicating it was loose. I hand tightened it, and that forced the entire mechanism latch away from the door. In other words it could now swing more freely from unlock to lock and then back again as it latched shut.

Since I need a trip to the hardware store to replace my sheared key, I will make sure to get some graphite lube (already have a nice can of WD40), and put it around all of my bin locks. Sounds like a good maintenance procedure to do from time to time anyway.

Again, I really appreciate you all helping out a newbie. Looking forward to many years with my new RV.

See you all out on the road!!

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Old 07-23-2018, 07:43 PM   #13
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Great call guys- I have the inside bolts loosening up all the time. Also, thanks for the graphite for the lock mechanisms; will get some for all the locks.
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Old 07-24-2018, 02:28 AM   #14
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As a "used to be" locksmith, WD40 is a solvent. It's great stuff for freeing up gunk. But it is not really a lubricant. And since it is wet it can attract dust and dirt. Graphite is a better, drier lubricant for lock mechanisms.
Because of its solvent chemistry WD40 will also dissolve crayon marks on walls.
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Old 07-24-2018, 11:00 AM   #15
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Tim,
Glad to hear that you got it!
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Old 07-24-2018, 11:01 AM   #16
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That's a great tip. I use crayons to map out our routes on the walls and the wife hates it. I'm almost out of wall space!!
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Old 07-24-2018, 11:45 AM   #17
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How do your maps compare to the cave drawings of prehistoric man?
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