Cutting gun locks
- Thread starter Axis II
- Start date
Coyote3855
Member
I've never used those locks. I would be very reluctant to take locked firearms anywhere to ask someone to cut or defeat the lock. They are easy to cut.
AlexanderA
Member
This is like the joke that is the Taurus Security System (built-in locks that inactivate their guns). The same hex key unlocks all of them. And lacking that, they can be unlocked with a tool made out of a paper clip.
theotherwaldo
Member
Any grinding wheel will do the job, including a bench grinder.
Those are for cutting copper or aluminum cable. Attempting to cut steel cable will ruin them quickly. OP, wire rope cutters or an angle grinder w/cuttoff wheel will do the job quick and easy.
CapnMac
Member
Most of those cable locks are actually really crummy padlocks.
A set of shims will defeat most of them
Lock Picking Lawyer's Covert Instruments will sell yo ua set for $15.
Mind the FNG padlock pick set https://covertinstruments.com/collections/lockpicks/products/the-fng
Would probably be as good, and for $9.50
I happen to know a person can 'beat' the Mossberg branded cable lock with just a paperclip. Pretty sure a rake too would not even need a tension tool, what with goofy spring they use.
A set of shims will defeat most of them
Lock Picking Lawyer's Covert Instruments will sell yo ua set for $15.
Mind the FNG padlock pick set https://covertinstruments.com/collections/lockpicks/products/the-fng
Would probably be as good, and for $9.50
I happen to know a person can 'beat' the Mossberg branded cable lock with just a paperclip. Pretty sure a rake too would not even need a tension tool, what with goofy spring they use.
theotherwaldo
Member
Yeah, a riffler, pick and tensioner would do the job, but why bother if you've already lost the keys?
Unless you need the practice... .
Unless you need the practice... .
AlexanderA
Member
It's a given that these cable locks are easy to defeat. But the question is, by whom? If the purpose is to prevent unauthorized use by children, it's unlikely that children would have the required knowledge, tools, etc. to defeat the locks. So therefore, the locks could be useful in that limited context. To most of us, they're just a nuisance. The main use, really, is being able to check the legal box for the sellers. Just more Kabuki "security theater."
Outlaw75
Member
If the cables are not too stout, I'd try the linesman's pliers first. My dad was an acoustical ceiling subcontractor, I cut a ton of heavy gauge wire back in the day with lineman's pliers.
230RN
2A was "political" when it was first adopted.
I was wondering when someone would bring that up, so thanks!
However, your "unlikely" is a rather plastic term. So is "children." I knew plenty of "children" (>10 , 19<) who would have no trouble defeating either the cable or lock. You are therefore 100% correct in asserting, "The main use, really, is being able to check the legal box for the sellers. Just more Kabuki 'security theater.' "
Any kid who could put together an RC model airplane would have no trouble.
Terry, 230RN
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Doug444
Member
Yup, I had several of these cable locks from different sources (freebies with firearms, give-aways, etc.), and ALL were opened with the same key.
Just get one freebie from your department and you should be golden.
hemiram
Member
I somehow broke the key off on one of those junk locks and was shocked that 3 keys from totally different looking locks worked, once I got the key out. Now I would just use a Dremel or angle grinder, or even an oscillating tool, which works great on bolts.
toivo
Member
OK, maybe not fair: depends on the safe.
And the thief.
A "child" old enough to assemble a model airplane should be mature enough to trust around guns. If they're not, then yes, you'll likely want more than a gun lock. The gun locks are just for the manufacturer to check a legal box, not to actually use, IMO.
C.R.
Member
some locks can be picked using a hunk cut out of a soda can I saw it done on a Utube video and tried it out myself and it does work . you have to cut it in a M shape fold up the legs and slip the point under the shank using the legs as a handle to pop the lock. the hard part is cutting the aluminum can to the right size and shape it took me 20 minutes to do it the first time. find the video it explaines it better than I do
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
buck460XVR
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2007
- Messages
- 10,085
....grinding produces sparks which could pit the finish of a gun. I would go with bolt cutters. Even the small ones will cut the cable on a gun lock. The cost is less than refinishing a gun. I cut hardened padlocks off all the time with bolt cutters. Cable locks are easy.
Depends on the child
doubleh
Member
."most likely a quality set of linesman pliers with side cutters would work too."
Yep or side cutting pliers or end nippers. The latter seems to have the easiest force to cut ratio and I keep a pair at my work bench just because they work so well.
Yep or side cutting pliers or end nippers. The latter seems to have the easiest force to cut ratio and I keep a pair at my work bench just because they work so well.
Choctaw
Member
I use fencing pliers for stuff like that.
troy fairweather
Member
Dad always said locks/safes are to keep honest people out, given enough time a criminal can get into anything.
doubleh
Member
The first thing I do when buying a new gun is when I get home with it is throw it's cheesy little lock in the trash can.
