Misplaced your keys and don’t know how to open a weather guard toolbox without a key?
Well, to open the Weather Guard toolbox without a key, the most obvious solution is to make a new one. You can also order replacement keys. For quicker access, try manipulating the lock.
Drilling the lock or prying the toolbox can also work. But these are more destructive and last-resort options.
Need more details on these methods? If yes, let’s get straight into them then:
SKIP AHEAD
How to Open A Weather Guard Toolbox without A Key: 5 Easy Methods
It can be tricky to open a weather guard toolbox without a key. So, pay close attention to these 5 methods while attempting to open your toolbox:
Method 1: Using A New Key
This is the easiest and safest solution for both beginner and expert users. A professional locksmith can make a new key either from broken key fragments or the keyway code.
However, the lock may need to be opened first by picking it or any other method. And in the case of padlocks, you need to disassemble them first to decode them.
This can be a lengthy process. It can take 10-15 minutes or even 3-4 hours to make the key.
When to Use This Method: If your key is lost, broken, or snapped.
Method 2: Ordering A Replacement Key
You can also order replacement keys from websites like EasyKeys. The replacement key websites are specially dedicated to helping customers with their key problems.
For this, you’ll need the lock code of your toolbox and enter it into their website for an exact match. The lock code is usually stamped right on the face of your lock.
Key orders submitted before 5 PM (EST) can be guaranteed to deliver by the next day. Most of these companies have free shipping for over $25 or more purchases of eligible items.
When to Use This Method: You have the Lock code.
Method 3: Manipulating the Keyway
If your Weather Guard toolbox has a padlock, keyway manipulation is the easiest way to open it. You will require padlock shims in this case. You can find them online or make shims from soda cans.
Padlock’s designs can vary a lot, so having the right size shim is necessary. Let’s move on to the step-by-step process for manipulating the keyway:
- Step 1: First, you need to gently insert the thin end of the shim between the shackle and the lock body. You should target the area where the locking mechanism is located.
- Step 2: Now, carefully apply slight pressure with the shim to create space between the shackle and the lock body. Your goal is to push the locking mechanism out of its usual position.
- Step 3: As you apply pressure, you should feel the shackle move slightly away from the lock body. You need to keep manipulating the shim until the shackle is completely released from the locking mechanism.
- Step 4: With the shackle released, you can open the padlock without using a key.
For a visual representation, here’s a video of opening locks with padlock shims:
When to Use This Method: If you have padlocks on your toolbox and you are experienced.
Method 4: Picking the Lock
Lock-picking is a professional technique to open the toolbox. You’ve probably seen it a million times in action movies. In the following segments, you’ll learn how to lock pick like a pro.
Tools:
You will need ⅜ or ½ ratchet for regular fixing but for picking the look you will need:
- Tension wrench
- Rake pick.
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Process:
Now with the tools in hand, let’s begin the process:
- Step 1: First, insert the tension wrench into your lock’s keyway. Once it hits the top of the keyway gently turn the cylinder inside the lock with the tension wrench.
- Step 2: Next, you need to rotate the wrench in the direction in which your key normally turns while opening the lock.
- Step 3: After that, with the tension wrench inside, you need to insert the rake. Insert it in and out of the lock while pushing the tension wrench. Keep doing this for 60 seconds.
- Step 4: If this movement doesn’t open the lock, remove the tools right after 60 seconds. Repeat the process again until the lock opens with a break every 60 seconds.
If the process seems too complicated here are two videos to help you understand it better:
This is a quite complex picking process. So if you haven’t done this before it’s best to ask help from a professional.
When to Use This Method: Quickest way, takes less time but requires practice.
Method 5: Drilling the Lock or Prying the Box
Both of these methods are destructive approaches that may break your lock. But these are effective methods as well.
Drilling the Lock:
For drilling the lock here’s what you need to do:
- Step 1: With a power drill, start drilling straight into the keyhole. The main goal here is to break the shear line. At this point the locks internal bind.
- Step 2: Once this bind is destroyed with the drilling, the cylinder can easily be turned and the toolbox will click open.
Weatherguard toolbox locks are usually quite sturdy so it might take some time to drill into it. But while drilling be careful not to damage the toolbox.
Prying the Box:
This should be your last resort while trying to open the lock, as it can easily break the lock assembly and actuators. It can damage the whole toolbox as well. And you may end up having to hang your tools in resin sheds.
You will need a flathead screwdriver and a hammer. You might need a drill if the lock is too stubborn. Now with the tools gathered let’s move on to the process:
- Step 1: First locate the lock and check if it’s only one lock or if there are any additional ones.
- Step 2: Next, you need to insert the screwdriver inside the lock and use your hammer to apply pressure onto the screwdriver.
- Step 3: You may need to apply pressure with the hammer a couple of times before the lock is actually open.
- Step 4: Once the lock is open carefully remove it before opening the box. One sudden move can cause unwanted damage to the box.
When to Use These Methods: Only if none of the above methods works.
What’s the Best Method Among the 5 Methods?
If you have time then waiting for a replacement key is the best option.
In case of an urgent need, the best bet would be to pick the lock with a rake and tension wrench. But you should at least have some experience with it.
How Can I Prevent My Weather Guard Toolbox from Getting Locked?
The methods above will help you open the toolbox. But here are some tips to prevent this from happening again:
- While locking the toolbox always ensure you’re turning the key to the LOCKED position. After that remove the key, and then push the lock button.
- To ensure the latch operated smoothly, lubricate the latch pivot with white grease twice a year.
- To prevent the bolts of the clips from loosening, put a small dab of oil or grease on it regularly.
- Adjust the lid and latch as soon as possible when they are not functioning properly.
- Keep a spare key or register on the Weather Guard website beforehand for an emergency replacement key.
FAQs
Where Is The Key Code Label on A Weather Guard Toolbox?
The exact placement of the keycode label on a Weather Guard toolbox can vary depending on the model and type of lock. For example, 7007-series keys use 3 spaces for key code. So, the best place to check the keycode is your owner’s manual.
Can All Weather Guard Toolboxes Open with The Same Key?
Yes, all Weather Guard boxes can be opened with the same key. But you need to replace the existing locks on the boxes with replacement lock cylinders. These replacement lock cylinders then need to be keyed to match each other. You can find the replacement lock part numbers on their website.
How to Adjust the Latch of the Weather Guard Toolbox?
To adjust the latch of the toolbox you need to open the toolbox lid and loosen the screws that hold the latch. Adjust the latch up or down as needed and tighten the screws back to secure the latch after that. Now close the lid and check whether it’s working properly after the adjustment.
End Words
That was the end of our take on how to open a Weatherguard toolbox without a key.
In the case of a beginner, it’s best to get a new pair of keys instead of using the other methods. Take it to a professional if it all seems too complicated for you to continue.
Until next time, Good Luck!
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