Cracking an old Dudley padlock:

[Tommy Gun Jack]

Hi,

If this is the wrong part of the forum to post this in, I apologize, it seemed like the best candidate. I recently bought a few 1920s Dudley padlocks. Unfortunately, they're all stuck open, and the shackle won't go down into the casing. I think (assuming they're not all just broken) the trick might be to crack the combination, then close it, and do the combination again to open it. Only problem is, I can't figure out how to crack the combination. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, for any tips you may have.

-C. Storme Skriletz

 

[Tommy Gun Jack]

Here's a picture of my style of lock:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Brass-Dudley-Triple-Metals-Combination-Padlock-Lock-Old-Vintage-1920-/271053347209?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f1c09d989

 

[Shangas]

If they're anything like regular combo-locks, they should just snap down without needing to fiddle around with the dial.

Popping the lock OPEN after it's locked, without the combination, however, is a much trickier thing. I suppose you just have to sit there with a pen, a piece of paper, a lock, a stethoscope and a lot of patience...

Perhaps try graphite-powder, or some sort of lubricant? WD-40? Sewing-machine oil? Something to loosen it up a bit?

 

[Tommy Gun Jack]

I tired WD-40. They're all the exact same style ofl ock, and they all have the exact same problem. Apparently this is the same problem that the guy who has one listed in the above e-Bay link has.

 

[Cody Pendant]

Locksmith?
I'd figure less than 15 bucks each.

 

[LockDoc]

Hi Mate,

I am a Locksmith, these shouldn't be too hard to open.
PM me and we can discuss methods to open.