We tried to open it up today and the key won't turn. We've tried WD40, and slackening off the screw handle, with no joy. We probably can't get it into Camperland until next weekend, so if anyone has any suggestions in the meantime I'm all ears!!
Hi Barbara, Thanks, but I've tried both loosening it (in case it was over tight and putting pressure on the latch) and tightening it (for the same reason in the other direction!); it still won't budge.
I honestly don't think you're a mug, but are you using the right key?I did that last year when I went to take off my hitch lock. I have 2 keys on the same ring that look identical ,and after a couple of months after I'd put it on I could have sworn I was using the right key. I asked my OH to have a last go at it while I went to fetch my angle grinder ,and she did it first time with the right key. I felt a right plonker.
------------- Corpogreen esq
dead horse
and
donkey buyer
My hubby recons if you closed it (last time you used it) with the lock up then when you turn the knob thingy, you can crush the lock, that could be what the problem is? Don't know what you would do then to open it though.
Its still stuck solid. We are definitely using the right key, thats the first thing I checked!
I've tried everything thats been suggested, its going to be a week until we can take it in, so I thought it was worth asking, but I think its broken.
Mzzy, your hubby is absolutely right, we were warned about that, and if I was there when it was last put away then we haven't done it. However I have a horrible feeling it could have been Phil aided by our son, and they aren't always as careful as I am... I hope thats not it, but I suppose we won't know until we get it to Camperlands - this week is just not going well!
Third time lucky I suppose! I just did the same again, more WD40, loosening and tightening whilst trying the key, and it started to move. It wasn't a sudden release, it was very stiff, so I suppose it had just seized up after being stored outside through the winter.
Much as I am impressed with the overall quality of Camp-lets, I can't help feeling that the lock is very Heath Robinson. Why don't they just fit a better lock that doesn't need to be fiddled with?
Thanks for all advice and sympathy, I'm so relieved its fixed. Every year since we started camping I've had my heart in my mouth at this point, checking over the equipment after the winter. I suppose I should be thankful this is the worst thing thats happened!
I think on balance I should have checked the lock over the winter. All the padlocks outside have needed attention to keep them moving, so I suppose its not suprising that the Camplet lock did as well; we do store it outside.
Anyway its all sorted now, ready to go for exchange; exciting stuff!
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