Recommendation for Freeing Seized Lock Cylinder on Ball Mount

Published 03/26/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Re-Keying Kit for DTLBM and DTALBM Series Self-Locking Aluminum Ball Mounts - 2 Locks

(151)

$44.16

Question:

I have tried the lube as recommended. It has been 3 months of occasional spraying with the lube, but no progress, and now the key will not come out. Can anything be done? Can I return and have your people look at it? Can I get an exchange for a new one? partial credit, anything? Right now it is a very expensive paperweight.

asked by: George S

Expert Reply:

Of your key operated hitch similar to the Fastway ball mount # DTALBM6625, you are wise not to use leverage as the primary tool as it could damage your key, lock cylinder or both. I recommend you use a penetrating oil like PB blaster or WD-40 on the lock cylinder and then use a rubber mallet to allow vibration to help it work into the cylinder locking mechanism. Allow it to sit and repeat as necessary until the key is able to be used to free the locking cylinder and function correctly.

expert reply by: Jason S

George

3/26/2018

Jason S.

3/26/2018

At this point because you haven't been able to free it, I recommend using the Re-Keying Kit for DTLBM and DTALBM Series Self-Locking Aluminum Ball Mounts - 2 Locks # DTLBM02RK. This will allow you to remove the cylinder and replace it with new ones. I reached out to my contact at Fastway/Diversi Tech and he said some air tool oil is the best stuff to use to keep the locks functional. It will work very similarly to the penetrating oil I previously recommended.