How To Open a Closed Yakima SkyBox With Latch Removed

Updated 12/04/2025 | Published 07/14/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima SkyBox NX 16 Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Black Nano-Texture

(34)

$767.03

Replacement SuperLatch Handles for Yakima SkyBox Cargo Boxes - Qty 2

(211)

$59.40

Question:

closed skybox NX 16 by accident with no lock assembly. how do i get box to open to reinstall lock assembly? thanks in advance.

asked by: Liam

Expert Reply:

If you have a newer Yakima SkyBox NX 16 like part # Y95AV then you should be able to just open the box from the other side. That said, there really isn't a good way to go about opening this without the latch installed. If you like you can try to manipulate the mechanism inside with some sort of pick but I spoke with Yakima and that stated that if you were to purchase the Replacement SuperLatch Handle Assemblies part # Y8880348, you could most likely line these up with the mechanism inside and use them to open the box. The latch could then be secured once you gain access inside.

expert reply by: Conner L

click to enlarge

Edward

8/31/2025

What if that inside the box is broken and the super latch can’t make it turn to open the box? that inner part where the latch hooks in one piece is broken and it won’t turn the rod on open it

Jesse M.

9/2/2025

@Edward That is tough if the box is broken and the replacement latch won't do the trick. The only thing I can think of would be to use a pick or some other tool to move the latch mechanism.

12/4/2025

I opened (unlocked) the other side (one with the latch) and used a pair of slip joint pliers to turn the long aluminum rod attached to the latches along the side ( the side without the latch). Once firmly grasped I rotated it to the inside and with some pressure the latches released and became unopened. It took some time to figure out closely examining the Latched side mechanism to see hoe it worked mechanically. Caution: once it opened, the top "popped off" from the spring pressure attached to the hinges.

12/4/2025

Correction: Once firmly grasped I rotated it to the inside and with some pressure the latches released and became unlatched.