Troubleshooting Locking Hitch Pin Won't Unlock

Updated 05/30/2024 | Published 05/27/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Threaded Hitch Bolt and Anti-Rattle Insert for Yakima SwingDaddy Hitch Bike Rack

(39)

$17.12

Hollywood Racks Hitch Lock for 2" Hitches

(33)

$31.48

Question:

The locking hitch pin does not unlock. I can turn the key left or right.... nothing happens. The Locking device refuses to release from the Pin.

asked by: Alice L

Expert Reply:

I'm not 100% sure which locking hitch pin you have but it sounds like a complete failure of the mechanism. This doesn't happen very often but it is possible. I would try spraying some WD-40 up into the lock if you can where it meets the hitch pin and rotate it around. Give it a little time and try again to see if it will release.

Since the key is turning you could also move it to the unlock position and try tapping on it with a hammer to see if it will release from the pin. You may ultimately have to drill out the lock and replace it with one like the Hollywood Racks Hitch Lock for 2" Hitches # HRLHP2 you looked at.

expert reply by: Robin H