Unable to pull key out of new disc locks

[RMRSS]

Last fall, we switched from Chateau to Supply Side for purchasing disc locks. We always purchased the C-970-CD-KD '2-3/4" Stainless Steel Disc lock' from Chateau. With Supply Side, we order their equivalent lock: SS-970 'Platinum Series 2.75" DiscLock.' With both the Chateau lock and the Supply Side lock, I'm having issues on brand new locks. Very often the keys will be very hard to insert and even harder to extract--like, I'll literally be pulling straight out with every ounce of energy I have and it's like trying to pull out a bollard encased in four feet of cement. It ain't budging. Obviously this is due to poor quality key cuts and speaks to lack of quality control. This never used to be an issue until fairly recently. Anyone else experiencing this? Yes, I know their Chinese locks, not German engineered or anything like that, but they were always Chinese locks and this issue is new. The locks are already pre-lubricated, and using graphite powder doesn't seem to help much. It seems the only thing that makes them better is repeated use of the key to wear down the high spots. But some keys I literally have to try for minutes to even get a key out.

[Hilltop_Bob]

If they seem to get better by repeated use, it sounds like the keys need to be deburred. Without being overly aggressive, use a softer wire wheel on a Dremel, or small handheld wire brush and deburr the key cuts. You should know right away if its going to help. Its a PIA but it usually works. Like you say, these are not precision locks, so the tolerances are sloppy. Also, until the internal latch is engaged the key can't be removed. It may appear to be locked, but the shackle might need to be wiggled so it closes all the way. Yes they are cheap locks and I've even given up on a couple when it became obvious they were useless. If you have a huge bad batch, perhaps just return them.

[RMRSS]

If they seem to get better by repeated use, it sounds like the keys need to be deburred. Without being overly aggressive, use a softer wire wheel on a Dremel, or small handheld wire brush and deburr the key cuts. You should know right away if its going to help. Its a PIA but it usually works. Like you say, these are not precision locks, so the tolerances are sloppy. Also, until the internal latch is engaged the key can't be removed. It may appear to be locked, but the shackle might need to be wiggled so it closes all the way. Yes they are cheap locks and I've even given up on a couple when it became obvious they were useless. If you have a huge bad batch, perhaps just return them.

Yeah, it's just strange how this has only become an issue in the last year or so with this same lock make/model after well over a decade of no issues.

[KrisinCali]

There should be a hole on the back of a lock that you can stick a coat hanger or something similar sized and stiff, that should press the key out of the lock, yes?

[RMRSS]

There should be a hole on the back of a lock that you can stick a coat hanger or something similar sized and stiff, that should press the key out of the lock, yes?

The key isn't broken off. I'm talking about the key not coming out even when pulling on the key handle (which is much easier than trying to push it with a tiny tool through the back hole). I finally go the one out from yesterday and now it's working much better (though still not smoothly) after repeated insertions/extractions.

[KrisinCali]

The key isn't broken off. I'm talking about the key not coming out even when pulling on the key handle (which is much easier than trying to push it with a tiny tool through the back hole). I finally go the one out from yesterday and now it's working much better (though still not smoothly) after repeated insertions/extractions.

Well no, the key wasn't broken off but the same theory should apply to remove the entire key vs a broken key.

[Hilltop_Bob]

Yeah, it's just strange how this has only become an issue in the last year or so with this same lock make/model after well over a decade of no issues.

I hear ya! We've been using MR LOCK and the older ones seem to be better quality than the new ones. Of course I have Masters that give me fits from time to time also. Quality control is lacking in just about everything lately.