+Korichnovui Posted April 20, 2018 Share Posted April 20, 2018 If I lock an ammo can with a small combination padlock, will it (the padlock) last long if exposed to weather? What if I get it in a sheltered spot where it won't get wet? Quote Link to comment
+Viajero Perdido Posted April 20, 2018 Share Posted April 20, 2018 Aren't some advertised as water resistant, for outdoor use? Plenty of locks are used outdoors. If it's not labelled for outdoor use, expect the worst. Quote Link to comment
+The A-Team Posted April 20, 2018 Share Posted April 20, 2018 53 minutes ago, Korichnovui said: If I lock an ammo can with a small combination padlock, will it (the padlock) last long if exposed to weather? What if I get it in a sheltered spot where it won't get wet? It depends whether the lock is designed for outdoor use or not. If it isn't, I wouldn't expect it to work very well (ie. open) after a while if it's in a spot where it would be exposed to the elements. Even if it's sheltered, moisture in the air could still get in and can degrade the mechanism. I used a key padlock a few years ago to secure an ammo can with a bike cable. I didn't put enough thought into the type of lock I used, and when it came time to remove the container a few months ago, I couldn't get the key to open the lock. It could be that dirt got into the tumbler, or part of the mechanism corroded. I ended up having to cut the cable to get everything out of GZ, and then use some heavy-duty tools at home to hack the hardened-steel lock off. I've learned my lesson and will use outdoor-rated locks for any future cases. Quote Link to comment
+cerberus1 Posted April 21, 2018 Share Posted April 21, 2018 I've had a ten-buck master lock combo 2 1/2" shank lock on the shed out back for well over ten years now. Exposed to weather, still works fine. Spray some silicone on it when you do maintenance. If I had to worry about tethering an ammo can, I'd probably find a new spot. If I had to have that spot, the locks last a while. Quote Link to comment
+4nealalan Posted May 17, 2018 Share Posted May 17, 2018 Use a good silicone lubricant in it. Just soak it and it should make a world of difference. There are even specific lock and keyway lubes. Do NOT use regular blue can WD40. (The WD40 silicon is actually what I use.) Somewhat related... I’ve had a cache secured to a bike rack for a few years. It actually rests on the ground and is exposed to salt, sand and ice. It’s only maybe 30 feet from Lake Michigan in Chicago. Here’s the lock I use. ShurLok SL-600W 4 Dial Numbered Key Storage Combination Lock Box, Blue Quote Link to comment
+4nealalan Posted May 17, 2018 Share Posted May 17, 2018 On 4/20/2018 at 9:48 PM, cerberus1 said: I've had a ten-buck master lock combo 2 1/2" shank lock on the shed out back for well over ten years now. Exposed to weather, still works fine. Spray some silicone on it when you do maintenance. If I had to worry about tethering an ammo can, I'd probably find a new spot. If I had to have that spot, the locks last a while. My parents still use the same master lock padlock on the shed that was built in 1990. Just keep it lubricated! 27 Illinois winters later and it still works. Quote Link to comment
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