Padlock problem at Sludge Pit Hole

jimmo62

New member
We tried to get into Sludge Pit last night but after 20 mins of trying could not open the padlock (yes we did have the right key!) - it was just too stiff. Could be some lubrication would fix it but it might also be too corroded. Is there a contact at CSCC I can notify so they can maybe have a look/change the lock?

Ta

Wilf
 

rhychydwr1

Active member
jimmo62 said:
We tried to get into Sludge Pit last night but after 20 mins of trying could not open the padlock (yes we did have the right key!) - it was just too stiff. Could be some lubrication would fix it but it might also be too corroded. Is there a contact at CSCC I can notify so they can maybe have a look/change the lock?

Ta

Wilf

My tame locksmith says "Use graphite as a lubricant".
 

Maj

Active member
rhychydwr1 said:
My tame locksmith says "Use graphite as a lubricant".

(y)

Indeed.
Please avoid using lubricants like WD40 as these tend to wash out any existing lube and then evaporate off themselves leaving little or no lube.

I have found (and also recommended to me by a locksmith) Teflon lubricants work well.

At the risk of stating the obvious:-
It helps if keys are wiped clean before inserting in the padlock. Also when locking up after the trip, wipe hands before handling the padlock.
One of the new Fairy Cave Quarry padlocks was playing up, the probable cause being mud/grit. Mud was found in the two notches on both legs of the shackle which disappears inside the padlock when closed.

Maj.
 

Ad W

New member
Found that the padlock opened really easily last week. It?s probably your key.

Adam


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Ali M

Active member
Sludge - has the new CSCC padlock on it - not the older one that is still on some caves.
 

The Old Ruminator

Well-known member
The CSCC padlocks are usually OK. I have had trouble with the more sophisticated locks on some Fairy Cave Quarry Caves and the waterworks gate at Reservoir Hole. Last month it took my whole group 30 mins to get into Withyhill. I nearly gave up but some had come up from Cornwall. Since then " Maj " has inspected the Withyhill locks and what he says is of some significance. The key goes in then turns one quarter but won't go further. It's all about tedious jiggling then. These sophisticated locks can be a pest. ( Are they Abloy ? ) . They only work when things are perfect. Conversely, the CSCC lock on the car park gate at FCQ works every time. Remember with the quarry locks to insert the key with the operating edge facing the hinge on the rubber cover. Its odd some folk manage the locks in a few minutes whilst others face a long struggle. The awkward placement of the quarry cave locks might suggest that a simpler lock could be used. The management committee has spent a lot on the new locks though so it would be counterproductive to change them again. I am sure " Maj" will keep us updated.
 
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