How to Crack the Code on Trailer Hitch Lock Removal?

If you’re a proud trailer owner, you know the importance of keeping your precious cargo safe from thieves, whether you’re towing or parked. Enter the trusty trailer hitch lock, your new best friend in trailer protection. But what if you want to unlock the hitch lock to remove it from the fastener hole and can’t find the key? Don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered. This article will walk you through how to remove a trailer hitch lock, coupler hitch lock, and latch pin lock (both with and without a key).

Picking the Lock: Trailer Hitch Lock Removal

Receiver hitch locks come in two flavors: curved end pins and straight pins. No matter the design, the steps for removing a receiver hitch lock with and without a key are outlined below.

Hitch Lock Removal with a Key

The procedure for unlocking a receiver hitch lock is the same for both curved end pins and straight pins.

1. Grab the provided key and insert it into the keyhole.
2. Turn the key to unlock.
3. Remove the lock.
4. Then, pull out the pin.

Hitch Lock Removal without a Key

Lost your key? No problem! Here are some creative ways to remove a receiver hitch lock without a key:

Hammer and Screwdriver

A good old-fashioned hammer and screwdriver can do the trick.

1. Insert the screwdriver into the keyhole.
2. Hit the screwdriver with the hammer several times.
3. Remove the screwdriver and give the lock a good whacking all around with the hammer.
4. Pull the lock and pin.

Steel Pipe

A steel pipe can also come in handy.

1. Place the pipe over the lock.
2. Pull the pipe all around to break the lock.
3. Give the lock a good yank from every angle if it doesn’t break.
4. After breaking the lock, pull the pin.

Southord Pick

A Southord pick can help you unlock the hitch lock and remove it from the receiver hole.

1. Insert a Southord pick vertically into the hole.
2. Use another Southord pick horizontally to cut the lock’s internal pins.
3. Pull the lock after cutting all the pins.

Unlocking the Mystery: Coupler Hitch Lock Removal

The ball-shaped top of a coupler hitch lock fits into the tongue of the hitch, while its U-shaped design makes installation a breeze. Hook the lock beneath the unlatched trailer coupler and clamp it down. Here’s how to remove a coupler hitch lock:

Coupler Hitch Lock Removal with a Key

Removing a coupler hitch lock with a key is a piece of cake.

1. Grab the provided key.
2. Insert the key into the lock hole and turn it.
3. Pull the hook to remove it.
4. Unlock the latch and take out the hitch lock.

Coupler Hitch Lock Removal without a Key

Misplaced your key? Don’t worry! Follow these steps to remove a coupler hitch lock without a key:

1. Insert a tension pick into the bottom of the keyhole.
2. Slide a rake pick through the keyhole.
3. Wiggle the rake pick around. After a while, the lock will unlock, and you can remove the coupler hitch lock.
4. Pull the hook and unlock the latch to remove the hitch lock.

Latch Pin Lock Removal: The Inside Scoop

Also known as a quarter-inch coupler lock, a latch pin lock connects to the latch on the trailer coupler. This thread lock can be removed with or without a key.

Latch Pin Lock Removal with a Key

1. Insert the provided key into the keyhole.
2. Turn the key counterclockwise.
3. Keep turning the key until it unlocks.
4. Remove the latch pin lock.

Latch Pin Lock Removal without a Key

Lost your key and need to remove the latch pin lock? Here’s how to do it without a key:

1. Grab a tension pick and rake pick.
2. Insert the tension pick into the lock hole.
3. Place the rake pick in the center of the keyhole and keep poking.
4. After a few pokes with the rake pick, try turning the tension pick an inch.
5. Continue poking with the rake pick and turning with the tension pick. After several attempts, the lock will unlock, and you can remove the latch pin lock.

The Bottom Line

The world of trailer hitch locks is as diverse as the trailers they protect. That’s why manufacturers offer a variety of hitch lock types to meet different needs. In this article, we’ve covered the removal process for some of those hitch locks, so you can feel confident in your ability to unlock and remove them – even without a key!