You can't take a hacksaw directly to a padlock. Most padlocks are made with hardened steel to prevent this exact situation. However, you can heat up the shackle before you start cutting, which should weaken the steel and allow you to cut through it. You'll need a propane torch for this.
Bolt cutters are the common tool of choice for to cut padlocks during forcible-entry. Unfortunately, most padlocks are made of case-hardened steel, which is very strong in comparison to the materials that bolt cutters were intended to cut.
Master combination locks have a hardened steel shackle that cannot be cut with a standard hacksaw blade. The shackle is hardened steel to deter thieves from breaking it. However, occasionally you might misplace the key for one of these locks or forget the combination, preventing access to your belongings.
Yes, bolt cutters are an effective tool you can use to cut off a lock. Choose a pair of long-handled bolt cutters and place the shackle between the blades. Squeeze the grips of the bolt cutters together until they cut through the shackle. Then, simply remove the lock.
This is a less hassle way on how to break a padlock without tools. All you need to do is find two wenches. Put both of their U-shaped clasp between the shackles and quickly pull closer until their handles meet. This will help in detaching the locking mechanism between the shackle and the body of the padlock.
Try bolt cutters.
This will not work on most master locks, as they are made of case hardened steel.
Another handy way to cut a lock is to use a dremel tool. With a dremel, you will need a cutoff wheel, which is quite similar to that of an angle grinder. The best dremel tool usually is smaller than an angle grinder.
Jiggle the screwdriver while thrusting it in and out of the lock. Slide the blade of the screwdriver back and forth slowly. At the same time, work the handle of the around at different angles to engage as many pins as possible.
If you want to remove a lock without damaging the lock or breaking it all together, call a locksmith. Locksmiths have the proper tools to remove it, and LPI locksmiths are trained in all the proper techniques.
Call a Locksmith
Locksmiths are more familiar with opening locks than just about anyone. Locksmiths are trained professionals in the creation, installation, and repair of locks. Most locksmiths will charge 50-100 dollars to come and fix a door lock, and less to open a padlock.
Metal Types a Dremel Can Cut
As a general rule, sheet metal refers to steel, either galvanized or stainless. This metal is safe to cut with most commercially available cutting tools such as Dremel attachments.
The Dremel 561 cuts hard wood up to 3/8" and soft wood up to 5/8". Also cuts plastics, fiberglass, drywall, laminate, aluminum and vinyl siding. Use with the Dremel Multipurpose Cutting Attachment (model 565).
ABUS Granit™: one of the world's most secure padlocks with a tensile resistance of over six tonnes. Granit locks have a tensile resistance of over six tonnes, making it almost impossible for attackers to release the shackle from the lock body by force.
It takes effort to stop thieves. “A determined thief with an angle grinder and enough time can cut through nearly any lock,” says Master Lock's Justin Matuszek. “But more often, the thief has a bolt cutter and is trying to work fast.”
Fashion a lock-pick using household items.
Bobby pins or hair pins work best, but you can also use heavy-duty paperclips, or other stiff bits of wire. First create your pick by opening out one of the bobby pins or paperclips until it is straight. Then bend the last 1/8" of the pick up at a 20 degree angle.
To do this, unfold the large edge of your paperclip twice until a straight portion juts out. You will be inserting the straight part into the lock to use as a pick. Some locksmiths also put a tiny upward bend into the tip of the pick. This is to depress the pins inside the lock but is not strictly necessary.
If a clean cut is desired when cutting through hardened steel, or if the steel's hardness must be retained, a fine toothed hacksaw will work wonderfully, though the process is long and will require a great deal of intense effort.
Master key: The master key can open all locks you have in your residential or commercial property.
Rekeying Home Locks
Rekeying locks on your home typically costs $80 to $160. If you call the locksmith to your home, you might pay a trip fee of $50 to $100. The cost to rekey is $30 to $60 per lock, bringing you to that total. Rekeying is different and more affordable than replacing the locks.