Anyone drill out a Yakima lock?

Hey all,

I lost my keys a few weeks ago and didn't have spares for all of my Yakima stuff - so I have 2 different things I can't get into (my roof rack locks and a skybox). I noticed here: https://www.yakima.com/replacement-sks-lock-core that you can buy a replacement core for $12 (cheaper than the locksmith opening it so I can remove the core and find the number).

I'm thinking of drilling out 2 locks (1 from the rack and 1 from the skybox), getting the core numbers, buying replacement cores and keys according to the number to save a little cash from having a locksmith open it.

Anyone have experience drilling out these locks and have any advice?

 

I would contact Yakima and see what they say BEFORE drilling.

 

Yakima Customer Service is very helpful.

 

@ndub86 Are they all keyed the same and are any of them unlocked?

This control key will pull out an unlocked core so you can read the code:

Yakima Key: SKS Control Key

https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-Key-SKS-Control/dp/B001GSSFQG

 

Pro Tip:
Keep a spare key in safe place

 

I have that key - all are locked. Which is why my option is to have a locksmith unlock one and I can use that to take it out or I just drill it out. Unfortunately items are keyed differently.

Yeah...I had spares...apparently when I had the copies made, they made extra copies of 1 key (so I have multiples for my kayak rack) instead of making copies of each individual key. My fault for not checking after the copies were made.

 

I bought a used GTI once and it had a Yakima bike rack on it but the VW dealer didn't have the SKS key. They had a locksmith cut and file a key for it and it took like 5 minutes. Not sure what he charged cause the dealer paid for it but those keys are pretty simple, couldn't have been much.

Also maybe contact Eurolocks if Yakima service doesn't help, that's what the SKS key for my hitch bike rack says on it.

I believe that you can order several cores that are keyed the same if you do have to go the replacement route.

 

Contact Yakima and they will give you their nearest dealer that has master keys to unlock/order replacement keys. Replacement parts for some of the skybox's are NLA so if you end up breaking any of the latch mechanism you may be stuck with an unlockable box..

 

Any of your friend have Yakima stuff?see if their keys work and make a copy.Thats what i did.

 

You keep debating this here.
Please call Yakima and see what they say then ..... Come back here.
It seems that would save so much debate that doesn't do anything.

Define debate: Talk only.

 

That's awesome! I didn't know they'd do that for free (or even if there's a small "courtesy" charge on top of the key cost)...it sounds like I'll go this route!

 

I agree with contacting customer service. That being said, if you really need to get it open the locks are shit. Very little metal actually securing your stuff. Stick a flat head in there and twist. That's it. Locks are now broken but you can open them. Replace, rinse and repeat*


*Rinse and repeat optional

 

@snwcmpr @Drainbung @jewish @Thyces

Yakima told me some of their larger dealers have purchased 1 of every key they make (so I can try until I get the right one). They don't know which dealers, but suggested REI as they may have it. I'll call a few on my lunch break and find out. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Everyone has given great advice, but if you do drill them out, it's not hard. The metal is soft and a new drill bit goes through it like butter. I drilled one out on an old roof rack I bought so I could get the serial number. It took like 30 seconds and then I ordered the correct key, control key, and a new lock core. I think I left a review about etrailer.com in the vendor review section when I did it a couple months ago. The new core went in just fine and everything works perfectly.

 

I don't know if you can replace the core on the Skybox and someone already pointed out that a lot of those components are NLA depending on the age/model.

 

I was on a road trip with my buddies, they jammed the skybox with camping gear
We couldn't open it with the key.
It was a mother trucker to open it, they are solid
Not sure if drilling it will mess up the mount for the lock, anything on YouTube to see ?
Looks like others have drilled it out with success
Good luck !
Yakima was awesome with warranty on box

 

Ahh the skybox might cause an issue. The parts for mine were for control towers that were about 10 years old. I'd do like everyone says and call Yakima first. However, drilling the rack cores will work just fine. The Skybox may be different because I haven't had to drill one of those. I've seen it done on YouTube, and I think if careful, it could be done without damaging anything except the lock core.

 

Thanks everyone! REI in Dallas has the set of 75-ish keys...just gotta try them all until one fits! I'll probably take care of it later this week.

 

I used to work at R** - unamed 3 letter outdoor retailer with ridiculous return policy - and we kept a spare ring of master keys in the shop for this exact reason. Helped a bunch of people out in the same situation. Generally if you order two keys after they help you out and thank them, that should be enough to avoid any extra charge for service. We only warrentied one skybox that I remember and it was due to jammed lock mechanisms on both sides. The guys got to the ski area on a bluebird powder day and couldn't open it with all their skis and boards being in the box. They had a video of someone chainsawing a hole in the lid. It was pretty rad so we cut them some slack.

IMHO don't drill it, and definitely don't chainsaw it! I think the way that tumbler interfaces with the locking mechanism would make it really easy to damage more than just the replacement SKS lock core.

Tip for everyone write down your key codes for all vehicle keys and keep them in the glove box just like all the other important papers for the vehicle.

 

Yup I'm writing down all codes from here on out - and it sounds like REI will help me out! Dig it - I may have to just buy some stuff while I'm there with the money I'll save from not going to a locksmith