That lock on the storage unit popped open when I sneezed near it

Was moving stuff to a storage place in Phoenix last month. Had this cheap combo lock on the unit, one of those disc ones from a gas station. I walked past it, sneezed, and heard a click. The shackle just swung open. Nobody touched it, I didn't bump it. Just my sneeze did it. Now I check every lock I own by giving it a light tap first. Has anyone else had a lock just fail from barely any movement at all?

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2 Comments

noah4153mo ago

Oh man, I feel your pain. I had the EXACT same thing happen with a Master lock on my shed about two years ago. I just leaned on the door a little, not even hard, and the whole shackle popped right off like it was made of butter. Now I always give any new lock a firm slap with my palm before I trust it. For real, some of these cheap combo locks have the tiniest little catch inside, and a vibration or a quick jolt is all it takes to disengage them. I switched to a solid brass padlock for anything I actually care about, and I check the weather seals too because dust and grit can mess them up just as bad.

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lilyb273mo ago

You've got a good point about the weather seals. I had a lock on a gate that worked perfect for months until it got full of sand and dirt from a windy spell. Couldn't get it to open with the right combo no matter how much i wiggled it. Had to spray it out with a hose and let it dry before it finally clicked again. That firm palm slap trick is smart, i'm going to start doing that with any new lock i buy. Never thought to test them before trusting them.

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