Thread by @mikamckinnon

Help?

I have a lock for a mineral storage cupboard that
1. Functioned normally a few hours ago
2. Popped open without entering the combo
3. Now WILL NOT close

Anyone encountered this before? Simple fixes?

FYI:
Replacing it is NOT the simple solution in this circumstance Because Reasons.

The context is long & boring, but fixing quickly to be at least temporarily workable is highly prioritized.

Things that haven’t worked:
1. Re-entering combo (or near-misses, or scrambled, or...)

2. Thumping it. (It’s a geo department. We’re good at hitting things hard.)

3. Any lubrication we have available on the necessary timescale.

Several folks pointed out the tumblers (?) seemed misaligned.

After a stern conversation between a pointy metal thing, the tumblers, & me, we resolved our conflict for the necessary duration.

Thank you for the keen eyes.

I do NOT recommend this solution as I’ll likely need the bolt cutter in my purse to enact a longer-term solution later, but within context this was exactly what I needed.

ProTip: You never know when you’ll need a bolt cutter.

+1pt to anyone who offered encouragement
+3pts to anyone who contributed solutions
+5pts to anyone who offered picking/resetting tips
+10pts to anyone who spotted the tumbler problem

-2pts to anyone who told me to buy a new lock
-15pts to anyone who told me I didn’t need a lock

Bonus -7pts to anyone critiquing the quality of the lock so it’s just as irritating for you to track points as it is for me to ignore your inappropriate assessment.

Not every context needs the best lock that ever lock.
Sometimes a circumventable lock is an asset.