Locked out of my glovebox

[knarfrabot]

Hello people,

So I managed to lock my glovebox with my ignition key, even though it was a different lock, I didn't realize it until I tried to unlock it, and now my glovebox won't open. I need to get it open because like most people that's where I keep my insurance & registration, and I'm really considering going at it with a drill bit right now because of my frustration:stupid:. If there's any way for me to get around that though, I would be obliged if someone could show me a way. Much thanks in advance.

[Captain Obvious]

I've got all the locks from my 77 torn apart right now, and my glove box was keyed the same as the rest of the locks on the car. I would assume the 78 was done the same way. Are you sure the glove box is supposed to take a different key? Maybe the key is just worn?

Regardless... Two suggestions:

1) First suggestion is that you put the same key you used to lock it back in the lock again and wiggle it around while you gently try to rotate it clockwise to unlock it. Try to angle the key tip to the right by pushing the key head to the left as you turn it. If that doesn't work, try the opposite... Try to angle the key tip to the left by pushing the key head to the right as you turn it.

2) I didn't try this, but maybe you could take off the three (maybe five?) screws that thread into the dash that hold the glove box door on? That might enable you to get the door loose enough to reach all up in there and manually push the lock catch up and open the door with the lock still locked. Maybe a long screwdriver and a flashlight while on your back with your head in the passenger footwell? Seems it wouldn't be a very secure lockable compartment if it was this easy, but you never know.

[Unkle]

Just have a locksmith pick it open , and set the lock to your ignition key .

Drive up to the shop of your choice for the best quoted price . No extra damage to repair .

I really don't understand all the shade tree advice , when the right thing to do is let a pro deal with it !

I can tell you why this lockout happened , but I have a feeling it would fall on deaf ears .

Sorry , not trying to rant .

[grantf]

I am with Unkle only that there is no reason to damage it more by drilling it out.

[TomoHawk]

When mine was stuck, I just took the screws out of the bottom hinge.

Edited March 6, 2012 by TomoHawk

[Captain Obvious]

I really don't understand all the shade tree advice , when the right thing to do is let a pro deal with it !

All the shade tree advice? Seriously? Simply because it's your field of expertise? All shrouded in magic and mysticism?

My suggestions were non-destructive. I don't think he should drill it out either, and before he gets to that point he should seek help from a professional. But he's not there yet.

Sure, if you want to and think you have the skills, you can:

change your own oil,

or unclog your own bathroom drain,

or put on new brake pads yourself,

or cut your own grass,

or replace your own spark plugs,

or wire your own stereo,

or change your own light bulb,

or paint your own kitchen.

But don't mess with your own locks... There's professionals who do that. :disappoin

Heck, I've even heard of people who aren't mechanics rebuilding their own engine. Or people who aren't electricians putting in a new outlet in their living room. Shhhhh... Even non-carpenters putting up sheds in their own back yards with no official training or certificates at all! Oh the horror!

Wow... My other lock thread must really bug the crap out of you.

[Captain Obvious]

When mine was stuck, I just took the screws out of the bottom hinge.

Exactly. That was what I was thinking with one of my suggestions. I didn't remember for sure if you could easily get at all of those retaining screws with the door shut, but if you can that would be easy.

Then once the door is off and he's out of the woods with his immediate crisis, he could decide how to proceed from there.

[Unkle]

@ Captain - again not trying to start a flame war , YOU might be a wizard , but 95 percent of the average Joe owners

would likely destroy parts trying to pry or drill it open . My advice SOUNDS like I drive a tall horse : ) but when said

original poster was considering a drill , there's no hocus pocus to what's gonna happen .

Sorry to step on your toes . No intent do do so !

Picking open a lock is child's play to a pro and should be inexpensive compared to prying or drilling. My 2 cents .

Edited March 6, 2012 by Unkle
sp

[EScanlon]

And let's not post argumentative replies.....

E

[5thhorsemann]

And let's not post argumentative replies.....

E

And just what’s that supposed to mean………..

[sblake01]

And just what’s that supposed to mean………..

Seriously?? Did you read post #6?

[72 OJ]

no reality show on discord ,,,,to keep the site to adhere to it's informative nature.