Removing boot lock barrel w/o key

[M_Temple]

Hello all,

Have a lovely chrome secondhand boot lock to fit to the latest restoration, but it is locked and hence I can see no way to get to the second, 'inner' pin that needs to be drifted out to get the barrel out. Also in the past the square shaft has been changed so there is no number stamped on it to tell me the key number. Any wise words on what i can do other than go to an autojumble and spend all afternoon trying keys, or chucking it in the bin?

I will have a try picking the lock, but this also seems easier for thieves and film stars than for me. Again any wise words of experience gratefully received. It really is too good to chuck away.....

Mick

[MarkyB]

Are you going to replace the barrel?
If so just drill the old one out, the pins should soon give up with little to back them up.

[Ratbag]

Try a few old keys (or even your own). You may be surprised.....

[M_Temple]

Yeah, tried a few keys, but no luck. Will also try my luck at lock-picking - might even take it down the local locksmith - before I go 'nuclear' and drill it into bits. I'm a bit concerned it will not be obvious what's lock barrel and what's not until it's too late.

Any more tips/ideas?

Thanks
Mick