OT: Both locks broke on Yakima Skybox

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

Gaaaa, at least it waited till after the session last night, but the second lock broke on my Skybox and I have no way in. I doubt I am covered under warranty. I read online that these boxes have a bad design when a plastic pin get's sheared off inside causing this problem, and when both locks break, "it's Sawzall" time.

Crying or Very sad

All my kites are in there...any ideas?

Pepi · Sat Sep 10, 11 2:58 pm

Some of these locks are held in place with rivet pins on either side. If this is the case, you could drill out the rivet pins and then try to free up the latch.

Or

Drilling directly into the key entry of the lock will grind out the teeth of your lock and then allow you to jam a slotted screwdriver into the barrel to try to then jimmy the lock open.

Just a few thoughts.

mikethemate · Since 16 Jan 2007 55 Posts White Salmon

Had the same problem. I drilled out the rivets (very carefully) then extracted kite gear. A trip to REI followed and now have a brand new box warrantied with the updated locking mechanism. No problems so far with new box....

mtbunny · Since 23 Jul 2011 19 Posts

I had the exact same thing happen and had to break into the box to get ski gear out. If you save the box and the failed lock system, Yakima will warranty it and you should have a new box within a few months. My Yakima was 5 or 6 years old and Yakima still held up the warranty. They are very aware of the issue. Best of luck!

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

Thanks all. Talked to the guys at Rerack today and they confirmed for me which rivets I need to drill out to get in. I've got a support case open with Yakima so we'll see.

Bettyboarder · Sun Sep 11, 11 7:57 pm

When mine broke i took it to rack attack & the gave me a brand new one

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

WINDUDE · Since 10 Jun 2010 558 Posts GORGE! Addicted

buy a THULE next time....

arkay · Since 06 Jun 2008 192 Posts Manzo/Hillsburrito Stoked

Drill out rivits? Pick the lock or call a lock smith and they can non-destructively open your box. If you want to drill something, just drill out the lock core. It'll fall apart and you can turn it with a pair of pliers, you'll need to replace the locks anyway.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

Yeah, you have to drill out the rivets. This is not a case of not having the key, or the lock being stuck. My title is wrong, it's not the locks that are broken, but the part inside that the handle pushes against to release the lid. Picking or even drilling out the lock would not help.

I talked to Yakima warranty, he advised me to drill out the rivets to get inside and call back with the serial number. Drilling out the rivits took me about 30 seconds and the lid popped open (just so you know how secure you stuff really is Laughing

).

I got worried when I got inside and saw that the serial number was on a paper sticker that had long since become unreadable due to moisture and use. I was able to get the first 2 numbers and I guess that was enough. The waranty rep asked for some pictures and said a new box would arrive in 4-7 days.

Up until my most recent setup, I've always gone with Thule but not for any particular reason. If the replacement box shows up as promised Yakima will have earned my loyalty for sure! ' Cool

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