I have a swaneck towbar I'm not sure of the manufacturer. I would like to remove it and I have the key but the keyhole is full of crud and won't turn. I have tried cleaning it out with copious amounts of WD40 and nails/screwdrivers etc but it still don't budge.

I know one type can be removed by tapping out a roll pin but I can't see one on the handle of this type. Does any member have a suggestion or is it just a case of drill it out and hope that I can buy a new lock?

There should be a red and green indicator on this type.if it’s green it’s already unlocked and a turn on the knob (stiff to turn maybe) will release it . I stick a suitably sized plastic disc to mine with grease, it never moves and forms an excellent seal to stop the crud.

Another reason why I only have fixed towbars on my cars. Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Really, Bobupndown? I must have missed your other reasons. Why don’t you tell us them all once again?

This could bring tears to one's eyes!
 Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

a100ian wrote:

I have a swaneck towbar I'm not sure of the manufacturer. I would like to remove it and I have the key but the keyhole is full of crud and won't turn. I have tried cleaning it out with copious amounts of WD40 and nails/screwdrivers etc but it still don't budge.

I know one type can be removed by tapping out a roll pin but I can't see one on the handle of this type. Does any member have a suggestion or is it just a case of drill it out and hope that I can buy a new lock?

I leave mine on to repell incompetent parkers , at least its one side covered.

"I leave mine on to repell incompetent parkers "

and unsuspecting shins

If an unsuspecting shin is that near the back of mine they will likely get what they deserve  2014 Freelander 2 TD4 Manual Dynamic
1956/7 88" Series One Land Rover
1956/7 88" Series One Land Rover - undergoing restoration

CED wrote:

I leave mine on to repell incompetent parkers , at least its one side covered.

Mine is on its second car so six or seven years old and the hook is still as new - it is only on the car if the caravan is following behind, off as soon as the caravan is unhitched either on site or back at home. It is kept in the cloth bag that came with it and lives indoors when off the car.

The receiver cap is always in place when the hook is not on the car too.

Thanks for all the tips, especially keeping it removed when it's off. The brush and keeping the keyhole covered when it's on. I'm going to give it a bit more time this weekend with the spray and try see if I have a little brush anywhere.

[img] I have exactly the same problem. So far no amount of WD-40 or "massaging" with a mallet has made any difference and key refuses to turn an iota. Terrified of putting large amount of force into turning pressure for fear of it breaking off completely so had rather resigned myself to leaving the bar on permanently..
Will be pleased to hear if you are succesful and how, exactly you managed it it if so!!!

I didn'tI have any obvious crud in the keyhole and the key had no problem slotting in, it just won't turn. I will try the suggestion of having a clean out with a tepee brush though.[/img]

the Positive point here is , if you can get the tow hitch off, then some thief won't either, so it's safe.

Quote:

the Positive point here is , if you can get the tow hitch off, then some thief won't either, so it's safe.