Locking Hitch Pin (stuck)

[sam_d]

Approximately three years ago I became a proud Disco owner! At almost the same time I bacame the owner of a locking hitch pin which secured my rear recovery point in place in the Hayman Reese socket.

Since locking the pin in place I've been through mud, snow, dust, sand and water and I've never really given the lock a second thought until last night when I decided to see if my new (second hand) bike carrier would fit okay.

The lock has rewarded my three years of neglect by not even allowing me to put the key in the hole. It is totally clogged and I would imagine that even if the key did go in the mechanism inside would be seized up.

So, any suggestions as to how I might free the lock? Should I try blasting it with high pressure water or will that force the much in even further? What about a good dose of WD40 or will this create an oily muddy sludge in the lock? Shall I just befriend someone with a good pair of bolt cutters?

Any suggestions?

Mods, I didn't think this enquiry was sufficiently technical to warrant being put in "Technical Chatter". If you think otherwise then please move as you see fit. :)

[Banjo_pluker]

I have found that a good does of WD40 works.

use the red hose thing and push it as far into the lock as possible and keep squriting, you should squirt the key as well.

If you have the standard tow attachment it looks like not that big a job to take the hitch part off (I have never done it) and place it on a bench to work on it

Good luck:)

[BMKal]

I had exactly the same problem with mine the first time I needed to remove it. In the end, the only way that I could get it out was to cut it flush with the reece hitch assembly (both ends) and then punch it through with a hammer & drift.

It's not a good spot for access - used a die grinder to cut the pin, and then still had fun getting to it with hammer & drift.

Have replaced pin with stainless steel one, and make sure that it is well lubricated and moves freely on a regular basis.

At least when I got the pin out, the tow hitch slid freely out of the hayman reece socket - have also seen a few occasions where these have been siezed in place, usually requiring large amounts of WD40, belting with a hammer and a lot of swearing (or you could just hook a chain between hitch and something solid and drive off). :wasntme:

[ADMIRAL]

Hayman Reese also have a lubricating grease. Looks a lot like the stuff used on door strikers. Meant for towballs. Would work just as well with pins.