I show how to open a lock using a propane blowtorch. This method of opening a lock will only work on certain locks and will destroy the lock. For this to work the lock needs to have a key component made from a metal with a low melting point such as zinc and aluminum. The Melting point of aluminum is about 660.3 °C (1220.54 °F) and The Melting point of zinc is about 419.5 °C (787.1 °F). A blow torch reaches a maximum temperature of 1,995 °C (3,623 °F) and oxygen-fed torches can be much hotter at up to 2,820 °C (5,110 °F). The hottest point in the flame can be found at the tip of the inner flame.

The lock I show in the video is a Master Lock #175D which has an aluminum housing and a copper coated zinc actuator. It took 2 Minutes and 50 seconds for the lock to open. Some other locks that can be opened with a blowtorch are the Master Lock 22D which has a die-cast zinc body and an Abus 24RK Diskus which has a zinc part around the lock cylinder.

This can be a useful last resort to open your lock if you don’t have the key/combination. Only use this on locks you own or have permission to destroy.