Unlocking dumpsters
From Trashwiki
Locked dumpsters can be extremely annoying. You just know there's some decent food in there, or some cool electronics, or something, but you can't get to it. Well, there are some ways to get in there.
Contents |
[edit] Methods
Most of these methods may involve some illegality, so think twice before you act! Note, that Trashwiki does not recommend any property damage.
[edit] Hinge "modification"
Usually, dumpsters are designed with a single rod hinge at the back. This is so that the lid will open when it gets dumped into the truck. The front of the lid is usually the place that's locked, either with another bar or a chain and a padlock. Padlocks are hard to deal with, but the hinge often isn't.
Usually, the hinge rod is a bar with a washer welded at one end, and another loose washer and a split pin at the other end. You can simply close the legs on the split pin with your pliers (it can sometimes even be done by hand, or with a coin), and then pull the pin out, and remove the washer, and simply pull the whole hinge-rod out, and lift the lid up by the back.
The best part about this method is that you can simply put the hinge back in, and replace the washer and split pin, and no-one will know that you even visited, and it'll be even easier next time you come.
[edit] Triangle Lock
Sometimes the bins are closed with a system integrated in them, needing a triangular key. The easiest way to open those is to get a triangle key or pliers to open the bin. But if you don't have those, or forgot them at home, you can open the bin by sliding your arm under the lid through the side. Then reach to the lock and move the metal plate that keeps the bin shut. You might have to press a bit on the lid where the lock is so that it's not too hard to move.
[edit] Brute force
Useful tools:
- bolt cutters
- jimmy bar / crowbar
This method is the one you least want to have to do, because it risks damaging property (and therefore increasing fines), but if you can't do it any other way, just bust the chain with the bolt cutters or crow bar. You'll probably find that if you keep doing this, the bin will end up with even tighter security (heavier chains, or human security patrols).
[edit] Superglue
The technique described here will not yield emediate results. It takes time and dedication but is less risky and more effective than the Brute Force method mentioned above.
Useful tools:
- Toothpicks or Paperclips
- Superglue
Every locked dumpster has a lock. Locks work through pins that slide into the right place when the right key is put in, allowing the lockowner to turn the key and open the lock. By sticking a paperclip or toothpick inside and adding some superglue the lock will become jammed. Try to make the toothpick or paperclip so small that it dissapears into the keyhole, allowing no space for locksmiths to get it out with pliers. The superglue makes sure that the toothpick or piece of paperclip stays in place and also glues the pins of the lock in place, making it unable to open the lock even if the obstruction is removed. After inserting the glue, hold the lock upside down for a while to allow the glue to dry. This technique takes about two minutes and makes no noise. The nasty part is that the shopowner will arrive in the morning wanting to throw some trash out and find that he or she cannot open the dumpster. This forces them to call a locksmith or fiddle around themselves with tools to open it up. Doing this for a few days will quickly change their minds and leave the dumpster unlocked!
