Ammo can lock

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  • Snake-Eyes

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    “A few years ago”, I wanted to be able to lock some ammo cans. I searched the inter-webs, but I decided on a DIY solution. Here’s the details and reasoning. Maybe this will help some folks.

    I wanted something repeatable and inexpensive. I wanted something that wouldn’t require drilling a bunch of holes and ruining the airtight seal of the can. The most expensive part of my solution is the lock, but it’s not much more than a standard padlock. Also, my solution requires no extra hardware, no tampering with the airtight seal, and that lock seems to secure every can I’ve tried it on. Bonus: I can have a different combo for each lock, if desired.

    The lock I decided on is the Masterlock #4688. It’s a 3-digit combo, cable lock with a TSA #007 bypass keyhole. Is it for Fort Knox? No. Will it suffice to keep “an honest thief, honest” or at least show evidence of unauthorized entry? Yes.

    This lock will secure 30-cal, 50-cal, and the larger two-latch 25mm cans. Only the 50-cal size needs a single hole drilled. The other cans require ZERO modifications.

    As mentioned above, this DIY requires a single hole drilled for the 50-cal cans to accept the lock, BUT, it doesn’t affect the airtight seal at all. The hole is drilled through the latch handle.
    30-cal cans and the larger 25mm cans require ZERO holes drilled. Just add the lock(s) through the handles, as pictured below.

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    Due to the limit of ten pictures per post, the remainder of the pictures (and their steps labels) are in the next post.
     

    Snake-Eyes

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    Steps:
    1) Mark the hole with a Sharpie.

    373B8E80-FE37-4A50-99A1-230D9D20A55F.jpeg


    2) Use a 1/8” bit to drill the pilot hole and make sure you’re lined up for the next part.

    E29E2E42-0F83-48A2-B191-DA53C1037243.jpeg


    3) Use an 11/64” bit to drill the final size hole.

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    4) I used a Dremel bit and some files to clean up the hole and make sure it was smooth enough not to tear up the lock cable.

    50B24265-6D4F-49BC-BC45-9AD5EFC647E4.jpeg


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    5) That’s it. Insert your cable through the hole and around the handle, as pictured.

    2468D199-8FDC-4665-A6BA-F74CB151562D.jpeg


    1147A9E7-D1B1-4847-8754-390C8455FA76.jpeg


    If you have a different way you like, or improvement suggestions to this one, let us all know!
     

    Grits1/5

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    I picked this can up recently that someone went full-retard on well, maybe not retarded, but it might be a little overkill the welded hasp through the latch is actually pretty sweet, but the additional hasp on the long-side of the can was kinda over-kill ‍♂️ Maybe the previous owner was very protective of his 9mm lung blowout ammo ‍♂️
     

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    Snake-Eyes

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    Wow. Welded hasps means no extra holes and allows for sturdier padlocks, but that IS some overkill with the second latch.

    Does it look like the welds on the lid affected the rubber seal at all?
     

    Snake-Eyes

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    Child protection is the only reason I can think of to lock a portable storage can. Am I wrong?

    Probably near the top, true. In fact, that was one of the main reasons I wanted to be able to secure mine.

    However, if you don’t care about the airtight seal, you can drill holes in the bottom or sides and secure the box inside something else like a cabinet or closet, etc (just like a traditional lockbox).

    Many reasons for a lockable container: medicine, money, ammo, pistols, suppressors.

    In fact, if you have a Form-4 in your name only and someone else has access to the house (spouse, roommate, etc), then technically, the item should be locked up in a container that no one else has access to while you’re away.

    Run a cable through the latch/lock to secure around an immovable object, and use it as a lockbox in a car, or while camping, or for traveling and/or in a hotel room.

    I’m sure there are a ton of other uses.
     

    Grits1/5

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    Wow. Welded hasps means no extra holes and allows for sturdier padlocks, but that IS some overkill with the second latch.

    Does it look like the welds on the lid affected the rubber seal at all?
    The hasp on the lid looks like it did affect the rubber seal, although I think it’s still airtight. The welder probably should have removed the rubber seal before welding. The other hasp on the latch of the can was a good idea though, by design it’s sturdier than the top hasp. And no danger of damaging the rubber seals.
     

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    Snake-Eyes

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    As an update, another member found this YouTube link of how to defeat that MasterLock 4688:




    Even though most padlocks and combo locks can be defeated almost as easily, this means someone could open the lock without you knowing. Just be advised.

    It’s just meant “to keep an honest thief honest”.

    Good info, though.
     

    Duckyou

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    As an update, another member found this YouTube link of how to defeat that MasterLock 4688:




    Even though most padlocks and combo locks can be defeated almost as easily, this means someone could open the lock without you knowing. Just be advised.

    It’s just meant “to keep an honest thief honest”.

    Good info, though.



    All TSA approved locks can be easily beaten as they have to have a TSA key which can be cloned easily.
     

    Raven

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    All TSA approved locks can be easily beaten as they have to have a TSA key which can be cloned easily.
    A master key to every lock ever made is for sale at every hardware store and most pawn shops for less than $100

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    lil'skeet

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    I picked this can up recently that someone went full-retard on well, maybe not retarded, but it might be a little overkill the welded hasp through the latch is actually pretty sweet, but the additional hasp on the long-side of the can was kinda over-kill ‍♂️ Maybe the previous owner was very protective of his 9mm lung blowout ammo ‍♂️
    FJB! Spray painted on the side.
     

    Viking1204

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    A master key to every lock ever made is for sale at every hardware store and most pawn shops for less than $100

    View attachment 169030
    I already own one of these and it's been tested successfully! Being cordless comes in real handy when you're locked out of the Conex at hunting camp that stores your ATV when somebody lost the key!
     

    Mongo463

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    Here's a lock for ya, used them for many years in the Air Force (bomb dump).

     

    Snake-Eyes

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    I guess no one would ever think of just picking up the can and carrying it away to be opened at their leisure?

    Where’s the fun in that?

    Of course, as stated earlier, this lock is simply meant to keep an honest thief honest. Deter curious eyes, etc.

    Heck, you can go simple, and buy the TSA 002 & 007 master keys on Amazon for less than $10, I think.
     

    jugdish

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    I like your option. Simple and effective. I have one can I setup with a lock but I bought the kit to drill the hole through the front. It works well but the main thing I do not like about what I did is the nut on the inside. It gets in the way just enough to be annoying.
     

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