How to Use and Remove a Thule Lock

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Many of Thule's outdoor recreation products — like carrying racks for bikes or skis — come with integrated locks that are based on universal (for Thule gear), removable lock cylinders. So, to remove a Thule roof rack, for example, you'll need to remove the lock by removing the cylinder. Removing (or initially installing) the lock cylinder can be a head-scratcher if you don't know what you're doing, but a few simple instructions (and the included “master key”) will make the whole process a snap.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Installing a Lock Cylinder

PDF download Download Article
  1. Like their Swedish compatriots Ikea, Thule tends to use lots of pictures and very few words in their product instructions. [1] However, once you get the hang of it, the instructions are relatively easy to follow.
    • If you don't have the instructions, however, don't despair. The lock cylinder systems for Thule products are standardized across practically the entire product line.
  2. Check the product instructions for the location, or look for a perforated circle roughly the diameter of an average adult's index finger. Use a key or screwdriver to pop out the circular plastic cover, revealing a cylindrical opening beneath. Clear away any excess bits of plastic that might get in the way of the lock cylinder. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. The lock cylinder is the silver-colored mechanism (about half the length of an adult index finger) that will fit into the exposed opening and serve as the actual lock for the Thule product. The master key is the same size as the locking key, but has no “teeth” (ridges along the blade edge). You will get 2 locking keys and 1 master key with your Thule product. [3]
    • If you don't have the master key, you can order a new one from Thule retailers or directly from Thule. The master key is universal across the product line.
  4. Grasp the master key (which is still in the lock cylinder) and press the combination into the opening. It may help to jiggle the key and cylinder a bit while you press. Keep going until the face of the lock cylinder is flush with the rim of the opening. [4]
    • If you meet more than token resistance, check to make sure the master key is pressed fully into the key slot in the cylinder.
  5. Press your finger against the lock cylinder to keep it in place, and use your other hand to pull out the master key. Then, try using the locking key. Once it's inserted fully, a quarter-turn clockwise should lock in place the mechanism — for instance, one of the four “feet” of a car roof rack. [5]
    • If the locking key won't turn or the mechanism won't lock, try reinserting the master key and pressing the cylinder in further, or remove and reinsert the cylinder. If you have a faulty cylinder, you can buy replacements.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Removing a Lock Cylinder with a Master Key

PDF download Download Article
  1. Insert the locking key (one of the keys with “teeth”) into the slot and make a counterclockwise quarter-turn. The mechanism should unlock — for instance, you'd now be able to remove your ski from the rack. [6]
  2. Push the master key (the one without “teeth”) all the way into the cylinder until you hear a “click.” If you don't hear that click, the lock cylinder won't come along for the ride when you pull on the master key. [7]
  3. You may find that wiggling the key a bit as you pull on it helps extricate the lock cylinder from its place within the mechanism. [8]
  4. If you're having trouble getting the master key fully into the slot and/or getting the cylinder to come out with the key, you can try a few tricks. For a master key that won't push in until you hear the click, try spraying some compressed air or a lubricating spray (e.g., WD-40) into the slot. If the key will go in but the cylinder won't come out, try one or more of the following: [9]
    • Spray WD-40 around the edge of the cylinder.
    • Wiggle the key more vigorously and tap on the cylinder (with the locking key, perhaps) while pulling it out.
    • If possible, turn the mechanism so the top (slotted face) of the cylinder is facing down, so that gravity helps it to fall out.
    • Put the mechanism in the locked position before inserting the master key (this shouldn't work, but some people swear it does occasionally!).
    5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Removing a Cylinder when the Master Key is Missing

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are DIY methods that tend to work, but they can also damage the lock cylinder (which you can replace fairly cheaply) or the larger Thule product itself (which isn't so cheap to replace). Thule master keys are universal, so use one from another Thule product (if you have one) or borrow one from a friend.
  2. If you just can't wait to find or buy a new master key, the easiest key-less way to remove the cylinder requires you to reach the other side of the cylinder. If you can't access the back side of the cylinder, you should really just get a new master key instead of potentially trashing your Thule product. [11]
    • Use your locking key to unlock the mechanism (via a quarter-turn counterclockwise) before proceeding to your work on the back side.
  3. The back (not key-slotted) end of the lock cylinder has a rectangular bulge protruding out from the top of the cylinder. To one side of this you'll see a small metal tab. This tab is spring-loaded and holds the lock cylinder in place. [12]
    • Find a screwdriver that is small enough to access this small tab.
  4. This will depress the spring mechanism and the tab. While continuing to press on the tab with the screwdriver, use a finger on your other hand to push down on the lock cylinder. This should pop the lock cylinder loose. [13]
  5. The lock cylinder will be protruding out a bit (perhaps a centimeter or two), so you can grab it and the locking key and pull both out together. Once again, try wiggling the key and cylinder a bit as you pull to aid in the removal. [14]
    • If you want to install the lock cylinder without a master key, you'll essentially reverse the process: push the inserted locking key and cylinder into the opening as far as it will go; access the back side of the cylinder; and press on the tab with your screwdriver (while pushing in from the front side) so the cylinder can pop into place.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Reset a Luggage Lock
      How to
      Unlock a Door
      How to
      Open a Door with a Credit Card
      How to
      Reprogram a Sentry Safe with or without the Factory Code
      How to
      Open Combination Locks Without a Code
      How to
      Unlock a Safe: Combination Locks, Digital Locks & More
      How to
      Break a Lock
      The Best Ways to Get a Broken Key Out of a Lock
      A Detailed Guide to Programming Car Keys & Fobs
      How to
      Pick Locks On Doorknobs: Knob Types & Lockpicking Tutorials
      Don’t Panic! What to Do When You’ve Locked Your Keys inside Your Car
      How to
      Open a Locked Bathroom Door (Twist & Push Locks)
      How to
      Replace the Batteries in a Mercedes Key Fob
      Easy Ways to Set (And Reset) a Samsonite Lock
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.carid.com/images/thule/cargo-carriers/pdf/859-installation-instructions.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrNVTJxAOSU
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrNVTJxAOSU
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrNVTJxAOSU
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrNVTJxAOSU
      6. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/thules-lock-cylinders-out-8046297.html
      7. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/thules-lock-cylinders-out-8046297.html
      8. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/thules-lock-cylinders-out-8046297.html
      9. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/thules-lock-cylinders-out-8046297.html
      1. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/thules-lock-cylinders-out-8046297.html
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKFB9xxrSkk
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKFB9xxrSkk
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKFB9xxrSkk
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKFB9xxrSkk

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 99,925 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement