Remove Gas Cap Without Key

[MrAl]

Hi,

Anyone know the best way to get a second sourced locking gas cap off if the key is lost?
The key goes in the top and turns to unlock, then turns to lock again.

I am asking because i was wondering one day when i was getting gas what would happen if i ever lost the key.

Some thoughts:
1. Screwdriver maybe?
2. Cut it off somehow?

Complete and total damage to the cap is acceptable if necessary.
No damage to the mount hole though should happen.

[RickHaleParker]

Four options.

1. Try grabbing the top and pull up on it as you turn counter clockwise. You might be able to do it with your hands. If not, try it with channel lock pliers. Another method is to use a lever to pry up on the cap as you turn it with your hand.

2. Lots of times all the keys are the same. Have somebody with the same lock, unlock it for you.

3. Drill a 1/8 in hole in the word "may" at top of the cap, insert a rod in the hole to unlock cap.

4. With a hammer and a long screwdriver. Drive the screwdriver into the keyhole. Use the screwdriver as a lever to break the plastic top and lock off. Use channel lock pliers to get the threaded part out. Take about 60 seconds to do.

[abscate]

28 grams of protection is worth 1/2.2 kilograms of cure

Get a spare key made today?

[j-dawg]

I've used a pair of channel-locks around the base. Oil filter wrench would probably work too. Squeeze to make the cap oval-shaped and twist.

[Klausc]

A locksmith can open it in about 30 seconds, without damage. A hardware store can make a copy of the key, which should be stored in the glove box.
Actually, if the door flap is not functioning, fix it. Then the cap doesn't need to have a key.

[MrAl]

Hi,

Couple notes...

First, thanks for all the suggestions. Very interesting ideas. I wasnt sure how to approach this mostly because i dont want to damage anything that is not easily replaceable. How much to replace the gas tank gas fill neck for example if it got damaged?

Second, nice ideas. I am not sure how much side pressure you can put on it without bending something with the neck though. Remember that has to seal perfectly for the monitor to not see a leak.

Third, i like the ideas about the spare key and where to keep it. I wanted ideas in case worse case it did get lost, but i will also now think about where to put the spare key, which i already have but did not think about where to keep it until now.
After reading these suggestions though, maybe i'll have a third key made and keep that hiding at home. Worst case i should be able to return home and get the key, even if i have to take a taxi, but i never go that far anyway and i dont wait until the last minute or last ounce of gas to get gas either.

Thanks again for all the ideas. If i find a good place to hide the spare or 3rd key, i'll let you know ... oh well maybe ill keep that a secret

[wizechatmgr]

Water pump pliers... Or a screw driver and a hammer into the key way...

You could also inject water into the key way and let it freeze... Most destructive force you can ever get for free in the winter.

[abscate]

Gas is too cheap to steal and I doubt that will change soon. I think I only have one car left with a locking cap ( vs flap) and I don't even lock it. Put one key on your car key ring, one in the glove box with a nice piece of cord On it so you find it.

[RickHaleParker]

If i find a good place to hide the spare or 3rd key

1. Stick the key on a piece of tape then hide it on the back side of a easy to remove panel where nobody ever looks.
2. Slide the radio out and tape it to the top of the radio.
3.Tape it to the back side or bottom of an ash tray.
4. Tape it to the back side of a curiosity light fixture that just pops out.

So many possibilities .... don't hide it so well you end up hiding it from yourself.

[misha]

I have never seen the original locking gas cap on these cars.