Any locksmith about or lock experts?

[nzspokes]

This is the lock of the box on our bike trailer. Its never had a key. Two questions, is it better to replace than get a key made for it and can I get a better quality lock to replace it?

[Supertwin Don]

A decent locksmith should be able to replace the barrel of that lock and supply suitable keys.
May even be the same size as replacement barrels for household locks - Bunnings / Mitre 10
Good luck

[FJRider]

The cheap option is go the padlock route ...

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ecatalog/N-1z0dxh6

[Virago]

Shouldn't even need to replace the barrel - it looks like the barrel face has a number on it? A master locksmith should be able to cut keys to the number.

[Disco Dan]

Depends on cost... a locksmith is going to cost you labour + parts.

If it was me, I would do it for around $5. Cut a rectangle of metal (ally/steel whatever I have at hand) slightly bigger than hole then drill a hole in it for a new lock barrel that has a arm on the back (like what you get in those metal money tins).

[Akzle]

wax keys or soft keyblanks will cost you about 3$ each, buy some, lern to use em. you'll end up with a key that works, take this and get it copied onto daily use key. or pay a locksmith. probably about 40$ time and 13$ keys. if he's worth his nuts.