Key stuck in lock

[Alaskamike]

Strange problem.   I had my gas tank off, exchanging for Interstate tank.  Gas cap lock and top off.  Now I go to put things back and the key won't come out of the gas cap (where I left it) 

Used lock lube, wiggled, turned every which way - no go.

I can see that when I turn the key to Open the gas cap, the tabs on inside do not seem to go all the way in.  They both move, but do not seem to go in far enough.  It may not be opening up far enough when let go to release key - probably so.  I can feel the spring, seems to be strong, but I cannot open the back of the lock or take it apart because the silver ring that holds it together, is blocked from turning becasue the retainer tabs will not pull all the way back in far enough.
Is it locksmith time????

[Joe Hummer]

Stupid question...you are trying to get the key out while the gas cap is closed...right?  The key will only come out when the cap is closed...or...if you push the spring down as if it was closed on the tank. 

Joe

[MP]

Stupid question...you are trying to get the key out while the gas cap is closed...right?  The key will only come out when the cap is closed...or...if you push the spring down as if it was closed on the tank. 

Joe

+1, that is the problem.  There is only one way you can see the tabs and the spring, you have the cap OPEN.  The key will not come out, if the cap is OPEN.  Close it, and you can remove the key.

Do NOT ask how I know! 

MP

[Alaskamike]

Well…. I must always be gracious when receiving help.   I forgot that not only do the metal hold tabs have to be depressed, but the ring has to be compressed.

Since it was off the bike and tank, I didn’t have the lip of the tank to automatically depress the ring when it was closed.
Thanks again…. Got it out of course.

[John Schmidt]

Well…. I must always be gracious when receiving help.   I forgot that not only do the metal hold tabs have to be depressed, but the ring has to be compressed.

Actually, if your lock is working correctly you don't have to compress the tabs....just squeeze the ring. Your key will spin around to the locked position and the tabs will extend, just like they do when you close the cap on the tank.

[Ricky-D]

A little lube on the tabs every now and then keeps everything working pretty smoothly.

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