Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Cobra7 lock core and the Proven Disc-Detainer lock core?

The Cobra7 lock core has 7 unique spring and pin assemblies (you can see them through the keyway). The key for these is a 7-sided tubular key. You will see notches on the key cut to different depths on each of the 7 sides. These notches push each pin down a specific depth, creating the "combination" that allows the key to turn and disengage the lock.

The Proven Disc-Detainer uses several stacked round discs contained within the lock core. This style lock core utilizes a blade style key. The cuts on the key engage each disc at a certain position which then rotates each disc to a specific orientation, this is what creates the "combination" that will allow the lock to disengage.This style lock core is "self clearing" meaning that dirt and debris will work its way out with every use. There are no springs or pins which results in less maintenance required.

Why won’t my Proven Disc-Detainer disengage?

Since the disc-detainer lock core contains multiple rotating discs (all which move independently) these lock cores can sometimes become misaligned, or give a "false set". Misalignment will occur occasionally due to the core being jostled around, or due to improper use. A false set is one of the security features of the lock core. When this false set occurs, this is where inexperienced and/or uninformed users can become frustrated and think that their lock is defective.

When your disc-detainer is in perfect alignment you will be able to see all the way through the keyway; there will be a nice, straight line through the lock core. The key blade will insert fully into the lock core and rotate 270° clockwise, which will disengage the lock (retract the plunger). When the discs are misaligned, you will not be able to fully insert the key into the keyway, nor will you be able to rotate the key more than 90°.

To ensure your lock will operate properly, you may be required to realign your discs. This process is a function of feeling and patience. To realign the discs, you must insert the key into the keyway and rotate it back and forth while applying slight inward pressure. As the key works its way into the keyway and the discs become aligned, you will feel the key step past each disc, eventually getting the key fully inserted into the keyway. This may take a moment to get all the discs aligned and this is where the patience comes in. Once you feel comfortable with the process, it will seem like second nature to oscillate the key into the lock core.

Why won’t my Cobra7 lock core disengage?

If you are able to turn the key, but the lock core and cylinder adapter do not freely slide out of the housing, then your set screw is likely overtightened. Loosen the setscrew ¼ turn at a time until the locking mechanism moves freely in and out of the housing.Loosening it too much will result in the locking mechanism coming completely out.

If the key will not turn at all, refer to our lock core care instructions. For further help, contact our customer service team by emailing a brief description of your issues and some pictures showing the problem to support@provenlocks.com.

Lock Core Care

For the lock core, we recommend clearing debris out of the keyway with compressed air, followed by using an aerosol spray carburetor cleaner, then lastly lubricating with DRY GRAPHITE LUBRICANT. We do not recommend a wet, oily lubricant as the residue they leave behind only collects more dirt and dust. This is standard maintenance of your locks and should be done every few months (or more often depending on how and where they are used). During this maintenance, you should also take this time to inspect the set screw on each one of your locks. During normal operating conditions, this screw can either become overtightened, which will result in a stuck lock, or it can become loose and cause the core to fall out when disengaged. You will need a 3/32 hex key to adjust the set screw position. When installed properly, the lock core and associated cylinder adapter will slide freely into and out of the lock housing.

I lost one of my keys, can I order new keys?*

Whether you need just a new set of keys or if you want new locks keyed to match your existing key, we can do that for you! This can only be done by contacting our customer service team at support@provenlocks.com . We will need photos of your existing key showing the code. The photos reduce the likelihood of errors when this code is provided to Customer Service and then passed to our key cutter. Photos also act as proof of ownership. This must be an original as duplicates do not have the code stamped onto them. We do not keep key codes on file for security purposes.

*It is recommended that you keep a photo of your key code in a safe place or order a second set of keys to keep in a safe place. If you do not have the ability to get the code from your key, we cannot cut new keys to match.

Can I have my new lock keyed to match my original?

Why do you need photos of my coupler? Isn’t a description of my trailer enough?

We need photos of your coupler to assist in choosing the correct lock for you because trailer manufacturers routinely change the couplers that they use without any notification. The weight your trailer coupler is rated for has no bearing on the style of coupler lock you need. Our locks are designed to fit only specific style couplers. If you would like assistance in choosing the correct model of lock for your trailer coupler, you can contact our customer service team at support@provenlocks.com . We will ask you to send photos of your coupler and to confirm whether your coupler receives a 2” or 2 5/16” ball.

What is the difference between the Aluminum and Stainless Steel Pucks?

Aluminum vs Stainless Puck:

Our aluminum pucks are made from alloy 6061-T6, which remains resistant to corrosion even when the surface is abraded. It is strong and lightweight, and is commonly used in construction of aircraft structures, such as wings and fuselages. Billet aluminum is capable of withstanding very high levels of stress making it ideal for pieces that need to be particularly strong. We offer our aluminum pucks in different anodized color options.

Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, has a very high melting point (making it ideal for protecting against flame cutting), and tends to work harden if not drilled properly. Drilling certain grades of stainless steel, especially at high speeds as one would expect from a thief trying to be quick, causes the material to work harden due to the heat that is caused from excess friction. It also requires harder drill bits which are more susceptible to chipping and breaking when drilling in an uncontrolled environment. Choosing between the two is at the preference of the customer. We can offer information on the pros and cons of the options, but there isn’t a right or wrong choice.

Do you ship to Canada?

Yes! We have numerous Canadian customers. Orders placed through customer support at support@provenlocks.com or through our web store on provenlocks.com will have customs fees paid for by Proven Locks.

How long will it take for my delivery to arrive?

Delivery times vary based on your address and the carrier selected for delivery. On average orders arrive within 5-10 days of being shipped. If you did not order directly through Customer Service or our online store front, we may need to confirm parts of the order.

Why are you confirming my order or my shipping address?

Returns are never fun, but when dealing with such heavy and expensive products,we do our best to verify proper fitment and make sure the address we have on file is correct.

Where are you located?

Our locks are manufactured in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. We are very proud of offering products produced in the USA from raw materials also produced in the USA.Some of our products utilize components sourced from other countries, but we are able to offer 100% made in USA options.

FAQ