Thinkpad Dock 2361 in locked position

[acz]

I found a Thinkpad Dock (2631) at a thrift store for $10. Unfortunately, either the store or the original owner lost the key, and as you might guess, it is currently in the LOCKED position. I would like to use the dock for my wife's T23 at home and have no use for the actual lock; if it were permanently unlocked that would be fine.

Can I take this thing apart, remove the lock and then reassemble it so that the T23 still works with it?
Is there a hardware or service manual for the Dock that could be downloaded?

Can I get a key somewhere, using the serial number?

Thank you for any advice!
(I hope this is the right forum.)

[slagmi]

Yes you can.
Good deal! I paid 20 for mine but it has the keys.
Standard procedure would be to drill it
Set your drill so that you don't go more than about 3cm in though.
A more graceful solution would be to wave a crisp 20$ in front of the local locksmith and ask him nicely to pick it one time for you.
Without the key you won't have to worry about it getting locked again.

[acz]

Wow, I never even thought of using a destructive method. Would I actually drill right down the middle of the lock cylinder?

[slagmi]

Yup
I don't have it close to look at but I'm figuring 7/16" or 1/2" will do

[acz]

My local locksmith got it open in about 4 minutes and charged only $5 for that service. I asked him how much it would cost if we ever decided we needed a key, and he said "around $10, assuming the blank is available, a little more if I have to make a custom key."

I am using that Thinkpad Dock right now; many thanks slagmi for your advice!