Stinky laptop lock!

[emeraldgirl08]

I bought a laptop lock last week from a Thrift Store. It was in package and unopened. It was too sweet a deal to pass up so I snapped it up.

The problem is the lock stinks! It has an offending odor and I'd prefer not to carry the thing around with me if it smells like that!

Is there any type of household product (natural/soap/etc) that will not damage the lock and wash the "thousand year old sardine smell" away??!!!

[rkawakami]

I assume by laptop lock you are talking about a cable lock (aka, Kensington design) meant to secure the system to some immovable object? If so, what's the cable material made of/covered with?

edit: There's this stuff I use for cleaning pet stains and odors from floors and carpets. It's probably safe to use on plastics but follow the recommendation on the bottle and test a small area for color fastness. The stuff is called "Kids 'n' Pets Stain & Odor Remover" and is made by Paramount Chemical Specialities Inc. The web site is:

http://www.kidsnpetsbrand.com/products.htm

The bottle that I have was bought a couple of years ago so it doesn't look like the "All Purpose" bottle that's on the web site but it's probably the same thing. Can't remember if we got this at the supermarket or pet store.

[killer]

Leave it on your lawn on a dry night and wait for the ants to eat away cause of the smell. Then use a light lubricating oil and lemon juice to get rid of the ants.

I swallowed a fly, I don't know why, ... etc.

[emeraldgirl08]

The model of lock is a Targus Defcon CL cable lock. Yes it does securely attach around an immoveable object. I have the manual and it doesn't say what it's made out of. The only thing I see is a reference to the locking device as Black Nickel. The cable is vinyl coated steel.

[hausman]

The model of lock is a Targus Defcon CL cable lock.

Targus is a reputable manufacturer. Have you called their Technical Support people at 1-800-283-6325?

[emeraldgirl08]

Would it matter if I bought it second hand at a Thrift Store?

I took the advice of Ray. I sprayed that bad lock and let's see how it goes manana.

In the meantime when I'm not busy I'll Google it and see what kind of other advice I can get. I'm sure I'm not the only person that's faced this weird dilemma.

Edit: Sorry Hausman. Thanks!!!!

[hausman]

Would it matter if I bought it second hand at a Thrift Store?

Not to a "reputable" company that stands behind its products.

What if you had received this cable as a present?

[RealBlackStuff]

Stick it in a plastic bag, close it except for a small opening, then spray a lot of Febreze etc. (or use that perfume someone gave you, and which you don't like ) in the bag and close it.
Leave for a day or two.

[emeraldgirl08]

Stick it in a plastic bag, close it except for a small opening, then spray a lot of Febreze etc. (or use that perfume someone gave you, and which you don't like ) in the bag and close it.
Leave for a day or two.

I sprayed it with WD-40 and it still smells. I haven't called Targus yet. I've been busy! I'm going to spray it w/ a perfume I like and put it in a tight plastic bag. That way instead of smelling bad it'll smell good

Thanks rbs!

[killer]

So you sprayed it with WD40 ... but did you let the ants do their stuff beforehand?

They are the most amazing removers of stinks.

[Beaver]

There is a small strong monster holding the lock inside in locked position. It's quite possible that because of long storage time of this item monster died. I should recommend to use a warranty and ask the seller for replacement of this lock as the dead monster smells. You need to ask them for non-stinking lock with live monster

[Marin85]

There is a small strong monster holding the lock inside in locked position. It's quite possible that because of long storage time of this item monster died. I should recommend to use a warranty and ask the seller for replacement of this lock as the dead monster smells. You need to ask them for non-stinking lock with live monster

My firm belief is that all monsters (even the tiny ones) stink (probably even more so if dead). On the other hand one can assume that the more the monster stinks, the stronger it is. That would explain why the Targus-branded lock stinks that much... @OP: Also, why would you like to remove that smell, I mean there could be hardly better protection for your laptop

[killer]

Maybe it's the Lock Ness monster?

OK, I'll get my coat ...

[emeraldgirl08]

@OP: Also, why would you like to remove that smell, I mean there could be hardly better protection for your laptop

lol u have a point there!

I just got off the phone with the company and they referred me back to the Thrift store I bought this from. They don't have any other solution and the Customer Service person I spoke with did mention they had an old issue with this particular model of lock (the smell).

Sheesh.

I should have told her it was a gift and the person who sent it to me was from out of state! Maybe I could have got a replacement.

Okay. Now down to leaving it out all night for the ants to munch on. I'll give it a shot tonight and make one of my brothers clean it off in the morning

[RealBlackStuff]

If the ants don't take care of your problem, dump it.
You're wasting time and energy to save a few bucks.
Look at this post: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=71179
You may not even bother with such a cable after reading it!

[hausman]

You may not even bother with such a cable after reading it!

Yes and no. One of my ThinkPads was stolen from my office about a decade ago. It was "secured" with a Kensington cable. The thief apparently used bolt-cutters so the cable lock was useless to prevent theft. OTOH the thief left part of the severed cable at the scene. That made it dead easy to convince the insurer that theft had occurred despite my taking reasonable precautions to prevent it.

FWIW Kensington sent me a new cable when I sent them the old one with a brief note that expressed my disappointment with the security of their device. My impression is that the replacement used a thicker aircraft cable than the original.

[emeraldgirl08]

Yes and no. One of my ThinkPads was stolen from my office about a decade ago. It was "secured" with a Kensington cable. The thief apparently used bolt-cutters so the cable lock was useless to prevent theft. OTOH the thief left part of the severed cable at the scene. That made it dead easy to convince the insurer that theft had occurred despite my taking reasonable precautions to prevent it.

Thank you for this tip!!! I have a warranty on my laptop. I don't know if theft is included on it but I will definitely ask- today!