How do I open this manhole cover

[harrybertrand]

Hello, I need to open this manhole / drain inspection cover but not sure what type of key is needed. Does anyone know? Photo is of the 'keyhole' There are no other features on the cover (concrete) except for some unreadable letters.

 

[Deleted member 120897]

Probably something like this

 

[harrybertrand]

No, I have tried pulling with a conventional key and there is no movement at all. I don't think I could have applied much more force without the risk of breaking the plastic insert.

As you can see from the photo there is a raised cross pattern which I thought could be meant to twist, I tried rotating and pulling the ridges with a pliers but no movement, but still wonder if a special tool would do it.

I am 99% sure I have found a photo of this type of manhole cover on ' the ultimate manhole covets website' (google it) but can't post links. The engraved words on the concrete say 'Marley Extrusions Lenham Kent'

 

[snowhead]

You'll need to lever it up around the edge of the cover, it'll be jammed in, most concrete covers are.

When you refit it clear all the rubbish out from where the cover sits in and off the underside and edges of the cover otherwise it won't sit flush

 

[harrybertrand]

When I tried this with a crowbar, I succeeded only in chipping the concrete, which had me thinking that it was locked somehow

I'll try again when the rain stops.

 

[Timmy D]

You'll need to lever it up around the edge of the cover, it'll be jammed in, most concrete covers are.

When you refit it clear all the rubbish out from where the cover sits in and off the underside and edges of the cover otherwise it won't sit flush

And grease the edges before closing.

Any pics from further back.

That cross looks like a tile spacer.

 

[snowhead]

The one on the website copied below, shows definite signs of being attacked by screwdrivers around the edge.

 

[harrybertrand]

That's the one snowhead, I will let you know how it goes.

 

[harrybertrand]

Just to close this one out, had to attack the surround with a hammer drill to get a crowbar underneath. Still havn't worked out what type of ket the plastic insert was supposed to accept but it doesn't matter now.