My home made barrel key collection (& how to)

[Lauren]

The WB locks work on a simple lever design. As the key sweeps clockwise, it merely retracts the locking mechanism that retains the hasp. The only component in this locking design that prevents just a key blank from operating this lock is a ward plate that is positioned parallel to the locking lever. Therefore, a ward cut would have to be made on the key as well. These locks are easy to make working keys. The time is in the blank preparation. Original barrel keys would have been made of cast bronze for your lock. This material is harder then the brass material that I use and is not a goog material for everyday use, because it's too soft. Half hard brass machines well, but just don't drop it, or a nice dent will appear. For everyday use, I would make a key from cold steel it would be stronger, but just don't keep your keys in the shower or rust would start to occur.

Also, your lock looks like the style where the dust cover is not spring loaded, but merely gravity swing type. Nevertheless, your lock would be a good canidate for key reproduction. Thanks for summiting your lock to the thread.

[Xtrajack]

The WB locks work on a simple lever design. As the key sweeps clockwise, it merely retracts the locking mechanism that retains the hasp. The only component in this locking design that prevents just a key blank from operating this lock is a ward plate that is positioned parallel to the locking lever. Therefore, a ward cut would have to be made on the key as well. These locks are easy to make working keys. The time is in the blank preparation. Original barrel keys would have been made of cast bronze for your lock. This material is harder then the brass material that I use and is not a goog material for everyday use, because it's too soft. Half hard brass machines well, but just don't drop it, or a nice dent will appear. For everyday use, I would make a key from cold steel it would be stronger, but just don't keep your keys in the shower or rust would start to occur.

(1)Also, your lock looks like the style where the dust cover is not spring loaded, but merely gravity swing type.(2) Nevertheless, your lock would be a good canidate for key reproduction. Thanks for summiting your lock to the thread.

1. I am curious, how did you know just from the pic that the dust cover isn't spring loaded?
2. Best thing I've heard all day.

I was able to find a picture of the key;

100_0883 by singlejack, on Flickr

I realize that this isn't the best picture for this purpose. It was however, the only picture of it I happen to have.

[Lauren]

If the cover was spring loaded, I wouldn't be able to see the key hole. The key is a bronze cast barrel key in your picture.

[Lauren]

Lucky #13...that's what the Ebay seller called it, and this newer United States Street Letter Box Lock with an original key works like a champ. I like these locks that have the coil spring in the hasp, especially the ones that are strong like mine.

Today's lesson is how to trace your own key using a metal scribe, a nail set to make the dimple, and a bench grinder. Those of you who make your own lock picks should appreciate this process. I used a dial caliper to make all the measurements. Study the pics carefully.

[dieselducy]

AWESOME 13 lock you got there!!! That appears to be an older SLBL as the newer ones dont have the spring. Again this is an EXCELLENT find...

[Gozzo]

What sort of pick does one use to open these type of locks, I have one I picked up at a flea market. I dont have the equipment to manufacter a key, and i would prefer to pick it open anyway. I have seen a tool called a " JiaDe Quin-Lever Lock Opening Tool " at dealextreme.com and was wondering if someone could tell me if that is what I want to do the job. i have trawled through the forum in an attempt to find out, before I made this post as I dont like making pointless post's, which is why I have so few posts even though I have been a member here for around 6 years. I have pretty much got standard pin tumblers down pat, and would like to now try something new.
Once again Thanks in advance
Gozzo

[Lauren]

Can you be more specific on the exact lock you're looking to pick? Pictures are worth a thousand words. There's different techniques for every type of antique lock.

[Gozzo]

I can never get picks to upload, on here i's just a standard railway type lock, where the key goes onto a cenral post in the keyway. The center post in the keyway goes into the key shaft then the key operates two levers when the key is turned. Similaur to the lock pictured.
Gozzo.

[Lauren]

I don't always find it necessary to pick a lock of the 2 lever type, since making a key serves the purpose. But if picking is your desire, I would suggest using hook tools. Railroad locks can be tricking because of the needed pressure to actuate the locking lever. Nevertheless, I would much rather make a key then picking these locks.

[MacGyver101]

Hey, Lauren: very nice article on decoding USPS Street Letter Box padlocks in this month's The Independent Locksmith Journal!

[Gozzo]

Hi Lauren
Thanks for you time and help so far, unfortunatly I dont have the tools and Im way to dumb to make a key lol, unless i can do it on my duplicator, what do you mean by hook tool's?
Thanks
Gozzo

[Lauren]

I would describe the tools as wire tools (made of carbon steel) that are "C" shaped where one of the ends in bent to ninety degrees, transitioning into a handle.

[Lauren]

The Independent Locksmith Journal has a whole line up of articles that I wrote. I'm glade people are enjoying them.

[MrSheerLine]

hey i work for a danish funiture company, called danish homestore in nottingham, we use these jeys all the time, but we always run short especially of the number 2's and 4's not including the step up versions, do you know were i could either obtain the keys them selvs so could you supply me with some of yours, or do you know were i could get some blanks?

also do you know were i can find the spring clips which slip between the lever and the wall? we bought like 1000 of a danish company, but they went bust, and were running low,



id love to hear back from you or anyone who could help,


please PM me

jamie

[Gozzo]

Thanks Lauren Understand what you mean now.
Gozzo