cedar chest lock picking

[beacond22]

[b][b]My Dad recently died and Mom wants me to open the cedar chest she doesn't know where the key is. I would like to know if this is an easy open deal or should I get a locksmith[/b][/b]

[zekeo]

It depends. To be able to let you know, we need more information, preferably a picture of the lock, description of the key, etc. Let us know!

[Santos718]

I sprry about your father. I send my condolences.

[wtf|pickproof?]

I agree with beeing sorry about your father. None the less, I don't consider the bold tag as beeing any help to answer your question.

I have still no idea what kind of lock you are talking about. Please post a better description and/or some pictures. Meanwhile I'd suggest beeing careful about the chest/lock, unless you are willing to wreck it. Reading up on the topic will most certainly give you the information you are looking for.

This http://www.capricorn.org/~akira/home/lockpick/ will make you familiar with the basics, so please read it and try to avoid asking questions covered in this document.

Next thing I'd like to point you to, is the valuable search engine this forum provides. As soon as you know the basic terms (which the above link should provide) it will be able to answer (nearly) all questions regarding the lock of your chest, the appropriate way to pick it and even some suggestions, on how hard it may be to pick it.

If this dosen't help you, there are, most likely, still enough people around here which are willing and able, to provide you with the information you need. Just be kind and provide them with the information they need to help you.

wtf|pickproof?

[Chrispy]

90% of wooden chests have warded lever locks (something about the timeless essence of history.... ) and can be opened using some bent coathanger wire.

But a locksmith will open it faster and with less possibility of damage. If you want to have a go, search for warded lever locks and browse the results.

[Mad Mick]

Firstly, my condolences.
Since this chest probably belonged to Dad, I don't think Mum or yourself would want it to be damaged in any way. My advice is to get a locksmith to open it, and keep it as a precious family memento.

[funky__monk]

first off sorry abut your dad...
if you are wanting to look after the chest i wouldnt tray and pick it yourself because it is easy to brake things of it the lock or even the lock itself i advise to get a locksmith unless you are fairly knowledgeable about the type of lock

[oaksy]

Im sorry to here your loss..

Like funky__monk and all the others say i would get a locksmith unlock it for you...
Regards
Oaksy

[raimundo]

Those old chests may have 'barrel' keys, with a hole down the center of the shaft. or they will be flat keys, If its a barrel key, that would be quite easy, there are not a lot of change keys in that type of lock, Look in the local antique shops, there is usually a cigar box full of old keys just for this type of occasion. Don't damage the chest or the lock, be patient. Look also for other cedar chests in antique stores, there might be a key or an open chest that will suggest the possibility of a bypass, perhaps by shimming back the bolt or some such thing. Remember, you do not want to damage that chest in any way. don't be in a hurry to open it. if you do not solve the puzzle in the first two weeks, you will get it in the next two years, so be patient. look at locksmiths shops that carry antique keys go to another city and look in the antique shops. Remember, that key is not really very complicated, but you cannot buy picks for that type of lock, you can make picks that will work. don' t make any rough tools that will scar the lock.