Please help me open my cedar chest

[Jennnifer]

Hi all,

I am not sure if this is the right place to ask this question, but I’ll give it a shot.

I am trying to open my mom’s old (at least 50+ years) Lane cedar chest. I actually have the key, and it turns the lock. But when I push in the button, it won’t turn. Seems to me the key is working but not turning the latch.

I tried taking off the hinges but I couldn’t pop the latch from the inside either.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I know these locks are problematic and dangerous so it’s no problem if we have to break and replace it, but I don’t want to damage the wood.

[bitbuster]

Is it like this?
http://werefinish.net/lane-lock-2/

[Jennnifer]

Is it like this?
http://werefinish.net/lane-lock-2/

I think so! I can only see the button part, but it looks like this. And it is old enough that it is certainly subject to this recall. Thanks!

[Raymond]

Howdy Jennifer. Welcome to LP101.
When you have turned the key to unlocked, press down on the top of the chest before pressing in the button. It is very common that the pressure of the lid on the latch binds so you cannot push in the button. I hope this is all the problem is. Good luck.

[Jennnifer]

Howdy Jennifer. Welcome to LP101.
When you have turned the key to unlocked, press down on the top of the chest before pressing in the button. It is very common that the pressure of the lid on the latch binds so you cannot push in the button. I hope this is all the problem is. Good luck.

So when I put the key in, I can easily turn it but then I can’t push the button in. I can also put the key in and push the button in all the way, but I can’t turn it at all. I tried pushing the top down at various points but no luck. Thanks for your advice though! I will keep trying.

[billdeserthills]

Howdy Jennifer. Welcome to LP101.
When you have turned the key to unlocked, press down on the top of the chest before pressing in the button. It is very common that the pressure of the lid on the latch binds so you cannot push in the button. I hope this is all the problem is. Good luck.

So when I put the key in, I can easily turn it but then I can’t push the button in. I can also put the key in and push the button in all the way, but I can’t turn it at all. I tried pushing the top down at various points but no luck. Thanks for your advice though! I will keep trying.

Have you tried a squirt of WD-40 into the keyhole? I have seen these begin working after they are lubricated

[jaksprat]

I am currently dealing with the same situation. If you have had any success opening your chest, please advise how you opened it.