What to do with an antique cabinet lock that seems jammed?

[kmz5g8]

I bought an antique fold out bar today and I am seeking advice on how to unlock the top fold out doors. I have the original key and it seems to work great on the lock that is on the side door of the bar.

On the lock that is jammed, the key inserts fine into the lock with the longest portion of the key going into the center of the lock. I can turn the key in the clockwise direction about 190-200 degrees and then it gets stuck. On the functioning lock I can feel the key engage with something at this point and with very slight pressure on turning the key further, the bolt draws back into the mechanism and becomes unlocked. It seems to be jammed on the top lock, however.

Key: http://imgur.com/CwhweU0
Key, second view: http://imgur.com/DL8D8IU
Key in functioning lock: http://imgur.com/F6UWuw3
Lock that is stuck: http://imgur.com/AUISkao

If we need to end up calling a locksmith and having them look at it, I can do that, but thought I'd check here in case there are some easier/cheaper routes to go. Thanks!

[kmz5g8]

I messed up something with the photos. Here's a second attempt, hopefully it works!

http://imgur.com/a/BAUeH

[Squelchtone]

Hi,

From what you described, the top lock uses a differently cut key, same key blank since it inserts into the keyway, but different cuts to match different levers inside. It allows you to insert and start turning but the key cuts dont lift the levers to the correct heights and then the cylinder just stops turning.

the key you have is called a flat steel key.

Here is a video of how your style of lock works, I'll let others chime in and see if they can offer some advice on how to open it.


here's another video showing the typical guts of one of these locks:


Once you have an understanding of how these locks work, there are a few methods you can use to open them.

Impressioning is one of those methods and one that I would recommend. You would have to get a blank key and a hobby file kit and a sharpie, it's a method long used by locksmiths to open locks that are missing their keys.

[kmz5g8]

Thank you very much! That is the type of video I've been searching for, just to figure out what is going on inside.

[MBI]

I apologize that I have no useful information to contribute to opening this cabinet.
Except that, while it's very unlikely, check to see if the construction of the cabinet would allow you to remove the hinges or back panel of the locked portion (in a non-destructive manner) so you can remove the lock to service it more easily.

But the reason I'm posting is because I wanted to take a moment to commend kmz5g8 for starting a new member "please help me open this" thread the right way. Clearly articulated descriptions of the situation and problem with plenty of pics to help corroborate and illustrate what you're talking about. You also posted pics on your own without requiring us to post for you a detailed set of instructions on how to do it.

So often we get new members with blurry, close up cell phone pics who are very sparse on details or who have a cover story that makes NO sense at all. They're usually very demanding and are usually in a hurry for some reason they can't explain, and want to be able to open it NOW without any special knowledge, tools or materials. Often they are clearly just trying to break into an office, mom's jewelry box, laundromat coin box, vending machine, classroom, etc. and that's just not what we're here for.

I hope some of our clever members can help you get this problem solved.

[Raymond]

Your key might actually be the correct key. Sometimes a key that is worn or cut too low will slip off of the bolt and only turn the bolt half way. The lock is then stuck. You might try turning the key in the locking direction to see if it will reset the bolt into the correct position. A locksmith will try this with a probe if it seems appropriate. Just a thought.
+1 to MBI's suggestion about looking for alternate means to get into the cabinet.

[femurat]

Can I see a picture of the back and side of your working lock?
If the lock is just screwed to the wooden panel, it may be possible to force it inwards. The screw holes would be stripped badly but no other damage may be done to the external part of the panel.
If the lock is in a pocket, I strongly suggest you don't do it. In this case you can carefully cut the bolt with a hacksaw blade. Spread the wooden sides with two wooden wedges, protect them with some tape and be careful not to touch them, and slowly saw the bolt with a hacksaw blade.

Good luck and keep us updated

[kmz5g8]

Thank you for all the advice, everyone!

Unfortunately, the cabinet does not have any other points of access into the top bar portion and all the hinges on the cabinet parts are Soss hinges (i.e. invisible once the doors are closed). There is a drawer that pulls out on one side, but I can't get into the top bar cabinet upon removing this drawer either, can just touch the bottom wall of it. It really is a cool piece. It should be a pretty sweet bar once some light refinishing is done. I've uploaded a few more photos here:

http://imgur.com/a/1UkzM

The first image is the top of the cabinet, with the stuck lock. Through the space between this top cabinet panel and the surrounding portion with the lock, I can see the bolt extending into the top cabinet panel. The space is very narrow, however. Even fitting a thin credit card/paper clip in there is a bit tough.

The second photo is the side door panel (with functioning lock) where the bolt pushes into the slot. I'm assuming the slot on the top cabinet panel is similar.

The next two photos are what the functioning lock looks like from the bottom end (this lock is on a vertical panel and extends downward into the side door panel).

The last photo is a side view of the cabinet (jammed lock on the top center, functioning lock on the side with the open side door panel. And yes, that is a headlamp on the top of the cabinet.

The side view of the functioning lock is the fourth photo down in this album: http://imgur.com/a/BAUeH

If I understand femurat's question correctly, the lock appears to be in a pocket. I don't think there is any way for me to be able to force the lock inward. I think my plan is to head down to my neighborhood locksmith with photos (before lugging the whole piece down there) and see what they would possibly charge to open it and make a new key. If its outrageous, then I will probably pick up a blank key and start impressioning. All else fails, a hacksaw may be possible, but I think the risk of damaging the piece may be too great with that option. Just below where the bolt enters the top cabinet panel, there is a ledge that the panel rests on (so it doesn't fall into the cabinet). Making that cut on the bolt would be a delicate operation. I do have a Dremel saw with very thin blades that may do the trick...but then I worry about sparks. One step at a time! Photos to the locksmith first. Thanks again everyone!

[femurat]

Yes, the lock is in a pocket. This prevents my previous trick.

At this point I agree with you, show the pictures to a locksmith and ask for a quote to impression a key for that very nice bar.

Cheers