Sargent 8 line "T" zone Lock

[drummond52]

Has anyone had any expeience with this lock, I am a Carpenter that has to work with locks at my job, the other day I had a door that was locked with the Sergent 8 line lock in it and the key just kept turning in the lock, I drilling out the removable core cylinder but still could not retract the latch, I almost butchered this lock to get it out. I know that peps on this forum do not like the destructive methods, but we have no choice sometimes, if nothing else could someone point me in the right direction by recommending a book or forum, anything would be great. Thanks.............drummond

[mcm757207]

Tailpiece must have broken or become disconnected if the key just spins and spins. Drilling cylinder, as you discovered, accomplishes nothing unfortunately. You need to get the knob off somehow whether that means attacking the retainer (which I think is advanced unfortunately) or disassembling the entire knobset from the back which obviously requires you getting to the other side of the door. If you can't use any under-the-door tools or get in to the other side somehow, I would attack the latch. If I can't get it to retract I would probably cut it- it's cheaper than damaging the knobset more than likely and if you work on a lot of them you probably have a spare latch laying around anyway.

I honestly can't remember how the retainer works on that particular type of knobset... but if it's similar to what you typically see on Arrow and Schlage where you turn the key then depress the retainer, you might be able to just do the same on your lock without the key being turned depending on where the tailpiece has become disconnected/is broken.

Good luck!

[drummond52]

Thanks for your reply mcm151201, I kind of thought that the tailpiece had come disconnected, I got into the room but it was a case of destroying the lock, we have to order another one, but let me tell you it was the hardest lock I had to remove..........drummond

[jpb06080]

http://www.sargentlock.com/documents/?cat_id=70

2nd from the bottom shows you how to remove them when they are working properly. I don't know about servicing one with a broken tailpiece. Ive had to rekey alot of these in the shop however, which is actually really fun. Its a very good lock, designed for difficult environments and climates.

[drummond52]

Thanks for the reply jpb06080, I have searched high and low on the internet and can't find anything on removing this lock if you cant get inside the room, would have thought someone would have run into this situation before. Again thank you........drummond