by locksmistress » 22 Nov 2004 15:01
I have limited ecperience with older locks but I'll give it a shot. I think what you have is a very simple American lever lock. This is to distinguish it from a European lever lock which can be a wholly different thing that I've never actually seen but which I understand is verrry complicated.
If a 'skeleton key' works in your lock, there is probably only the one lever and it can be operated by any piece of bent metal that fits in the hole. With only one lever, there's nothing particularly special about the original key. If the key you have works poorly, it may just be a matter of cleaning and lubing your lock or replacing worn and broken springs.
My experience is limited but I have opened a few domestic lever locks and thus far I haven't been caught with anything too traumatic. If you want to open your lock up I can give you a few tips on diagnosing your lever situation and figuring out what kind of key you're likely to have:
First - be very careful... Work slowly on a clean surface, possibly lined with a light colored low pile towel or something to keep small springs and such from bouncing.
As you remove the case cover pay attention to areas of pressure or resistance and any clicks or things that might indicate a spring loaded part getting ready to sproing. Be ready to sneak a finger or screw driver in under the cover to control the trajectory of such parts.
Once the cover is off and nothing is moving, quick draw a sketch or take a couple of photos to make sure you can get the lock back together if it does end up becoming more apart. There's usually only a couple of parts that may eject from the body and, with every other thing set to rights, it's not that hard to figure out where they came from.
If at this point you find any loose or broken pieces of metal be sure to note their position and save them! They will be invaluable if they are parts of things that need to be replaced.
Once you have your record, find the keyhole and identify the moving parts that the key interacts with directly: these are the levers (in this case a 'lever' will probably be a flat, oblong piece of metal with a cutout in it). If there are fewer than 3 levers, your skeleton key or antique reproduction is pretty likely the exact key to your lock.
There may also be some non-moving parts inside the lockcase around the keyhole that make it so only one particular shape of key will fit in/turn. I think that these are called wards and if they are simple and do not interfere with your skeleton key, again, you probably already have as exact a reproduction key as you're going to get.
If you have more than three levers or broken parts or profuse wards then your next step is finding a locksmith (or and antiques restoration company) with the knowledge/equipment/blanks for making bit keys and/or lock parts. You'll need to bring or send in the lock(s) - most places cannot make keys from make/model alone.
If you're in Rochester, MN, pm me and I can refer you to someone. If you're in another Rochester I'd recommend starting your research with the antique dealers or restoration companies in your area.
Good luck.
