Sargent & Greenleaf Ingersoll Impregnable- stuck key!

[Mitchell S]

Hi all!
I'm hoping for a pearl of wisdom. I have acquired a rather nice old S&G Ingersoll Impregnable with a key stuck in it. The lock aside from this looks brand new so I'm a little confused how it ever got stuck like this. It's also worth pointing out that one of the drainage holes on the side of the lock (the high hole to drain water out of the shackle housing) had some hardened gunk in it. I have got that out and have tried lubing the crap out of it, but no luck so far. It's a 10 lever lock as you probably all know, I have been hesitant to force anything as I don't want to unnecessarily damage the lock.
Thanks in advance!
Mitch

[GWiens2001]

The shackle looks slightly high. Try pressing it down. Am hoping one of the screws that hold the core retainer have not backed out.

If the key is fully horizontal, which it apears to be, the key should come out. If it is not fully horizontal, you can try making it so. If not, you may have a damaged lever.

Please be sure to keep us appraised of the progress!

Gordon

[Mitchell S]

Thanks Gordon

The shackle has no play in it at all, completely solid. I tried giving it a little tap on the carpet, no movement. I have another one of these (albeit the fully shrouded version), I'm not sure if they are functionally the same, but with that lock the shackle moves around a bit in the locked position. Not sure what to make of that.

The key is in the horizontal position right up against the stop.

What's the diagnosis if a lever is damaged? Stuck in there forever?

[Mitchell S]

More pics to assist

[Comrade627]

Hardened gunk in drain hole
stuck key
immobile shackle

Glued?

[Mitchell S]

Hardened gunk in drain hole
stuck key
immobile shackle

Glued?

The thought crossed my mind. But why would anyone do that?

Begs the question, what will dissolve the glue? Would acetone ruin the lock or the chrome finish?

[Comrade627]

Hardened gunk in drain hole
stuck key
immobile shackle

Glued?

The thought crossed my mind. But why would anyone do that?

Begs the question, what will dissolve the glue? Would acetone ruin the lock or the chrome finish?

What would dissolve the glue would depend on what kind of glue it is (provided it IS a glue). I can't say if acetone would ruin anything. I'd try it, but that's me.

As far as who would do it, it's actually a thing where people go around and glue up locks.
Then again, with the key IN the lock... the chances of someone gluing the lock then the owner going to use the key and it getting stuck...eh... I don't know.

I'd probably just end up blasting it with everything I have known to dissolve stuff.

[Mitchell S]

Yeah the blasting with lines and solvents is my current plan. Might throw it in a petrol bath for a few days.

Or mail it to Squelchtone and get him to fix it for me

[Comrade627]

Yeah the blasting with lines and solvents is my current plan. Might throw it in a petrol bath for a few days.

Or mail it to Squelchtone and get him to fix it for me

Yea you could always send it to him simply to stress him out. Surely he would reply with something like

"Well I fixed the lock and I'm sending it back, now let's get back on topic,

Thanks,
Squelchtone"

heh.

[GWiens2001]

CAREFUL with using solvents!

There is a very large o-ring at the back of the cylinder put there for the intention of reducing feel while picking. The wrong solvent may damage it, or even make it become glue.

Don't know the exact material used in the o-ring, nor what lubricants or solvents are safe.

Here is the core from an Ingersoll Impregnable. The o-ring is at the top of the picture.



Gordon

[Mitchell S]

Do I have any other choice if I can't use solvents??

[Comrade627]

Do I have any other choice if I can't use solvents??

12 gauge slug masterkey.

[VancouverSpecial71]

Nice score winning one of those lovely Impregnable locks that sold recently- I'm rather envious.

Perhaps try whacking if from either side with a wooden mallet - you might be able to dislodge a stuck lever.
You might use a piece of leather wrapped around the body to protect the lock from getting marked up.

Good luck and keep us posted
Sean

[Mitchell S]

Nice score winning one of those lovely Impregnable locks that sold recently- I'm rather envious.

Perhaps try whacking if from either side with a wooden mallet - you might be able to dislodge a stuck lever.
You might use a piece of leather wrapped around the body to protect the lock from getting marked up.

Good luck and keep us posted
Sean

Yeah thankfully the shrouded lock works perfectly. I'll get some pictures up later.

The hammer sounds like a good idea. It will reduce my frustration if nothing else.

[Squelchtone]

Yeah the blasting with lines and solvents is my current plan. Might throw it in a petrol bath for a few days.

Or mail it to Squelchtone and get him to fix it for me

Yea you could always send it to him simply to stress him out. Surely he would reply with something like

"Well I fixed the lock and I'm sending it back, now let's get back on topic,

Thanks,
Squelchtone"

heh.

I recommend smacking Comrade627 AND the padlock a few times with the mallet like VancouverSpecial71 suggested. or even just drop it on the floor onto the body. Maybe I missed it but does the key turn and unlock it at all? Did it come that way with the key already inserted into the lock or did you insert the key?

Without breaking the key off, can you grab it with some pliers and rock it back and fourth to lock / unlock the cylinder using the pliers for added leverage?

Squelchtone