Old cottage with lost key...

[cheddarcheese]

Hi!

I have a really old cottage on my property. They key has been gone for some 20+ years but I decided I want to try to get in now

The lock looks like this:


The key probably looks something like this


The lock from the inside probably looks something like this


How do I start now? Which tools do I need and is there some guide I can use? Or should I just contact a locksmith directly?

Best,
Jonas

[mh]

20+ years means rust etc, so I think it’s unlikely any key will work at the moment.
Do you want to preserve door & lock? You might then have to force open some other part of the cottage and take the lock off from the back of the door, then start from that.

[Squelchtone]

mh raises some good points.

Is there another way into the shed such as perhaps a loose board or maybe breaking a window that would be less painful than smashing in the door?

[cheddarcheese]

20+ years means rust etc, so I think it’s unlikely any key will work at the moment.
Do you want to preserve door & lock? You might then have to force open some other part of the cottage and take the lock off from the back of the door, then start from that.

Thank you, it is a good point! I know there are some windows but I would prefer not to break those since I also would like to preserve them.... Maybe I can remove the hinges in some way? I will take a photo next time I go there in a few days!

[jbrint]

If it is on pier and beam, dig underneath and go up through the floor.

[sign216]

Could try a spray penetration oil (like PB Blaster, Kroil, etc) and a skeleton key, both from a hardware store. Spray the penetrating oil in liberally, once or twice a day for a couple of days. Might work, and definitely easier than breaking in.

Joe