old style lock, and we can't find the key

[danielb]

ok so this is a lock in a back closet at my church. we cannot for the life of us find the key and we have tried a bunch of old skeleton keys (the kind we need) to no success. my question is, is there an easy way to pick open one of the old skeleton key locks? thanks.

[Chrispy]

Have a search for warded picks and warding picking. The lock you describe sounds like an old warded cast iron steel lock. LP101 has many topics about getting these open. Or you could just smack it with a small sledge......

[Shrub]

You need to use one or two bits of bent wire,

They need to be an 'L' shape and they need to be the length of the key way,

Your aim is to get the wires over the warding in the lock and throw the bolt, some of these locks had a lecer in as well so you will have to use a wire at the front of the lock and one at the back,

The parts you are trying to move are at the top of the lock and you need to be turning the wires in the unlock direction,

We could do with a picture of the lock, one of the insides if you can point the camera through the keyhole and a picture of the door (there may be another way of opening it then the lock can be removed)

Where is the church as one of our members may be local enough to come and help you out, if you are within my area i will come and do it for you f.o.c

[toomush2drink]

This thread should be more than enough to get that door open if it is a true warded lock http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=7620&highlight=wards

[raimundo]

reach around the divider posts in any cabinets and feel for a key on a nail behind the post, also try feeling the undersides and any areas on cabinetry where a nail with a key on it could hide. This sort of 'cant see'um
key hook is very common. often a 'lost' key is on one of these. an inspection mirror could be even more certain than the 'reacharound"

[danielb]

thanks guys i might be able to post some pics wednesday. the next time i can try picking it is sunday. if you have any other tips i would appreciate them. also, we have a key holder and believe it or not this is the one key of about 90 that isn't on the pole. i am in champaign, illinois by the way.