Nifty
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Post by Nifty on Apr 7, 2022 15:14:16 GMT 1
 I have an old Cashbox with some letters and documents in that I can not find the correct key to. Picture of lock. I have been looking for a locksmith that has the necessary skill and equipment to do so. The documents have been in the box for nearly two years so the time factor is not not that important. I have thought about trying to break into it but am loath to do this at this stage for several reasons. The box is probably over 75 years old. If I try and force the lock I will probably do irreparable damage I live near Aire sur l’Adour There is key cutter in town. My oh thinks that he would not be able to help. Any other ideas please? |
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Post by Polarengineer on Apr 7, 2022 18:11:52 GMT 1
This can be opened with two small but strong rods or pins. The flat on the key at the front end usually lifts an internal plate to a position that has a gate slot in it that allows the second flat on the key to rotate, sliding a second plate that is attached to the latch, into the gate. So there are usually only two elements to such a lock. If you are careful, you can fiddle the height of the gate with one rod and shove the latch plate through the gate with the other rod to open the latch. simples.
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Nifty
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Post by Nifty on Apr 7, 2022 19:01:49 GMT 1
Yeah.  Thanks for the encouragement PE. Easy when one has the right stuff (perhaps) Two years ago when I had a garage come workshop and plenty of vices this would have been more doable. Even finding suitable scraps of metal that may be of some assistance seems to be too much of a challenge at the mo. I will persevere for a few more days. I have an idea that somehow I need to get the pattern of the key. Perhaps using one of the keys pictured with plasticine or putty. There is a spigot in the lock that goes into a female aperture in the central axis about which the key turns. |
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ibis
Banned Member
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Post by ibis on Apr 7, 2022 19:08:54 GMT 1
<button disabled="" class="c-attachment-insert--linked o-btn--sm">Attachment Deleted</button><button disabled="" class="c-attachment-insert--linked o-btn--sm">Attachment Deleted</button> There is key cutter in town. My oh thinks that he would not be able to help. Any other ideas please? Would it hurt to give the key cutter a go. He might have a key that would work |
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Nifty
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Posts: 5,002
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Post by Nifty on Apr 7, 2022 19:13:25 GMT 1
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Post by landmannnn on Apr 8, 2022 8:58:23 GMT 1
Most locksmiths should be able to pick the lock unless it has rusted.
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Post by monsieur3seas on Apr 8, 2022 9:00:02 GMT 1
I locked myself out of my car 50 odd years ago. I called the police and they came with about 100 keys and opened it in seconds. Would the gendarmes be able to help?
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Nifty
Member
Posts: 5,002
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Post by Nifty on Apr 8, 2022 10:48:27 GMT 1
A couple of screwdrivers and a hacksaw blade won in the end.
Had a result but not the one I was expecting.
The box contained lots of OH’s parents stuff. It will keep her busy (and quiet) for the foreseeable future.
I am miffed as to where my full old passports are hiding from me
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Aardvark
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Living in soggy 22 and still wondering what's going on.
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Post by Aardvark on Apr 8, 2022 14:18:03 GMT 1
I locked myself out of my car 50 odd years ago. I called the police and they came with about 100 keys and opened it in seconds. Would the gendarmes be able to help? A similar number of years ago I was a dab hand at getting into locked cars with a coathanger or a length of plastic strapping. Not done for sinister reasons but to help out. Sometimes got a nice tip. Then after a arriving in UK I was using much the same skills to help neighbours get into their houses. I never understood why people would ask me for help doing this. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2022 15:17:09 GMT 1
One good hit with a hammer would have opened it
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Post by Polarengineer on Apr 8, 2022 15:32:34 GMT 1
The size of the hammer is important here
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2022 15:39:46 GMT 1
The size of the hammer is important here Just as well niftys house was not robbed anyone finding his locked metal box would have been dissapointed. The bigger the hammer the better. Did you know you can get a steel track back on a mini digger with a crow bar and hammer.  |
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