Fixing A Drawer Lock

[woofgang]

I have just bought an old desk. which came with a key. Two of the drawer locks work but the rest are seized solid. I don't really mind if I can't unjam them but i thought it would be interesting to try. Can anyone recommend websites books or videos to help please?
Many thanks

[andres]

You could try spraying into the locks with rust remover. Follow the instructions and then try to move the key. Keep repeating until you eventually get some movement. If this is not successful then I don't think you have any alternative but to remove the locks. Then if you don't feel confident at dismantling them(if it is a very old or antique desk the locks will be precision made) you should take the locks to a locksmith who deals in antique locks. All depends whether the desk is worth the trouble. Good luck.!

[stuey]

I should add that, if in fact, it is the correct key, insert it every so often and wiggle it without forcing. This assists the fluid to enter the mechanism.

[woofgang]

thanks all, i now need to wait until the spray turns up. I didn't pay much for the desk (shipping it cost more) but I liked it and it fits the space I have available.

[derekpara]

Most antique locks, and modern ones too, are just fixed with two screws. Remove these and the lock can be removed and soaked in oil or WD40 for a few hours, retested with the key then refitted using the original screws. If the key doesn't work I would take the lock to a locksmith to deal with - that is if the piece of furniture is worth the expense. Always try and retain the original integrity of the piece.

D

[stuey]

WD40 is a good product, obviously, it's been around for many, many years and has it's uses; however, it is not a panacea for all situations. My hobby is repairing clocks, and the major reason for many problems I encounter is that some "repair" person previously to me has liberally sprayed the movement of the clock with WD40. Over time, this product turns into the consistency of peanut butter and attracts dust, dirt, metal particles, and grinds the mechanism to a stop...So beware of where and how much you use it.

[TWR]

Talk about repairing Clocks Stuey, a long while back I was looking for a Finger ????? for an old clock we had, I checked ebay & found what I was looking for it cost me £2, there was a 10 fingers in the pack but I only wanted this on, about 2 weeks later this bloke contacted me regards the pack that I had won & did I still have it, I explained that I only needed the one finger & I still had the pack, it seems he had been looking for a finger for a long while without success, he had seen my purchase that's the reason for the contact, I sent him the pack FOC when they arrived at his home he was over the moon, he contacted me regards the cost, it was only about 50Pence UK & said don't bother about that, another satisfied customer, It's good when you can help someone.

[woofgang]

TWR, what is the pen blowtorch for?

[TWR]

Hi Woof, It's the Length of a Marker Pen & the same Circumference, It's called a Pro-Tek Pencil Torch, It's used for Soldering very fine things like Circuit Boards Etc, It can be bought off ebay for little money, under a tenner, that job you were on about Re/ the Lock, I take it the Lock is Brass?? there are 2 Nozzles within the kit with a very Fine Jet, by using one of these jets there would be "NO DAMAGE" to the desk.

[TWR]

To Add Woof

They are £3 off ebay, just looked, Type Pro - Tek Pencil Torch with this ID Number, 271185604803, let us all know how you go on with it.

[woofgang]

yes TWR but what do I do with it?
Clean answers only please

[alavahalf]

I know plenty locksmiths because when I have more than enough work I have to find one to cover me. They would all say the same thing ... don't put WD40 anywhere near a lock ... and if you do use it, make sure you remove it afterwards (as in wipe it clean) and use a suitable lubricant.
Either graphite, grease, vaseline or a silicone lubricant, not WD40.
Old desk locks can usually be taken apart and cleaned and greased before being assembled, that's providing they aren't riveted together. They tend not to be too intricate and you will probably find rusted springs and a bone dry back plate in them. If you do intend on having a go at it take a picture of the lock when you initially open the case. This will help with re-assembly.
As for a website about locks the guys at http://www.ukbumpkeys.com/
have all the answers about every kind of lock available. If you watch the multitude of videos available, it will get you thinking about your own security when you realise that almost all locks are fairly easily opened, especially your front door. I've been a member on their site for about 10 years and they are a very friendly bunch and cant resist helping solve a problem !

[TWR]

It's a twist On / Off, get the Jet with the Finest Jet, Tape some Foil near & around the lock area Jet & direct the flame around the barrel / casing of the lock, do not give it too much heat, at the same time try turning / not forcing the key.

[woofgang]

golly, interesting site, thank you alavahalf

[woofgang]

thank you TWR

[TWR]

Interesting how you go on with this Woof, let the members Know.

[woofgang]

I will, I think i need to give the locks a good clean out first, have ordered the mini blowtorch, I love a good gadget.

[tonyav]

If all else fails, woof !
http://www.amazon.co.uk/GOSO-Piece-Lock-Pick-Set/dp/B0079IKMX6

[derekpara]

Stuey. Is Benzole still available ? I understand clock repairers would soak the mechanism in the stuff for a day or two to clear out all the gunge and it would quickly dry out nice and clean. You could pobably do the same with an old lock ?

D

[woofgang]

I considered it tony but have got a key and I am not sure that picks help if the lock is just seized.

[tonyav]

Yep, your right if it's seized then a pick ain't gonna open it.