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Default mortise lock - no key

I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.

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Default mortise lock - no key

On 22 May, 13:07, sm_jamieson wrote:
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before.


Saw through the bolt with a piece of hacksaw blade (Multimasters are
excellent at this). If it's an old lock, then the bolt will just be
soft solid brass.

If it's a rim lock rather than a mortice lock, destroy the case --
they're hardly rare. If you're already inside, you can usually
unfasten them from without damage.

Open the lock with a skeleton key. You'll probably find this easier
(even if you have to make your own skeletons) than trying to pick an
old, unused and probably stiff mortice lock with a pick. '30s domestic
locks rarely have sophisticated wards.

Phone around for locksmiths and get a price. It's just your basic
callout fee (and a couple of minutes), but that could be anything if
you live somewhere rural or the affluent SE. 45 quid locally.

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Default mortise lock - no key

On 22 May, 13:07, sm_jamieson wrote:
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


I'd guess £50 minimum. Why not phone one and ask? He'd probably have a
mega set of keys and undo it in seconds.

cheers
Jacob

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Default mortise lock - no key


"sm_jamieson" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Use a 100mm or 115 mm angle grinder with a 3mm metal cutting blade access
between door and frame from inside

Have used this method where lock went faulty and key would not work
It was a new lock with the anti cut rollers in the bolt but worked a treat
so should be easy on such an old one

Tony


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Default mortise lock - no key


"TMC" wrote in message
...

"sm_jamieson" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Use a 100mm or 115 mm angle grinder with a 3mm metal cutting blade access
between door and frame from inside

Have used this method where lock went faulty and key would not work
It was a new lock with the anti cut rollers in the bolt but worked a treat
so should be easy on such an old one


There are also 1mm cutting disks available if space is at a premium.




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Default mortise lock - no key


"sm_jamieson" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Skeleton key shaped like an upside down letter T in the working end will
probably do it. Boot fair for one that should fit and file to shape.


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Default mortise lock - no key

On 22 May, 13:07, sm_jamieson wrote:
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Don't know, however, have you thought about getting the door open by
attcking the jamb (so as to free the mortice), then you can take the
lock out (if that is your hearts desire).


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Default mortise lock - no key

On 22 May, 13:07, sm_jamieson wrote:
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Don't know, however, have you thought about getting the door open by
attcking the jamb (so as to free the mortice), then you can take the
lock out (if that is your hearts desire).


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Default mortise lock - no key

On 22 May, 13:07, sm_jamieson wrote:
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


I'd guess £50 minimum. Why not phone one and ask? He'd probably have a
mega set of keys and undo it in seconds.

cheers
Jacob

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Default mortise lock - no key

On 22 May, 13:07, sm_jamieson wrote:
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Don't know, however, have you thought about getting the door open by
attcking the jamb (so as to free the mortice), then you can take the
lock out (if that is your hearts desire).




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Default mortise lock - no key

On 22 May, 13:07, sm_jamieson wrote:
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Don't know, however, have you thought about getting the door open by
attcking the jamb (so as to free the mortice), then you can take the
lock out (if that is your hearts desire).


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Default mortise lock - no key


"sm_jamieson" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Can you get to the side of the door with the hinge pins?

If so grind off one end of each hinge pin, drive them out and open the door
that way, then remove the lock and re hang the door.

Bob


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Default mortise lock - no key

On Tue, 22 May 2007 20:28:01 UTC, "Bob Minchin"
wrote:

"sm_jamieson" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.


Can you get to the side of the door with the hinge pins?


If so grind off one end of each hinge pin, drive them out and open the door
that way, then remove the lock and re hang the door.


While reading this, I had in mind a similar kind of door problem that I
have. Unfortunately (and maybe in this case too) the hinge side has been
fitted with those security pins that stop one doing just that!

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Default mortise lock - no key


"Bob Eager" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 22 May 2007 20:28:01 UTC, "Bob Minchin"
wrote:

"sm_jamieson" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.


Can you get to the side of the door with the hinge pins?


If so grind off one end of each hinge pin, drive them out and open the

door
that way, then remove the lock and re hang the door.


While reading this, I had in mind a similar kind of door problem that I
have. Unfortunately (and maybe in this case too) the hinge side has been
fitted with those security pins that stop one doing just that!

--
The information contained in this post is copyright the
poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by
http://www.diybanter.com


Yes I did consider if these security hinge bolts might have been used but
the op talked of a 1930's door and i assumed that these would not be
present.

Bob




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Default mortise lock - no key

On Tue, 22 May 2007 21:35:39 UTC, "Bob Minchin"
wrote:

Yes I did consider if these security hinge bolts might have been used but
the op talked of a 1930's door and i assumed that these would not be
present.


My door is about 30 years old, but I retrofitted said bolts because the
hinges were external! I agree it probably isn't the case, though.

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Default mortise lock - no key

On 22 May, 13:07, sm_jamieson wrote:
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Thanks for all the ideas folks. The door opens outwards, its kind of a
single french window. I could cut off the hinge pins etc.
I'll probably try cutting through the bolt with a hacksaw blade, or
angle grinder if its too tough.
Simon.

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Default mortise lock - no key

sm_jamieson presented the following explanation :
I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock
from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have
to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for
a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened.
Thanks,
Simon.


Grind off one end of the hinge pins and punch them out -That should
leave the door free to be pulled open at the hinge side. Remove lock
and obtain a new one to match complete with keys.

--

Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk


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