lockpicking @lemmy.ml Hux @lemmy.ml 1y ago

Improvise tool for lever lock?

I have an antique desk which has three locks and a single key.

My key continues to work for one of the locks, but when inserted into the other two lock key ways, the key will not turn in either direction (will basically wiggle a millimeter or so in either direction, but does not start to actually turn).

I am a very amateurish lock picker—I can rake a basic lock or use a snap gun, but this lever/mortise lock is very different from anything I have tried to pick before.

I should mention that I used the working lock to confirm that the key fully inserts into the other two locks before attempting to turn the key.

I’ve tried looking up tools for picking this lock and watched some YouTube videos.

I am curious if anyone with experience picking this sort of lock might offer some advice on tools to get or improvise.

I’m including a photo of the key to help identify what might be needed.

Any advice is appreciated.

3 comments

@Hux The key in the image appears to be for a warded lock. You can buy blank keys similar to that. For instance:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=blank+hollow+key

You may be able to remove some warding (could be necessary on either side of the key) and get a key to work.

Look up Skeleton Key Warding to learn more about this.
- I measured the key and found a few good candidates on Amazon—we’ll see how it goes once I have them. Thanks!
  
  @Hux In looking at the keys via AZ you'll notice the "notch" in the key changes positions by small amounts and sometimes to the opposite side. This is to work with different warding. It prevents the key from working in all the locks it might fit into🙂