The Lost Key

We have all lost a key at some time or other, or perhaps you obtained your furniture, new or antique without keys. Either way it is especially frustrating if the missing key is for a cupboard or drawer that is locked shut. There was a time when you could have called someone in to deal with the problem, unfortunately old-fashioned locksmiths that could pick a lock and make a new key for you have long disappeared and are a thing of the past. Today, they will just drill the lock out and leave you with a large large hole in both your furniture and pocket. I have on occasion, repaired pieces where the owner has prised open a drawer or a door in desperation causing a lot of unnecessary damage, some even destroyed the lock into the bargain. Same large hole in the pocket again! There really is no reason for you to resort to such extreme or desperate measures, as we shall see.


Before embarking on more serious methods, which may result in dismantling part of the piece, it is always worth trying to cut a new key first. More often than not this is all you will have to do. There are two main types of lock that you are most likely to encounter, back sprung and lever. I don’t think it is necessary to get too involved with technicalities, as both will respond to the same treatment. Although a back sprung lock is defiantly the easier to deal with. Fortunately these are more commonly found on older furniture. Slots or to give them their correct name, wards, will need to be cut into the bit of the key, either the top, bottom or both. Whereas a leaver lock will in addition require some stepping to the leading edge of the bit. You may find that several attempts are required with this latter type of lock.
Other types of locks, like a Bramah, or Chubb are best referred to a competent restorer, or if you are able, to return the lock to the manufactures (address at the end of this letter).
The tools you will need are a junior hacksaw, a warding file, a small vice, table, bench or hand type will do, if not available, mole grip pliers will serve, and a candle. You may also need a drill and selection of bits.
The first thing to do is find a key of a similar size and type as the one that was lost. You may be lucky and have one to hand. If not you must buy a key blank from your local key cutting service or locksmith. There will not be a large selection to choose from, but you should find a blank that can be altered to suite. The bit will be much larger than you require, it’s a case of one size fits all, but you can easily file or saw this to the size required.
The important points to note are that the pipe of the key is the correct diameter for the pin and that the key bit is the right type to conform to your particular need. Some adjustments to either of these may be necessary to get the key to enter the lock. Once you have done this, see if the key will start to turn, but don’t force it. If so you can proceed to the next stage; if not note where the key is touching the case of the lock and make the necessary adjustment with a file. You may need to remove a handle or escutcheon if fitted to see more clearly. Now light the candle and hold the key bit in the flame to blacken. Next place the key carefully into the lock and turn until the key stops. Remove carefully so as not to remove the blacking. Look for bright short lines on the bit, which will indicate the position of the wards. Then while holding the key in your vice or other means, file slots for the wards, take your time and proceed slowly. It will be necessary to repeat this process a number of times, before succeeding in opening the lock. Once open, if the action of the key is unsatisfactory, remove the lock and then the case cover or cap and inspect the action of the key in the lock. It will be apparent which adjustments need to be made. Once you are satisfied, clean of any rough spots with your file or emery paper. Finely, check that the lock really is working properly before re-fitting to door or drawer and re-locking closed.

Chub Locks

CHUBBWood StreetWillenhallWest MidlandsUK, WV13 1LATel: +44 (0)1902 364 627Fax: +44 (0)1902 364 626email: chubb@locksinfo.co.uk


Bramah Locks
Sales and Service:Locksmiths Services, Lock Fitting and KeycuttingTel: +44 (0)800 970 1603Fax: +44 (0)20 7935 2779Email: locksmiths@bramah.co.uk