Mills Extra Con wrote:Hello,
I have a 1936 25 cent-Mills Extraordinary Console. The lock on the back panel is jammed; I have the original key but it does not go in all the way. I cannot see anything inside that might be jamming it up. I have cleaned and oiled the mechanism. I have taken it to a couple of locksmiths in my local area but it is beyond the scope of what they do. I have been told that if I attempt to straighten the to metal flanges that hold the lock mechanism to the brass mounting plate, the flanges will break (apparently this is intentional, to prevent tampering with the mechanism). Does anyone have any ideas on how to repair this, or can you recommend a locksmith who works with antique locks?
Regards,
Marc
Marc:
First of all, welcome to our Forum.
By all means, DO NOT take your lock problems to a place like Home Depot, that only knows how to cut key duplicates. Nor a Locksmith shop
that hasn't been in business very long, as they are mostly programed as "Schlage-In-The-Head" mechanics, that are not familiar with older locks.
The two places you took your lock to, should not have a title of "Locksmith" behind their name. "Beyond the scope of what they do"? Give me a
break!
Most large cities & towns have a few 'old school' Locksmiths that should be able to help you. When you start making calls, ask them
how many years they have been in business, and the type lock you are having a problem with. Then take it from there. You are a new sign-up,
and didn't list your location, otherwise one of us members may know someone in your area. Try this as well. Good luck.
Bill
As an addition to the above:
I have said this numerous times in the past. When you sign up in our Forum, and plan on joining-in with all the 'chit-chat', especially when you
are seeking help with a machine problem, let us know where you reside. That way, if there is someone near-by, they can offer-up information
like 'help in your area'. We have even had members, that have lived close enough to another, that has offered to go to you personally, and help
with a problem, and I have heard several success stories. This is what's called "Genuine Fellowship" in our hobby.
Out of all the sign-ups in this Forum, in just the last couple of years, there has only been 25 out of 350, that has listed their location. There are
50 listings per page, and I only scanned back to Jan. 2015. I can understand the lookie-loos that don't chat, may not want to say, but if you want
to be a part of our vast Forum, it will be most helpful to know at times. You can go back to you profile at any time, and enter it. Another advantage
in that same column, is you can also list your website, which is a big plus. OK Gentlemen, lets go back and fill in the blank. All we really need is, a
City & State. Please.