Spring steel?

[DrPhill]

OK, this is a long shot. I have managed to get the mortice lock (likely original ~1905) out of the front door (it is actually protected now by a upvc outer door). The lock (bit operated by the key) works fine, but the spring in the 'latch' had gone. I have prised it open and found that the piece of spring steel(?) that did the job has snapped.

I would really like to mend this, but I have no clue as to where to get a replacement. Any ideas? I cannot see any manufacturers identification on the lock, but something might show up with a good clean. It was full of detritus, including the remains of a moth that may have tried to hatch in there.

The spring steel goes round the peg top right and presses on the end of the log bar that goes across the bottom.

all ideas warmly welcomed

Phill

 

[ChrisR]

A good source of spring like steel, (I don’t know if it is classed as such), is from a old saw blade, the type of rusty relic that can be purchased from a car boot sale.

A few years ago I used such a piece of steel to replace an air inlet valve on a vintage engine, it worked a treat. Can’t claim that it was my original idea though.

Take care.

Chris R.

 

[DrPhill]

A good source of spring like steel, (I don’t know if it is classed as such), is from a old saw blade, the type of rusty relic that can be purchased from a car boot sale.

A few years ago I used such a piece of steel to replace an air inlet valve on a vintage engine, it worked a treat. Can’t claim that it was my original idea though.

Take care.

Chris R.

Thanks that is a resourceful idea (and pretty speedy too), but probably outside my competence and tooling level. How to cut, how to bend how not to swear when proto-piece goes pinging off round garage? I am hoping for something slightly easier.

Phill

 

[doorframe]

Would it be possible to simply insert a suitable spring in the location I've indicated here....

 

[Lons]

What about buying a dirt cheap new lock or one from a boot sale and modifying the spring?

 

[Sheptonphil]

Mortice lock springs

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rim-Lock-Spring ... B005ZFFTTW

Phil

 

[DrPhill]

Thankyou SheptonPhil. I have ordered a packet. A bit pricey (£10.25 with p&p) but if I can renovate the original lock it will be both more in keeping and cheaper than buying a new one.

It is real heavy brass(?) construction. The spindle/axle (ok square turning thing) is threaded to screw the inner knob onto, and grooved so that the (brass) grub screw can stop the knob turning on the spindle. The workmanship is really pleasing.

So heres hoping one of the five sizes will fit.......

Phill

 

[DrPhill]

Would it be possible to simply insert a suitable spring in the location I've indicated here....

That was one of my thoughts, but I could not quite see how to ensure enough movement, enough 'spring tension' and make sure the spring did not drop or ping out. It is still an option if the spring steel bits do not work. Restoring the lock is worth it for the quality and workmanship alone. It may not fool todays sophisticated lock-picker, but it does not need to - it has a upvc door protecting it.

I may even dig out my old clockwork doorbell, and fit that too.

Edit: Just been notified that the springs have been dispatched. Now I know it is ten to ten on a friday night, but why did it take seven minute to post it? =D>