It pays to fix things quickly.

Seems pretty on topic to me. I'd probably have added some loctite too.

Too oily/greasy and impossible to clean out. It would have been marginal for clearance to get out and probably not possible to align it to put in. Still, it's lasted 29 years-time when it first worked loose, so should outlast me be days/weeks/years (depending on another factor).

The inner front fdoor in this house has what I think is the original door 'lock'. Key long gone, but the knob and catch still work (117 years).

It developed sideways play due to a lot of wear on the sliding bits. The catch kept sticking 'in'. I have no wish to replace it as it's a non standard size.

I ended up Aralditing two shims to either side of the inner case, to reduce the play. Good for another 50 years!

It's fairly easy to get keys cut for 1800s locks.

(well, 1903 in this case)

Not really interested in a key as it would only lead to it getting locked at the wrong time! Thanks anyway.

I could probably make one easily enough if I needed it.