I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened. Thanks, Simon.
Saw through the bolt with a piece of hacksaw blade (Multimasters are excellent at this). If it's an old lock, then the bolt will just be soft solid brass.
If it's a rim lock rather than a mortice lock, destroy the case -- they're hardly rare. If you're already inside, you can usually unfasten them from without damage.
Open the lock with a skeleton key. You'll probably find this easier (even if you have to make your own skeletons) than trying to pick an old, unused and probably stiff mortice lock with a pick. '30s domestic locks rarely have sophisticated wards.
Phone around for locksmiths and get a price. It's just your basic callout fee (and a couple of minutes), but that could be anything if you live somewhere rural or the affluent SE. 45 quid locally.
I'd guess =A350 minimum. Why not phone one and ask? He'd probably have a mega set of keys and undo it in seconds.
cheers Jacob
Use a 100mm or 115 mm angle grinder with a 3mm metal cutting blade access between door and frame from inside
Have used this method where lock went faulty and key would not work It was a new lock with the anti cut rollers in the bolt but worked a treat so should be easy on such an old one
Tony
There are also 1mm cutting disks available if space is at a premium.
Skeleton key shaped like an upside down letter T in the working end will probably do it. Boot fair for one that should fit and file to shape.
Don't know, however, have you thought about getting the door open by attcking the jamb (so as to free the mortice), then you can take the lock out (if that is your hearts desire).
Don't know, however, have you thought about getting the door open by attcking the jamb (so as to free the mortice), then you can take the lock out (if that is your hearts desire).
I'd guess =A350 minimum. Why not phone one and ask? He'd probably have a mega set of keys and undo it in seconds.
cheers Jacob
Don't know, however, have you thought about getting the door open by attcking the jamb (so as to free the mortice), then you can take the lock out (if that is your hearts desire).
Don't know, however, have you thought about getting the door open by attcking the jamb (so as to free the mortice), then you can take the lock out (if that is your hearts desire).
|!On 22 May, 13:07, sm_jamieson wrote: |!> I have a door with mortise lock and no key. Probably the original lock |!> from 1930s. Never needed to open that door before. I would really have |!> to damage the door to get the lock out. What is a reasonable price for |!> a locksmith to pick it ? I don't want it re-keyed, just opened. |!> Thanks, |!> Simon. |! |!Don't know, however, have you thought about getting the door open by |!attcking the jamb (so as to free the mortice), then you can take the |!lock out (if that is your hearts desire).
I once took out the striking plate, and replaced the wood and installed a new striking plate, also repaired the lock. That was on the *Front Door* of a stranger. Don't ask ;-) Too long a tale.
Can you get to the side of the door with the hinge pins?
If so grind off one end of each hinge pin, drive them out and open the door that way, then remove the lock and re hang the door.
Bob
While reading this, I had in mind a similar kind of door problem that I have. Unfortunately (and maybe in this case too) the hinge side has been fitted with those security pins that stop one doing just that!
the op talked of a 1930's door and i assumed that these would not be present.
Bob
My door is about 30 years old, but I retrofitted said bolts because the hinges were external! I agree it probably isn't the case, though.
Thanks for all the ideas folks. The door opens outwards, its kind of a single french window. I could cut off the hinge pins etc. I'll probably try cutting through the bolt with a hacksaw blade, or angle grinder if its too tough. Simon.
Well, a few minutes with a hacksaw blade and it was done ! It was brass, and cut easily. Simon.
Well, a few minutes with a hacksaw blade and it was done ! It was brass, and cut easily. Simon.
Well, a few minutes with a hacksaw blade and it was done ! It was brass, and cut easily. Simon.
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