Need to find a replacement key! Any help would be appreciated!

[JamieGcprorestor]

I am in search of a clock key my company moved for a customer of ours. It was lost in the process of moving her back and I need to find a new replacement. I'm not much of an expert at all about this but I have come here looking for answers before I send out a locksmith to get a whole new lock and key mechanism. If there is any more information from the clock I will need please let me know. Thank you!

 

[gvasale]

Many variables in your problem. Size of the pin, size and cuts in the flag, as I will call it. If it was easy, you wouldn't be asking.

I have a couple of Colonial Manufacturing clocks and they don't use the same key.

If your clock has a removable back, that might be helpful. Then, unless the lock is in a mortice, you may be able remove it and try to find a key.

 

[JamieGcprorestor]

Many variables in your problem. Size of the pin, size and cuts in the flag, as I will call it. If it was easy, you wouldn't be asking.

I have a couple of Colonial Manufacturing clocks and they don't use the same key.

If your clock has a removable back, that might be helpful. Then, unless the lock is in a mortice, you may be able remove it and try to find a key.

I did get a photo of what the lock looks like from behind. I know this might not be much help. The back looks like it could be removed but the staples in it look very original and would love to steer from taking off the back. I did see on amazon there are sets of keys I could buy, could that be an avenue I could try or should I not waste the money on that? This has not been easy, or I wouldn't have made a login to come onto this site to find answers.

 

[JTD]

These are very simple locks with equally simple keys. You might find that you have a key in a desk drawer lock or a cupboard lock that would fit. Even if you did call a locksmith, you certainly wouldn't need a whole new lock.

Many clock repairers have a box of old keys, and Colonial clocks are very common, so you may well find a key that fits yours there.

JTD

 

[JamieGcprorestor]

These are very simple locks with equally simple keys. You might find that you have a key in a desk drawer lock or a cupboard lock that would fit. Even if you did call a locksmith, you certainly wouldn't need a whole new lock.

Many clock repairers have a box of old keys, and Colonial clocks are very common, so you may well find a key that fits yours there.

JTD

I think at this point I may have to buy an assortment of my own and try them out. I appreciate your guys help. Thank you.

 

[gvasale]

Here is a mortise lock. Rather than a surface mount. Highlighted are the pin, and the bar the flag moves to engage and disengage. Plenty of variables possible. There can be other features to confound you too.

 

[Eclectic Oddities]

This probably won't help now. What I do, most of the time, is when I see one of those coffee cans filled with skeleton keys at a flee market or auction I buy it. Has saved me several times in situations like this. Sometimes there will be a rare key mixed in you can sell.

 

[Willie X]

Antique furniture repair/restoration people usually have a large number of door keys but you may have a problem working out a plan to buy or try them on your clock.

Paying a locksmith to come up with a good key may be your best bet, especially if you value your time.

Willie X

 

[Uhralt]

It seems you should be able to unscrew the lock from the back. You can then have a better look it the pin diameter to find a key that fits. Or, you could bring the lock to a locksmith. That would be much cheaper than having him come out to your home.

Uhralt

 

[demoman3955]

last lock key i had made for a clock cost 20 bucks. not bad at all in my eyes.