Can I Dismantle Columbia BKT-style Cabinet Latches?

[Rexophone]

I am restoring a BKT that has rather rusty cabinet latches. I would like to remove these so I can do a better job of cleaning them up, but so far have been unable to unravel the puzzle of how they are assembled. I can hear what sounds like a spring when I rotate the latches. I have been unable to make the pin visible from the top move up or down.

I am sure plenty of people have done this before. Any clues?

Steve

[Curt A]

I did some several years ago, but don't remember exactly how I did it... I know the pins pull out and there are springs in the holes...

[Rexophone]

Thanks. I'll pull a little harder.

[Phonofreak]

I had that problem, too. I did not remove the latch. They are a bear to remove, and you can lose the spring and small parts. I used my trusty Dremel tool with a small, fine wire brush, and that did the trick.
Harvey Kraviz

[Rexophone]

Thanks. Yes, after a lot more pulling I think the Dremel may be the way I go.

[JerryVan]

Why would there be springs in the holes?

[Rexophone]

My best guess is to provide some resistance so the case stays latched once you flip the latches closed. After a century of light rust and incrementally warping wood the resistance provided by the springs is unnecessary. The latches pretty much stay in whatever position you put them.

Steve

[Phonofreak]

Steve is right. With the light accumulated rust, it will be more trouble removing the latches. That Dremel took is just the right tool for the job.
Harvey Kravitz