Need help with a stubborn lock. Thanks!

[Jerry B.]

A friend is having problems with a stubborn lock. Even with the correct key we are having no success. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help. Jerry

[Silvertone]

Get some spray graphite at your locksmith, and spray it into the lock. You may have to do this a couple of times and work the lock with the key. I had a similar problem and nearly gave up pried the door off with a crowbar. When I got over my frustration, I used the graphite and eventually the key was able to work the lock.

[Henry]

When I first got my VV-XI, I was having a devil of a time trying to use the key, not to unlock it (because it was already open), but to lock the lid. Finally ended up removing the lock mechanism and found the broken-off end of a Vic key jammed down in the keyhole! Once I extricated that, the lock worked fine, and has continued to work for 30+ years. So I assume that the Vic key that came with this XI was a replacement!

You just never know what you're gonna find in these things....

[Wolfe]

Just break it open with a crowbar.

No one can find the keys to things anymore I mean, are you kidding?

[FloridaClay]

Just break it open with a crowbar.

No one can find the keys to things anymore I mean, are you kidding?

Assume you are joking Wolfe, but for those readers who might not recognize that, no, that is not the case. The keys were mostly generic by make rather than custom cut for each individual machine and they are readily available on eBay, at phono shows, etc.

Clay

[Stephen_Madara]

Jerry what model machine are they having problems with the lock.

[Jerry B.]

Actually it's the A-250 that has been mentioned in another thread. We're having a OTAPS open house next Saturday and may take a field trip to see the A-250. I was hoping for ideas and received one with the suggestion of graphite. Hopefully the owner will lube the lock with graphite and I'll bring several keys and we'll get the lid unlocked. I learned years ago to never lock a lid, lay the machine down, and travel. Sometimes the lock gets stuck. That's why I travel with a bike tube and use it like a large rubber band around the whole cabinet. I am taking about a dozen extra tubes with me to Union to be given away. If you want one, stop at our booth and just ask. Jerry Blais

[Brad]

I have had good luck loosening stuck locks with WD40. Before anyone jumps in a says that it's not a lubricant, your're right, it isn't, but it is a light solvent that will loosen grease/grime and allow things to move, the evaporate away. It might get you started.

[edisonrestorer64]

Just break it open with a crowbar.

No one can find the keys to things anymore I mean, are you kidding?

Yes you can
I do locksmithing a lot and some keys are eaiser
also you will ruin the Value dont do it's MY $.02 Worth

[edisonrestorer64]

A friend is having problems with a stubborn lock. Even with the correct key we are having no success. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help. Jerry

Jerry I do locksmithing and well WD40 or PB Blaster you need to lub it up good what has ahppened is the grease or the metal sightly rusted so spray let it set a while and tenderly gingerly slowly try a little at a time
if i were there i do it for ya. I also have vintage keys but there for all the locks for my phonos