The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

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

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...

Thanks. I'll pull a little harder.

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

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

Why would there be springs in the holes?

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

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