How To Replace Old Style Skeleton Key Front Door Lock

We have an old house too and a few years back the truevalue hardware down the street had 2 packs of skeleton type keys two different styles that both worked in all our locks.

How to replace old style skeleton key front door lock.

The reason we call them skeleton key type locks is because they use that old fashioned skeleton keys you see on older homes. Most hardware stores or even big home improvement stores likely sell replacement keys. In order to have a skeleton key made you need to be able to remove one of the skeleton key locks. How to find a skeleton key for your old lock.

Ultra security 44609 old time mortise lock with skeleton key brass plated finish replaces most mortise interior locks from the early 1900 s 3 8 out of 5 stars 77 15 67 15. Here s the difference from a skeleton key mortise box compared to a regular or standard door preparation like today s doors. The vintage or antique style hardware. There is a trick however to remove skeleton key locks and.

According to the old house guru i spoke to there are 3 skeleton keys that account for about 90 of interior door locks no such luck with exterior locks btw. And most likely one key is all you ll need because interior doors on old houses typically share identical locks. Bring the armoire to a locksmith who specializes in antiques if the skeleton key doesn t open it. In fact many old locks were built for pure decoration and can be easily bypassed even without a skeleton key.

You can also just replace the skeleton key locks as they are old and not secure. Fortunately most american and western european pieces made from the 18th through the early 20th centuries are fairly simple to work with. You may even be able to gain access easily using only common household items. Posted by captain science at 11 13 am on may 3 2008.