Replacing Skeleton Key Door Locks

Remove the new door knob that will replace one of the skeleton key locks from the package.

Replacing skeleton key door locks. How to find a skeleton key for your old lock. The reason we call them skeleton key type locks is because they use that old fashioned skeleton keys you see on older homes. If your lock does not have a pin showing select one of our solid shank keys with a bit size closest to the size of your keyhole. Essentially they are master keys for old homes.

First look at your lock to determine whether or not it has a pin showing in the keyhole. Ultra security 44609 old time mortise lock with skeleton key brass plated finish replaces most mortise interior locks from the early 1900 s 4 0 out of 5 stars 126 17 99 17. 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. Ky 14 nickel plated replacement skeleton key hollow barrel antique cabinet dresser grandfather clock door vintage old furniture.

The vintage or antique style hardware. Insert the door latch through the hole in the side of the door and follow with the plate and screw in place. Solid brass skeleton key w double notched bit for house doors with mortise locks ky 30 1 4 2 out of 5 stars 153. Most hardware stores or even big home improvement stores likely sell replacement keys.

If so measure the pin diameter. Posted by captain science at 11 13 am on may 3 2008. When a skeleton key goes missing hopefully it isn t when there is a door that needs to be unlocked right now. It requires special door preparation to fit what s called the mortise box for the door knobs to attach to.

But what can go wrong will go wrong it s a genuine possibility especially since the skeleton key is likely to go missing long before it s wanted and when it s needed it won t be anywhere around. 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. Skeleton door knobs are a whole lot different from door knobs you see today. Place both door knobs on the door and insert the screw and tighten them by hand then tighten them further with a screwdriver.

How to measure skeleton keys fitting a replacement key to a lock is a relatively simple process. Antique copper hollow barrel skeleton key for cabinet doors dresser drawers new. 4 2 out of 5 stars 11. Prime line e 2497 mortise keyed lock set with glass knob perfect for replacing antique lock sets and more fits doors with 2 3 8 backset 4 2 out of 5 stars 799 24 20 24.