EAGLE push-key lockThis was one of the last locks I was working on before I moved.
Decided to finally reassemble it & take the last few photos needed.
Truly an oldie but goodie! Very solid lock. 2 inches wide, 3 inches tall...
it's surprisingly heavy for its' size. Ya just don't see 'em like this nowadays.
These locks can be picked or shimmed from the front to open. I've also read that many of these are
easily opened by rapping as well - but I would not recommend this. Most of these are just too "antique"
to be beating the shit out of. And, you run the risk of collapsing a spring or elongating the pin chambers.
Once opened, you can then unscrew the collar and remove the steel strip that serves as a plug retainer.
Some of may know it's not always an easy task to remove the collar unscathed! Just my opinion, but it's
a cardinal sin to to tear through that beautiful deep patina! I've come across some where vice grips were
carelessly used, leaving deep teeth marks that are highlighted by fresh bright brass. Makes me cringe :/
I'd love to hear suggestions as to the best way to remove the collar without damaging it. For example,
looking at this one (
where the shackle sets) it appears a sort of '
4-way expansion tool' was used in
order to get a good grip. This might be a great way to do it! But what type of tool would this be?
Oh shit! I nearly forgot to include this gutshot
Gordon would've never EVER let me live that one down!
Attribute it to the move I guess. After searching waaay back in my phone, I still had it though.... wheeew!
Unlike the Yales, the last pin & chamber are not larger. No serrated or mushroom pins. All pretty standard.
This lock has been worked on before. Notice the file marks on the plug as well as the top of the pins.
A quick way to adapt the pins to the shearline I suppose. Dunno if I necessarily agree with this
round-about way of doing things, but I suppose this was common practice back in the day.
Anyway, with the plug and pins out, I use it for my guide as I tediously hand file a key.
Even
with the plug & pins right in front of me, I
STILL botched my first blank. lol
One thing I had not anticipated with this lock was the heavy spring force upon the pins.
After reassembling, I found the insertion and removal of the key to be quite rough.
I slowly made the slopes more gradual until the in-out movement was smooth.
I'm certain this blank is the correct keyway. I'm not so certain if it is of the correct length though.
At any rate, I think Dave will be overjoyed to see this old beast back in business
Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:35 am 
