Victorian Rim Lock repair

[RobinClay]

I have an old Victorian rim lock, of which the spring is broken.

I took it in to a specialist "architectural ironmonger", who took it upstairs, and returned with it "fixed". But when I got it home, the new spring is quite different from the old, and, although the lock does (sort of) work, it does NOT work properly.

My suspicion is that the new spring is actually in quite the wrong place, see picure.

Victorian Rim lock

• RobinClay
• 6 Apr 2011
• 1

Victorian Rim lock - is the spring right ? Is it in the right place ? The right way round ?

Does anyone know of a WebSite where these things might be described, preferably with pictures ! so that I can compare.

 

[merlin50]

looks like a modern lock to me, they cost about £5.00

 

[misterhelpful]

This is similar and the spring does appear to be in a completely different position, but not being a locksmith, I don't know exactly where yours should be.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...2DC0EB64268012B1DE3EEF145&first=1&FORM=IDFRIR

 

[Burnerman]

I think the hair pin spring is in the correct position - maybe it would work better if it was turned 180 deg though.
I'm sure a few drops of oil would transform its performance!
John

 

[RobinClay]

Thanks, chaps !

 

[JohnD]

The lock in the other picture is just the other way up.

The old spring might have been a different shape to give better clearance.

thos old rimlocksa are quite roughly made and may never have worked with elegant smoothness. Use wire wool to remove any rust so the parts slide better. Do not oil as this will hold dirt and grit and increase wear. You can use graphite powder on bearing surfaces.

In what way do you think it is not working properlyt?

 

[foxhole]

Should be a spring behind both catch and deadbolt to prevent it being simply pushed back in, don't see a point to repair when it can be replaced so easily.

 

[JohnD]

A deadbolt doesn't need a spring. The tumbler should prevent it being pushed back.

 

[DC77]

This rim lock is meant to be installed either to the left or to the right hand side. As it is at present the upper bar is only working by gravity if it were installed on the other hand (upside down) the lock bolt would just slide in and out. It should be spring assisted. The springs (it is sometimes called a feather spring) arm should be resting on the lower edge of this bar pushing upwards. Where the other end goes I am not sure but I think that would be on the part that engages the handle. You say the new spring is not like the old spring. Picture of the old spring will help.
But, I do not see much merit in saving this lock, best advice place it in the bin and buy a new one.
DC
Teamlocksmiths.

 

[DIYCrazy]

Hi,
I'm just about to renovate a rim lock that I really don't want to replace with a modern version. Thanks to all the above - most helpful. I got a replacement spring on Amazon. There's different widths available - I may have to cut the length down a bit for my lock though.

 

[Alarm]

Reverse the spring, then everything should tension a bit better.
A good clean out with wire wool and WD40 will assist too.