So after weeks of searching I finally tracked down the location of the key that locks and unlocks the shutters in my building

They were put in back in the 60’s and only one key exists. It looks like it’s straight out The Green Mile

But I finally tracked it down. Triumphantly returned to my off so I can close the shutters before they install my plant shelves below the window…

And the mechanism doesn’t work. It might be rusted out. So now I still can’t shut the damn shutters. I’ll ask physical plant when they get here for the shelves if they can WD-40 it or something

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MethDozer · M

Miram has good advice. If at all possible try to avoid anything oil based on the lock itself if it's any kind of pin tumbler, dimple, or disc detainer. It can lead to problems later. Graphite and graphite solutions for the lock. Oils will work if the tumbler is seized but are last resorts. If the tumbler is seized and dry lubes don't work, go for it because your at the nothing to lose stage. Wafer locks oil isn't ideal but isn't as sensitive as the previous locks

If it's a warded lock than oils don't present much problems, which shutter locks, especially old ones sometimes are.

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MethDozer · M

@PalteseMalconFunch if so either a warded lock of lever tumbler lock. Probably a lever tumbler which isn't oil sensitive either.

Most likely lever tumbler if security is at all an issue

PalteseMalconFunch · 36-40, T

@MethDozer Aye just like that

MethDozer · M

@PalteseMalconFunch probably a lever lock.

oil that shit if it gets you where you need to go. Wouldn't hurt it and nobody will experience a problem before they decide it's time to do maintenance/changing on them anyway. The key was lost this long, right? But it's probably latches seized from paint as you have said. It isn't like they're used even remotely frequently and you have to deal with it for far longer than anyone else. I hate not thinking about the nest guy but in this case the next guy is generations after you

WillaKissing · 56-60, M

Good luck.

Iwillwait · M

Yay! Where did you find it?

PalteseMalconFunch · 36-40, T

@Iwillwait In a long forgotten lockbox at the police station 🤣

Iwillwait · M

@PalteseMalconFunch .. and you got into the Police Station, gained access to said: "Long forgotten lockbox," how? 🤨

Miram · 31-35, F

Pour oil on the locks not the key hole.
Leave the key hole alone
Pour it on that clasp hole

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Miram · 31-35, F

@PalteseMalconFunch that's probably better than my advice. You don't want be escorted to accompany the rest of the looloos for doing something bizarre even though it does work for rusty old locks

PalteseMalconFunch · 36-40, T

@Miram Bahahahahaha yea I think sadly I’m going to have to just deal with them taking up part of my new shelf space

PalteseMalconFunch · 36-40, T

@Miram Oh also it makes sense to try that, but the top clasp is like 3m up so imma let someone else try that

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