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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PalteseMalconFunch · 36-40, T

@MethDozer Roger roger!

It’s not warded, not pins either, I’m not sure what kind of lock it is honestly.

And from it looks like the actual issue might be that the locking pins that extend into the window frame (whatever they are called) have been painted over, which would be a pretty easy fix if that’s all it is

MethDozer · M

@PalteseMalconFunch oh yeah, if that's the case try tapping on the with hammer. Don't beat just tap, tap to free them up.

DM a key pick and I can tell you what you got

PalteseMalconFunch · 36-40, T

@MethDozer Ehhh, can’t do that. Technically a maximum security government facility even though our side of it is lax and we can do what we want mostl. But it’s the same key as the side that inmates go into.

I’ll try to find a generic picture of the type of key online sometime tonight

PalteseMalconFunch · 36-40, T

@MethDozer I wasn’t t exaggerating about the Green Mile it looks exactly like an old school prison key from the movies. Skinny tube with protrusions of various lengths on the end on one side.

MethDozer · M

@PalteseMalconFunch like this sorta?

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