Modifing locks

[The Surveyor]

Gents,

I have bought a replacement fuel filler flap lock for my Maserati project however this came without a key. I'd like to modify the lock so that the key which fits the other fuel flap lock works in the new lock. The profile is the same and the old key fits in the lock, it just doesn't turn!

How easy is it to modify a lock so that the key works, is it just knocking the retaining pin out and filing down the lock pins, or would that result in a springs, pins and lock parts flying around the kitchen?

DIY job or one for the professionals?

Picture of the lock for reference:-





Paul

[john2443]

The difficult part is getting the barrel out, it probably has some sort of pin or maybe a circlip holding it in.

If you can work that out...

Put a key in, remove the holding pin/circlip.

Take the barrel out with the key still in it.

If you quickly pull the key out of the barrel now, you might get springs and sliders all over the floor, so don't do that, take it out gently while holding the sliders in place!

Now mess about with 1 slider at a time in different positions along the key until you find the position where the key holds the slider down so the barrel will rotate.

Repeat until you have as many as possible working then use a small file to adjust the last ones so that they do fit.

As long as you have 1 slider working then you have a little bit of security, the more you have the more security. you could just take them all out and it would open with any key, screwdriver, coin just like a 70s Ford, depends how secure you want to be.

[Huntsman]

Re tumbling a lock isn't too hard. Need patience and a little light oil.

[The Surveyor]

Cheers Guys.

I'll give it a careful go tonight but may have a trial run on the old one first. Security isn't a huge issue for these locks as they are only fuel flaps, but it would be only right and proper that the key works.

Thanks

Paul

[IroningMan]

I take it you can't swap the barrels over - but can you use the pins from the one with a key in the one without?

[The Surveyor]

Argh, given up!

There is a driven pin at the back of the lock which needs to be withdrawn to extract the barrel. Without destroying the barrel trying to drill it out there is no way of removing it.

Anybody recommend somebody who could cut a key to fit an existing lock?

Paul

[caziques]

What series key is it? Looks like an FS one.

You may need to visit someone like Canley Classics who have most of the series of keys (about a hundred in total) and try each one until you find the solution.

Just to be helpful the key number is often stamped on the barrel!

[Huntsman]

Almost any good locksmith can do it, there's a chap near the railway in Havant that could.