Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/15/2011

Question
I have lost the key to my locked Gov. Winthrop Secretary Desk.
It has a drop down desk with a cabinet on top with 3 shelves behind glass doors.  Do you have any suggestions on what type barrel key I could find that might unlock it?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Terry
Nice to hear from you.
You ask "what type of barrel key You could find that might unlock your desk".
The only difference in hollow barrel keys would be in the shaft length, shaft circumference and in the way the little flags on the end of the keys are cut.
These little cut flags are really what makes the key work in the lock.
Look here to see some examples of these keys. You will see the differences I mention.

http://www.islandtrunkshop.com/hollow_barrel_trunk_keys.html

Your desk unfortunately is in the locked position. If it was not you could pop the lock off and take it to a locksmith and have a new key made.
So in my opinion, you have two choices.
Remove the back of the desk which should allow you access to remove the lock and take it to a locksmith to get re-keyed, or have a locksmith come to your home and make you a new key.
The first choice is the cheapest route of course.
Don't worry, this is a fixable situation.
Regards
Eileen