About James F. Walsh Expertise I have 27 years experience as a locksmith/hardware supplier. I am versed in commercial as well as residential lock hardware. I can help with any questions about locksmithing, however I cannot give out proprietary info or info that would create security issues.
Please Note: when asking a question, it is imperative that you include the brand name of the type of hardware you are looking to repair or replace. If there is no brand name visible, include as detailed a description as possible.
Experience I've worked as a locksmith/hardware distributor for 27 years in the greater Chicago metro area.
I have set up intricate masterkeying systems for small businesses up to 40 story highrise office buildings.
I am currently working on my certification as an architectural hardware consultant.
I am familiar with most electronic security hardware.
Organizations: Door and Hardware Institute, ALOA, ASA
Publications: Chicago Tribune, Locksmith Ledger, National Locksmith. American School And Hospital Magazine, Chief Engineer Magazine.
Locksmithing - 1930's Yale mortise entry lockset - need spring
Expert: James F. Walsh - 7/24/2006
Question small bell-shaped spring is broken inside lockset - it would pivot while applying pressure to inside of buttons that protrude from latch edge of door - buttons are depressed to lock or unlock exterior thumb latch operation. Broken while put in locked postition. Good news is that key still throws both latch and deadbolt and all other parts are in good working order. Can such a spring be found without resorting to salvage? How could one fashion a replacement if parts are unavailable?
Answer MARK, YOU WOULD BE VERY LUCKY TO FIND AN ORIGINAL SPRING FOR YOUR MORTISE LOCK. THE GOOD NEWS IS THEY ARE FAIRLY EASY TO FASHION FROM SPRING STOCK. THE SPRING THAT HOLDS THE BUTTONS IN THE LOCKED/UNLOCKED POSITIONS USUALLY WRAPS PARTIALLY AROUND A POST AND PUTS PRESSURE AGAINST THE SIDES OF BOTH BUTTONS TO KEEP THEM FROM MOVING BY THEMSELVES. THEY WERE MADE OF A BRONZE SPRING STOCK. I HAVE SOME OF THE EARLY TYPE OF THESE SPRINGS IN STOCK. THEY MAY NOT BE EXACT REPLACEMENTS BUT MAY BE ABLE TO BE MODIFIED TO WORK. THEY REALLY DONT HAVE TO BE PERFECT MATCHES BECAUSE THEY RARELY GET USED. MOST PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR BUTTONS IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND RARELY MOVE THEM BACK TO UNLOCKED. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY A SPRING THAT I WOULD HAVE YOU MAY CONTACT ME AT 800-323-5625. THANKS, JIM WALSH
