10 March 2026

Square Peg Round Hole

We ordered new lock cylinders for Harvey's gun cabinet.

At some point the company changed from an octagon lock-bar drive to a square.

So I figure I'd just swap the drive...

They changed the shaft from oval to square too.

What's to do?

I think we might just take the busted lock to a locksmith and see if they can fix it.

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2 comments:

  1. freddyboomboom11 March, 2026 20:26

    Remember, anecdote is not data.

    I once inherited one of those fancy aluminum briefcase type cases, without the keys.

    I took it to a locksmith to see if he could replace the lock, and he replied "how about I just cut you a couple of keys for this lock?"

    Yes, I felt stupid, but I learned something.

    1: I knew zip point sh*t about locks.
    2: There is usually more than one way to do something.
    3: A good locksmith is something to treasure. Insert many trades for the word "locksmith".

    Not necessarily related, but keys, locksmith, yadda yadda...

    BTW: Thank you for the "free ice cream machine". I've been enjoying it for years... Next time I visit my in-law's in the Tampa area, I owe you a couple of beers...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angus McThag12 March, 2026 03:23

      Beer! Beer is good!

      We have a good locksmith in the area, thankfully.

      The top lock of her cabinet got gritty suddenly then stopped turning. Thankfully it locked up in the open position! I would happily change the lock bars out for ones with square holes to use the new lock-set if I could find any in stock. The only ones on ebay I've found have the same octagonal holes as the ones we already have.

      I'm wondering if a locksmith can swap out the guts of the lock, or repair what broke in the one that failed.

      Delete

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