Ornate Brass Keys

Size

• Overall: 3"
• Barrel Interior: 1/8" Diameter
• Barrel Length: 1-1/2"
• Bit: 1/4" w x 3/16" h

Ornate Brass Keys are used for furniture and cabinets on drawers, doors, desks, boxes and chests. The excellent quality and vintage style make these solid brass keys great replacements. Key blank, also known as key-bit, has solid end. This end must be cut to fit lock and engage lock-mechanism. If key bit is not correctly notched it will not open and close lock. These keys are hollow, to slip onto lock pin. Lock pin must be slightly less than 1/8" for barrel to slip lock-pin.

Fitting Furniture Keys

Replacing keys for an existing lock is difficult

• Key bits, also known as blades, often require a specific cut to fit a lock. Determining this cut is complex. If key bit is not cut correctly, it will not engage lock mechanism.
• Unfortunately knowing the manufacturer and model number of the lock does not help in locating a key to fit an antique lock.
• Cutting the bit/blade, to turn the lock mechanism, often requires the skills of a locksmith.

Before choosing a key blank:

• Determine lock-pin diameter This measurement is critical as key-barrel must slide over lock pin.
• The key-bit must be sized correctly to move the lock-bolt .

Profile of key-bit varies between locks. 

• Some locks are easily turned with a simple un-notched blade
• Other locks require a key bit with one notch to lock or unlock
• Many locks require a key cut with 2 notches: one notch locks the lock the other notch unlocks the lock
• Some locks, made with spring-loaded levers, also require 2 notches however they also must be different sizes. This type of key is difficult to reproduce

Selecting Keyhole Covers - Escutcheons
For accurate fit:

• Measure keyhole height in keyhole cover
• Measure key-end height, height of key-bit
• Compare above determined measurements, to interior keyhole measurements, of the desired keyhole cover