Screen Door Bolts
Hi Gale. I think my customer is out of luck, but I told him I would try to find three new bolts for him. This is a deadbolt from a screen door that was installed in the late 1970s. The good news is it’s 2-3/8 inches backset. I think the lock was made by Kwikset. He uses a KW1 key he thinks is original. It’s hard to see, but there was a nub on the bolt next to the small square hole. The knob broke off, and he tried repairing it with a screw. The face of the bolt is 2-15/16 inches by 1 inch, and it just snaps in. There are no screws holding the bolt face in. The door is just over 1-inch thick.
He is a good customer and wants to believe the bolts are available. Let me know what you think. I may end up converting the doors to a modern lock.
Mark Hankes CRL
The Lock Pros Inc.
Naperville, Illinois
That lock was made by Dexter Lock. Dexter was bought by Schlage years ago. I found your Dexter Lock on eBay. It might have a different bolt, but it still might be used.
— Editor-in-Chief Gale Johnson
Safe Combination Needed
My brother-in-law gave me an older build-a-safe. It’s never been assembled, but I can’t get the lock to open. I follow the numbers on the lock and get nothing. I want to make sure I can open it before I install it in a floor for a room I’m building. I’m hoping you can help either open it or give me instructions on how to assign a new lock combination.
The unit has a metal tag that says BUILD-A-SAFE Inc., Huntington Beach, California, Serial # 12785, Model # C30DRC. On the back of the lock itself, it says LG Group 2, 1800 series, La Gard Locking, Torrence, California, made in USA. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Donnie Vick
This is a key-change safe. A special tool is required. The tool is inserted into the back of the lock and turned a quarter-turn. This releases the current combination, and a new combination then can be dialed in. In this situation, I only can suggest that you take the safe to a reputable locksmith in your area and have the locksmith set a new combination for you.
Editor-in-Chief Gale Johnson
COVID-19 Coverage
To help our readers make it through the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, Locksmith Ledger has created a special section on our website with all our COVID-19 coverage in one place: www.locksmithledger.com/covid-19.
At press time, this section includes:
· Updated information on trade-show postponements and upcoming virtual trade shows
· A helpful series of H.L. Flake Security Professionals Business Roundtables
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