Key Home Furniture

Is there a special tool I can purchase to open up my antique credenza. I purchased a skeleton key at Home Depot but it doesn't fit.

Can you post a picture of the keyhole/lock; there are several type used on furniture, some are easy to pick, some would require an expert.

I am presuming you don't want to damage the furnature or have to hire a locksmith unless it is absolutely necessary.

The old furniture locks I usually see have a pin in the center of the keyhole and the key has a hole in th end that fits the pin. Usually, they only have 1 or 2 simple wards and no tumblers, so, often can be picked easily. If you have this kind of lock, first, see if you have any other old furniture keys around and try them. Also, ask around and see if any friends, coworkers or neighboors have any bunches of old keys you can try. These locks have relatively few key configurations, so finding a key that fits is actually not that difficult.

You can also try picking it. Take a piece of spring wire (just uncoil a steel spring with pliers). The wire needs to be pretty stiff, but still fit into the keyhole. Bend a right angle in the end of the wire which would be about the length of the bit of the key. Then, bend yourself a handle, so you can turn it. In most of these locks, the key directly engages the bolt. When the key is turned, it lifts the bolt slightly against a spring, then pulls it back into the lock as it is turned further. You are going to need to insert your "key" in as far as it will go with the bit facing the end of the lock where the bolt is protruding. Get the wire so it is along side the pin in the center of the keyhole and try turning it. I can't tell whether you need to go clockwise or counterclockwise as it depends on how the lock is oriented in the furniture, you'll have to experiment. When you turn your pick, if there is no resistance at all, try lifting it slightly off the bottom of the lock and re-trying, also try turning in the other direction. Once you feel out the part you need to be pushing against, you should feel it give a little against pressure, when this happens keep the pick lined up with the pin in the center of the keyhole and keep turning to slide the bolt back; be patient, it isn't like on the movies, where somebody picks a lock "instantly".

2009-02-07 10:41:37 by quindi

KeyHomeFurnishings.com. Visit us online to buy direct or browse. Located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. 503.598.9948.

I have new cedar furniture (log home style). I do not want it stained. I want to protect the wood, keeping the natural color. I want a matte finish. I've heard tung oil, linseed oil etc. Not sure what to do?

ps: this is for indoor rocking chairs. May possibly be put out on a covered porch in the summer months, so water proofing is key.

You could use a protective sealant. It won't distort the color. and it has no "sheen". The sealant soaks right into the pores of the wood.

2010-11-07 07:31:19 by Elvisdog

Price: $15.99 $8.99

Approx. Dimensions: 12.25" x 4"
Made of metal

If everyone who lived in your house/apartment was out at the same time, all together so you knew it couldn't have been anyone with a key.

Operator: 911 whats your emergency?

Caller: A gay man broke into my house!!

Operator: Is there anything missing?

Caller: No, but everything is organized... And clean...

Operator: Then what is the problem sir?

Caller: He reorgenized everything and I can't find the remote!

2008-05-27 11:42:23 by Ponty Mython

3"x4.5"
Chrome

My sister was renting furniture from a company. She stopped paying the bill and never returned the property. She calls me today freakin out saying the chief city deputy marshal keeps coming to her apartment and she never answers. So today they left a card saying we know you live here we will get a key...is that possible I was not sure. I told her to just call them and return it but she is scared what should I tell her?

If she's renting, the landlord can agree to giving them a key to access the apartment. Also if she signed something in the contract stating they can come repossess the property if not paid, she is basically screwed. I would advise her to just pay what is owed and she would never be in the predictament she's in!
I am pretty sure they would need some kind of warrant though.
Read that fine black print in the contract agreement she signed with the furniture company, your answer just might be in there!

2008-09-25 00:59:01 by mi mi

all WHITE furniture and PURPLE as the key colour? (a dark, royal purple, different shades used throughout the room though)

I think that would look very nice. Personally I like the darker carpets, does not show as much dirt. (especially if you have kids or a grease monkey)

2008-06-13 13:21:43 by LoveYouToo