Help me unlock this cupboard

[Slowlydying]

I never used to lock this cupboard, (ignore the hideous paint job, I bought it as a do-er upper on Ebay) but the annoying side door kept swinging open. Recently, I decided to take the key from the centre door and lock the side door. Now I can't get the fecking thing open! The key turns backwards & forwards well enough but the door is fully jammed - won't budge an inch. I don't think the door's jammed into the frame, there's a small gap perceptible all around the edge. What can I do?

Can you slide something in the gap to check the lock is turning as well as the key? Something like a bank card (maybe an old store loyalty card in case it damages your actual bank card). If the lock is free but you can't get anything around the rest of the door despite the gap it might be swollen shut in the frame

are there loose joints? sometimes a shove/lift/push/pull of the whole thing can work.

otherwise I'd have at it with an old table knife....to try pop the door open

or put a big headed screw in the top and bottom of the door and then use a claw hammer like you would to remove a nail and hope that the door opened before the screws popped out.

the last two do suppose it is just stuck and not actually locked so check with the credit card first if you can.

Where are the burglars when you need them!?

I‘d look up „u-Tube“ - I am sure someone posted a video about it already.

If you can open any door, please take a photo of the lock from the inside and from the edge of the door.

Also a close-up photo of the hinge.

Does the lock have a latching action, with a curve on it that snaps shut like an indoor door latch operated by knob? Or does it have a square-ended bolt that moves in and out only with the key (like a deadlock)?

Have you got a hacksaw blade?

Hi Piglet! Tonight, by sliding a knife down the edge of the opening, I found the lock was still engaged - even though the key had turned 'open'. By a miracle, exerting a bit of force lifting the door up/down I got the door open & found the cause of the problem. Now all I need is the solution! The lock had not fully retracted & you can see how it's been newly damaged by my trying to open the door. I believe that although the screws are new, that this lock is original to the unit?

With the door open and turning the key, the bolt part doesn't fully retract any more. Can anything be done about this? I don't really want the hassle of trying to find/fit 3 new modern locks.

last pic

I think there is a very good chance that the key is worn, damaged (it looks a bit bent) or not original to the lock.

This type of lock is called a Cut Cabinet lock. Yours is probably all steel (no brass) and likely to be quite poor quality. It would be possible to take it apart and make a new key to suit, but unlikely to be worth your while.

You might find some similar locks on fleabay, for example is someone has taken them out of an old wardobe before burning it.

Measure it very carefully. It is pretty sure to be made in inches and eighths of inches. This modern brass one is better quality, they are still made, www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Asec-2-Lever-Cut-Cupboard-Lock-75mm-keys-brass-cabinet-drawer-left-or-right-hand/142689332014?epid=26014367451&hash=item2138f26b2e:g:SlwAAOSwhzRaeIv9

This modern plated one is complete rubbish and is not actually a cut lock. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cupboard-Wardrobe-cut-door-lock-with-key-And-Screws-Brass-plated-NEW/202299307710?hash=item2f19fa76be:g:wl4AAMXQPatTKIGmi

Cut means it fits into an open cut-out in the side of the door (not a mortice) due to the door being made of thin wood.

The screws are not correct. Perhaps someone damaged the originals taking the locks out to paint the cupboard. If you want to buy new, take one out and measure it carefully. You could use black japanned round-headed slotted screws which will be about right, They might be No. 4 half-inch, but measure the old ones.

Observe that they are sized in fractions of inches.
www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=cut+cupboard+lock&_sop=15

I'd be inclined to not use the locks any more. You could fit modern magnetic catches if you can bear the lack of originality.

And on top of what pigletjohn how I wish he was my partner, true groupie feelings for him here, he's so clever!
You could always leave the latch plate on the front of the door and the key in it so it still looks original if you want.

haha!

Piglet, you sound very knowledgeable, a handy man to know, do you will work with old men who like gems?

eh?

In the interests of a thorough MN job I have unscrewed the lock. It is indeed brass & I'm pretty sure original but I reckon the key is from 60s or 70s old wardrobe. Shaking it, it rattles. I think something's broken off inside. The 'teeth' you can see through the hole fall backwards & forwards freely. The key is ok. It's actually the first time I've tried to lock that door so I'm quite sure the lock was duff from purchase. I'll go with magnet catches now.

Incidentally Piglet you helped me in the past with an old lock on an original Regency wardrobe I bought also on fleabay Again with a dodgy key - will I never learn! I dismantled that too & found a beautiful old lock with a sort of 'pressure' pin inside. I took it to the local locksmith & he crafted me a new key for it - a perfect it. Happy days. Thank you Piglet!

😄 at Pigletjohn. Glad you took it in the spirit it was intended. 😊