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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    2
    Country: United States

    Default Metal Strip "Spring" Needed?

    Hey folks,

    I live in a house that was built in 1844, and we have a couple of old locks. Yesterday, I opened my closet, but the latch would not spring back. So I took it apart and I found a whole lot of rust, dust, and pieces of broken metal. From what I can gather, a long, thin piece of flexible metal was used as a spring. I figure it's impossible to find the exact part, so what can I do to make this work again? Thanks...

    - SungClick image for larger version. 

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Tonawanda, NY, USA
    Posts
    900
    Country: United States

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by sjwoo View Post
    Hey folks,
    I figure it's impossible to find the exact part, so what can I do to make this work again? Thanks...- Sung
    Locksmith supply houses sell flat spring steel assortments like ESP Lock Products FSA-50, see thumbnail; if you just need a couple pieces they could be purchased from a retail locksmith.

    Pete Schifferli
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 23059.jpg  

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    663
    Country: UK

    Default

    Could try the spring steel in a window wiper blade.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    2
    Country: United States

    Default

    Thanks, folks -- after some more digging, I also saw somewhere (it might have been here!) that the tines from an old metal rake would also work. Unfortunately I threw mine out a little while ago, so I'll see what I can do. The windshield wiper idea is great, too. Thank you!

    - Sung

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