An estate agent in Egham got in touch about a British Standard 5-lever mortice deadlock. The key had been misplaced, and they needed me to gain access and replace the lock.
The existing damage suggested either one previous attempt to gain access after keys had been lost, or three separate incidents. If it was the latter, I would seriously consider a key necklace!
I opened the wooden door without causing any further damage, then installed a new mortice lock with both escutcheons and the keep. The replacement was like for like: another British Standard 5-lever mortice deadlock, with nice, shiny new fittings.
These locks are difficult to open when the keys are lost, so it is worth taking care of them. I also see people leave the key in this type of mortice lock on the inside of the door. Don’t do it: it can make the lock extremely easy to open, undermining the security of an otherwise high-security lock in one move.
