Gerstner Keys

[Bamacruiser98]

I just got this G. & Sons box. Did a light restore, didn’t need much but as usual the key is missing. I’ve searched the usual routes but I must be missing something bc I’m not seeing it. It has a Yale HG3 lock and the box is a #241( box number is probably irrelevant but included anyway. I also have a Union that I’d likes key for. I talked to a local locksmith but it’s as if he didn’t want to fool with it so I may ask another. If anyone has info on how to get one please let you know much obliged.

 

[RTM]

Usually a key # stamped on the front face of the lock, pix of that area?

@toolboxted posted about keys recently, might wanna read that post also. Gotta search, dogs need walking here

 

[alinc100]

Heres the link to the beginning key pages on The Guide https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/pg-260-clasp-locks-components ToolboxTed is the host /owner and a very nice person.
The key code for the Union will be under the hasp on the bottom side of the lock in a similar place to the Yale. IIRC correctly the format will be something like 352-E-52. With that number there may be more help available. The replacement Keys Gerstner sells on thier site do not cover the Yale locks. I have not called them directly to inquire about Yale locks. I am searching for an HG1 myself.

 

[Bamacruiser98]

Usually a key # stamped on the front face of the lock, pix of that area?

@toolboxted posted about keys recently, might wanna read that post also. Gotta search, dogs need walking here

Yep that’s the HG3 I mentioned.

 

[Bamacruiser98]

Usually a key # stamped on the front face of the lock, pix of that area?

@toolboxted posted about keys recently, might wanna read that post also. Gotta search, dogs need walking here

 

[toolboxted]

The Yale key blanks are no longer available, too old, at least that I can find. ILCO doesn’t offer these blanks either. I have come up with an alternative blank that will fit the HGxx, KFxx & 4Xxx keyed Yale locks. I’ve made 2 different keys using this blank, they work fine.

You’d have to take this blank, along with its description, to a locksmith that can cut keys using the impression method.

As for the Union chest lock, you’ll have to post a picture of its key number. Then I can help explain your options.

Good luck……Ted

 

[66vette]

What about mine that is a Yale lock and no stamp number?

 

[alinc100]

To the OP: Is there a number on the lock of the Union?

 

[Bamacruiser98]

The Yale key blanks are no longer available, too old, at least that I can find. ILCO doesn’t offer these blanks either. I have come up with an alternative blank that will fit the HGxx, KFxx & 4Xxx keyed Yale locks. I’ve made 2 different keys using this blank, they work fine.

You’d have to take this blank, along with its description, to a locksmith that can cut keys using the impression method.

As for the Union chest lock, you’ll have to post a picture of its key number. Then I can help explain your options.

Good luck……Ted

 

[Bamacruiser98]

To the OP: Is there a number on the lock of the Union?

 

[alinc100]

I can't tell for sure if the last number is 5 or 6 ,if it is a 5 http://islandtrunkshop.com/antique_vintage_flat_keys.html has the key. Scroll down to National Lock

 

[alinc100]

Or if you are daring and handy with a file: https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/pg-262d-make-your-own-natl-56-e-**-key

 

[toolboxted]

What about mine that is a Yale lock and no stamp number?

We need pictures of it before we can comment.

 

[toolboxted]

Or if you are daring and handy with a file: https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/pg-262d-make-your-own-natl-56-e-**-key

I don’t have a key or pic’s of a 56-E-6, so I can’t cut one. alinc 100 made good suggestions. Good luck.

 

[Bamacruiser98]

I don’t have a key or pic’s of a 56-E-6, so I can’t cut one. alinc 100 made good suggestions. Good luck.

Or if you are daring and handy with a file: https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/pg-262d-make-your-own-natl-56-e-**-key

I mean I’ve always sharpen my own saw chains since I was a kid but that’s about it when it comes to filing. Ain’t much I can’t do so maybe I’ll give it a try, thanks

 

[66vette]

We need pictures of it before we can comment.

Here is the picture.

 

[PSCo1867]

I have hundreds of vintage keys, including new blanks. Is there a photo of the correct key available? Ok, I see this has already been asked, so consider it a bump .

 

[toolboxted]

Here is the picture.

I believe your lock takes an Eagle A50M25 - 48 key. When you pick up the clasp, the key number will be on the right side of the mechanism housing. H. Gerstner & Sons sells these keys. Should they not have yours, I can cut you one. Have a good one.

 

[toolboxted]

I have hundreds of vintage keys, including new blanks. Is there a photo of the correct key available? Ok, I see this has already been asked, so consider it a bump .

I am interested in any flat steel or grooved brass keys or blanks that you may have for the locks shown on my website Pg 260. I’m trying to determine alternative blanks, because those aren’t manufactured any more, except for ILCO’s 1013G & 1013GR. I’d appreciate your input…….Ted
'The' Guide for Wooden Machinist Tool Chests - Pg 260 - Clasp Locks & Components (google.com)

 

[PSCo1867]

I am interested in any flat steel or grooved brass keys or blanks that you may have for the locks shown on my website Pg 260. I’m trying to determine alternative blanks, because those aren’t manufactured any more, except for ILCO’s 1013G & 1013GR. I’d appreciate your input…….Ted
'The' Guide for Wooden Machinist Tool Chests - Pg 260 - Clasp Locks & Components (google.com)

I'm not able to make your link work, but I went to the site and found page 260. I still haven't seen any good pics of the correct keys. The photo is of some of my key collection, and I'm still rounding them up. Please take a look, and let me know if any are of interest to you. I can do more sorting and give better detail if needed. Most likely I have a whole pile of all the wrong types, lol. Thanks.

 

[66vette]

I believe your lock takes an Eagle A50M25 - 48 key. When you pick up the clasp, the key number will be on the right side of the mechanism housing. H. Gerstner & Sons sells these keys. Should they not have yours, I can cut you one. Have a good one.

The number on the right side is A50M37

 

[66vette]

The number on the right side is A50M37

I just ordered a key from Gerstner

 

[toolboxted]

I just ordered a key from Gerstner

Great! If you have problems with their key, let me know before filing on it.

 

[alinc100]

I sent an inquiry to Gerstner on the Yale HG keys. They have no HG keys or blanks available. Not a surprise.