Vintage Snap On K-60 Super Chest Lock

[Not Born Yesterday]

I'm new on this forum so forgive me if my post doesn't conform to your expectations. I need some help with a Snap On lock that is not available through Snap On. The lock is out of a gray Snap On K-60 super chest that is in great shape except for the lock which is worn out. I inherited this chest from my father who bought it between 1939 and 1946. I've checked with a local locksmith with no luck. I'm hoping someone out there knows a source for a fix on this lock. Thanks.

 

[snapmom]

They just do not make them anymore. You will have to get one that you can make work. But if you have this at home, you might want to just leave it as is.
Please post a pic of the boxes, they are very hard to find, so we do like to see them.
Also, with a pic we can give you a better fix on the date it was made, the early ones are a little different.
Thanks.

 

[MoToys]

I have tons of old cam locks and such in my shop. Please post a picture so I can see exactly what the one you are looking for looks like.

 

[Not Born Yesterday]

I just barely figured out how to post to this forum but I haven't quite figured out how to post a picture. I'll post a picture in the next few days if I figure it out.

 

[Outlawmws]

In "Post Reply" (not quick reply) go to "Manage Attachments" below the text editing bax and use the tools there to upload a pic from your computer.

 

[Not Born Yesterday]

I tried to load a few pictures but they may be too large of files.

 

[snapmom]

A rare grey one. would probably be 1943-44

 

[Outlawmws]

I love that style of box... Maybe someday...

 

[Outlawmws]

For your cylinder lock, you have a couple of options I believe. That appears to be a very short lock, but should still be available unless the hole size is unusual.

They make those with two primary connection mechanization. A threaded nut like you have and a spring clip like this one;

Either will work in your situation, again, assuming the hole size was std. Do you have two flats or one on your lock?

The latching pawl should be able to be moved from the old lock to the new one. Length of the cylinder is the key.

Another option is to take the old cylinder in to a (good) locksmith and see if he can drop new "pins" (actually plates) into the lock and give you a key for that new set.

 

[Not Born Yesterday]

You're correct, this is a short lock. It has two flat surfaces on the threads and as far as I know it is the original lock. The locksmith that I did go to wouldn't attempt to fix the lock and the replacement locks that he had didn't have the correct tail piece. I'll try another locksmith. Thanks.

 

[MoToys]

Very cool box. If you want to pay the postage I'll fix the lock and make a key to it. Pm me if your interested.