Carpenter Rim Lock Maintenance

Rim locks or box locks are a style of door lock mounted on the surface of the door which were popular in the 1700s and 1800s. A particular style of rim lock is a "Carpenter" lock, which is a massive lock made or iron and brass typically used on outside entry doors. In this video I'll remove and take apart an antique Carpenter lock to clean it up and lubricate it with grease for continued use. I love these old hand-made locks, because they reflect the work of the makers in the tool marks and design.

[@tuesboomer1623]

Nice old piece. Thanks for taking us along on the maintenance.

[@graemebyers9905]

Great video. The manufacturing techniques seem to be the same the world over. I have a massive blacksmiths lock on my front door here in Scotland. Made in 1908, it has an identical mechanism down to the Roman numeral markings. The only difference is mine is two keys, one to operate the latch from outside. Unfortunately both keys long gone.

[@enduringcharm]

It would likely not be too difficult to make new keys for your lock. Blank skeleton keys are readily available, you just need one about the right size. The business end of the keys were never very intricate, you could use a hand file to get close enough.

[@marc-andrefortier6037]

Fascinating, thanks.

[@rickfarber4243]

This is very cool. Thanks for a fun video. I also enjoy seeing how these things were made - it's almost like traveling back in time. Do you have any idea how old it is, and also, I'm curious if you weighed it.

[@enduringcharm]

My guess would be early to mid 1800s, but I haven't done the research to know for sure. The weight is substantial, probably three or four pounds.

[@funtimefranky]

Great video. I have similar brass rim cocks on my internal doors. I’m trying to find a skeleton key so I can lock them but don’t know where to start, finding it overwhelming 😩

[@enduringcharm]

You can buy vintage skeleton keys on ebay and etsy, and new ones from various restoration hardware vendors. However, you make them work with your locks the key and/or the lock will need to be modified.

[@funtimefranky]

@@enduringcharm Thanks so much for your help… I’ll have a look!

[@richardkallio3868]

Can mice and bats come in through a big keyhole like that?

[@enduringcharm]

It's not THAT big! The camera may make it appear bigger than it really is.

[@drew699]

$600-$800 US, per rim lock? Is that really right?

[@enduringcharm]

No, that is incorrect. The reproduction rimlocks I've seen for sale are typically a tenth of that, or about $60-80 complete but for the knobs.