What year did they stop using skeleton keys?

Little changed in the design of the mechanism until the mid 1800’s when Linus Yale Sr. and Jr. introduced the modern flat keys. Skeleton keys, however, continued to be used in most houses until after WWII when the pin tumbler lock (or Yale lock) took over.

What are old fashioned keys called?

Antique keys are commonly referred to as bit or barrel keys, the former having a solid shank and the latter being hollow. Many people mistakenly call all old keys “skeleton” keys. But a skeleton key is a specific type of bit or barrel key designed to pass the wards of many different locks.

How can you tell how old a skeleton key is?

Age of the Key A few keys are stamped with a date, but this is uncommon. Most skeleton keys you encounter are from 1940 and before, but some keys are very old. Examine the key to determine whether it appears handmade. If it is not uniform or appears to be hand-worked, it could be an older example.

Are vintage keys valuable?

Antique skeleton keys typically are priced at $10 or cheaper, while older skeleton keys or more detailed skeleton keys cost as much as $1000. They are fairly easy to find at estate sales, antique shops, or online. You can find newer antique skeleton key replicas at hardware stores or even home decor retailers.

How do you get a skeleton key lock?

Locate the lever by wiggling the wrench then engage the wrench by using your hand. Put the second wrench into the hole by hooking it to the first one. Unlock the deadbolt by twisting the allen wrench clockwise. It is not impossible to unlock a skeleton key lock if you lose your key.

Can you remake a skeleton key?

Replacing a Skeleton Key But don’t replace your antique locks just yet. And, if we determine a replacement skeleton key simply won’t work with your existing lock, we can replace the set—both the key and its lock—to match the original’s look.

What can I do with old skeleton keys?

Here are some neat ideas to display your great antique skeleton keys:

1. Hang them on hooks.
2. Fill a jar with them.
3. Display in a candy dish.
4. Decorate a picture frame with them.
5. Turn them into jewelry.
6. Make a skeleton key windchime or mobile.
7. Use as decorative ceiling fan pulls.
8. Display inside lantern.

How do I know which skeleton key to buy?

First look at your lock to determine whether or not it has a pin showing in the keyhole. If so, measure the pin diameter. If your lock does not have a pin showing, select one of our solid shank keys with a bit size closest to the size of your keyhole.

Are skeleton keys interchangeable?

Are all skeleton keys the same? Although a skeleton key is a “master key,” not all skeleton keys are the same. The size and cut of the key’s bit, as well as the diameter of its barrel, determine whether it fits with a lock. Or maybe you live in an old home that still has the original locks on interior doors.

Do old skeleton keys have any value?

What is the value of skeleton keys? Antique skeleton keys typically are priced at $10 or cheaper, while older skeleton keys or more detailed skeleton keys cost as much as $1000. They are fairly easy to find at estate sales, antique shops, or online.

Are skeleton keys still used in houses?

Skeleton keys, however, continued to be used in most houses until after WWII when the pin tumbler lock (or Yale lock) took over. You will find that the doors in many homes built in the 1940’s and earlier still have functioning mortise locks operated by skeleton keys.

What is the purpose of a skeleton key?

The purpose of a skeleton key is obviously to open a lock. Skeleton keys, also known as pass keys, are designed to open numerous locks, most commonly a warded lock.

Do you need a skeleton key for your Chicago home?

Many old homes in the Chicago area were originally made with locks that required skeleton keys. We still cut and sell skeleton keys at Anderson Lock in Des Plaines for use in old residential locks, as well as for fine cabinetry. Whether you need to buy a skeleton key or you need one duplicated, our team can help.

What is the difference between a skeleton key and an antique?

However, the name often refers to any antique key, no matter how ornate. As long as there is a bow, a narrow shank or shaft, and a flat extension on one side near the bottom of the shaft, a key is often considered a skeleton key.