Corbin Cabinet Lock won't turn. Any ideas?

Pete · 2011-12-25T08:51:12+00:00

I have 2 idenital CCLs stamped #1 and #4. The key is stuck in lock #4 and I can’t turn the key to get the lock out. It is unlocked, but I can’t turn the key enough to get it out. The problem might be that I have 2 #4 keys and 1 #1 key, so I think someone may have forced the #1 key in the #4 lock. If I unscrew the 3 screws and take the lock off the wood, can I open the lock and get the key out? The key won’t fit thru the hole in the wood. But what is more strange, I can’t get the #1 lock to lock. When I turn the key, the bar moves sightly, but doesn’t come up. The keys are so thin, I am afraid if I try to turn it any more the key will bend. Could be someone did the same thing and broke the mechanism but got the key out. The keys are marked, but the outside of the lock is not. I could easily see that happening. Do these locks have problems, or should I try turning harder?

Brian Denyer

Pete I think some confusion has occured here, and a picture of the lock is required?
It sounds like your locks are the standard Wafer type?
No Key can be removed while in the partial turn position?
The only exception is the declining step key.

If memory serves, it was suggested that the key be turned back to the pullout position?

Brian ………………………………………..

Pete

Hi Brian. On the inside of the lock there is a post keeping the key from spinning 360 degrees. I would have thought you could jusy turn the key around and remove the key when the lock is in the unlocked position, but it looks like when it is unlocked the key can not be removed. The problem was someone used the wrong key in one lock and somehow managed to remove the key from the other one while it was in the unlocked position (or they picked the lock).

Brian Denyer

It sounds like you are right.
And the lock has a safety feature for key retention until it was in the locked position.

Brian ……………………………………

Pete

Photos are on posts #4 and #7.

———- Post added at 12:28 AM ———- Previous post was at 12:26 AM ———-

Nomater what I am still wondering why they didn’t put the lock number on the outside of the lock. It is stamped on the inside of the lock and on the key.

Dean Nickel

Well that might be the same reason a good deal of lock makers didn’t put numbers on the locks. If you were able to collect enough of their keys and then have a ring of them you would be able to open all their locks. Back then I would think this would be a low issue as apposed to now. But key codes have always been a problem for manufactures. Key codes are recorded by locksmiths and manufactures keep coming up with new ones.

Pete

I see. It seems these types of locks were just to keep honest people out. They seem fairly insecure and would be tamper evident, but provide little security. Being inside the safe, I guess people would keep private things in them, but still allow others they trusted to have the safe combo. It is kind of funny to see such small locks used.

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