Lock, Safe and Key restoration

From the Caversham Lock and Safe works in Reading we use our knowledge and expertise to carry out a wide range of lock and door restoration works.

With locks the problem is often with internal parts becoming worn out over time. Often keys have the same problem. This time the worn out part known as the “Bit”.

With vintage doors the most common problem is rotting (commonly at the base of the door). Again we can restore doors and windows at the Caversham Lock and safe works.

Lock and key restoration

Depending on the condition of the lock this can vary from a simple clean, to a full restoration. Some locks are harder to do than others depending on the make and age.

More advanced restorations start with fully dismantling and cleaning the locks. Any parts that need replacing are then produced, adjusted and installed. This is all done in the workshop.

At Abbey Gate we have a Brass smelting furnace, Blacksmiths and a variety of traditional tools and modern machines to achieve this. Once the lock has been fully restored keys can also be produced and cut from scratch using traditional methods.

As with locks, keys can also be restored. This service is normally done for very rare and valuable keys, but it is still possable with other keys.

Safe restoration

Most vintage safes are now used as features in the home, for example drinks cabinets. Abbey Gates’ attention to detail makes our safe restorations near perfect.

As with locks, safe restoration begins with the safe being fully dismantled and given a full clean. Parts are replaced and oiled. Door adjustments are made if required and the safe is rubbed down ready for painting.

Safe badges and furniture (normally brass) are normally buffed and cleaned. On occasion if there are features on the safe painted in a gold colour we are willing to paint the door furniture to blend in. Where possible old advertising posters on the inside of the door are either protected or reproduced. Please note not all vintage safes have these.

Unlike other companies who simply give the safe a lick of paint, we take the safe back to its original colours when manufactured. The final step is to put the safe back together

Door and window restoration

Abbey Gate also removes and restores vintage doors. This involves sanding down the door, treating the timber or, if necessary, replacing parts of the door or window that is beyond repair. We also repair or replace old hinges, locks and keys.

the door featured below was removed, restored and re installed in Mortimer near Tadley.

Master Locksmiths Association

Locations

Our collection

Our experence and history

Check out on of the above links to see why you should choose Abbey Gate locksmiths

Abbey Gate locksmiths are the parent company to Basingstoke and Reading based Smiths Security Service.