janiesews

Where can I buy a key for an older Singer Bentwood case? Thanks.

J Miller

Janie,

I've seen some on flebay, and I actually accidentally found one at my LSMG. But in lieu of that, they can be made easily. I made two from old fashioned skeleton keys. Just chop the end off and file the new end to fit the locks. I have three treadles and on bent wood case and they all take simple rectangle shaped key ends.

If nobody else has answered you by the time I get back I'll post some pics of my home made ones.

Joe

TinkerQuilts

You can also use a small regular (not phillips) screwdriver to open the case. That's what I used until I bought a real key on Ebay.

KenZ

Small padlock keys work well if you find the correct one. Check all of your luggage keys and some may work.

Caroline S

Watch Ebay. I bought an assortment of keys at one point and one of them fit my bentwood cases. You can also make one that will work from horseshoe nails which are square by chopping off the sharp points.

ArchaicArcane

Depending on the age of the case, it may be a flat key too. I have 4 machines here that use a flat key instead of a square one. These should be even easier to make, in theory, should be able to do it with flat stock and a file.

That said, both of the keys I have are different, one has a "flange" that holds the key in the lock unless it's locked, and one is just straight. The flanged one is circa 1936, the straight one is 1912. I can post pics if needed. (They're my 2 latest acquisitions from Calgary this weekend)

janiesews

thanks for the replies, will look at what I can find around the house. :>)

vanginney

I bought a singer treadle skeleton key - but I bought the wrong one. This one is trianglular and I think I need flat...if anyone needs a triangle type, direct message me and I will pop it in the mail. It should go to someone who will use it.

ArchaicArcane

Hey Joe,

I'd love to see this, if you don't mind. I have skeleton keys here and have often thought of doing the same thing.

J Miller

Here ya go.
Pick 1 is three of the 4 I have so far.
L = Original Singer key
M = home made key from an old bottle opener
R = home made key from a skeleton key

The one not shown is the Chinese version of the original key. That came with my Chinese treadle top.

Pick 2 is a close up of the end that fits into the lock. This type is really just a rectangle.


As vanginney said there are triangle ones as well as the square ones you mentioned.

Joe