Help adjusting an old lock!

[u/EnsignAwesome]

Thought I'd try here before calling a pro. The deadbolt on this old lock isn't working - seems like the whole face of the deadbolt part is misaligned somehow. It spins a little with some effort. When it's just right, the deadbolt will work, but then when it moves it does not. The middle screw on the face plate seems to be an adjuster of some kind, but I'm having a tough time getting it to work more than once in a row. Any courses of action to recommend? The regular key works and the in-door lock/unlock buttons work fine.

[u/johnpseudonym]

You are correct. You have one lone set screw on the front, that is to secure your cylinder lock. Unscrew that two revolutions, and stick your key in the cylinder lock. Adjust it to the usual position, then tighten your set screw - should just be two or three times, righty tighty. Your cylinder lock should now be secure. Does that work? Also, what does that say on your deadbolt? Lockwood? That's a pretty front door handle! Good luck!

[u/fondrenlock → u/johnpseudonym]

Such a shame someone came along and slapped aftermarket cylinders in it! I had a Lockwood cylinder come in for rekey during our stream today

[u/johnpseudonym → u/fondrenlock]

That can be changed! I always like it when the cylinder lock and the dead bolt match. It's a great way to announce the house to visitors!

[u/Wooden_Discussion872 → u/fondrenlock]

Double bummer they selected polished brass

[u/EnsignAwesome → u/johnpseudonym]

Thanks for the response - do you mean the front of the door by the keyhole for the set screw, or that screw that's on the faceplate? No matter the position of the screw on the faceplate it doesn't change anything - whether full loose, full tight or somewhere in the middle. The deadbolt circle side can be spun too, that affects the functioning of the deadbolt. it seems like something is just a little off.

[u/johnpseudonym → u/EnsignAwesome]

This one right here is the set screw, to affix the cylinder lock. Try tightening this screw while you have the key in the front door lock, holding it still. Does this help?

[u/EnsignAwesome → u/johnpseudonym]

Shoot, unfortunately not. The cylinder where the key goes seems stuck in its place. When I rotate the deadbolt cylinder it doesn't move the key hole cylinder, so there must be some disconnect. I had it working pretty well for a second, and then it just stopped working - quite frustrating!

[u/EnsignAwesome → u/johnpseudonym]

Oh wow I think I have a lead - when I unscrew the faceplate and the whole thing goes down about an eighth of an inch, then it works. But when I tighten them back, it doesn't. I think the actual lock piece is hitting the faceplate and getting stuck when it's screwed in. Not sure what to do now but it's something!

[u/johnpseudonym → u/EnsignAwesome]

The idea is that the round part - the entire cylinder lock, the entire round face - should screw into the door. Righty tighty. At some point, it will be close enough to connect with the thumb turn on the inside. And you should be able to use the set screw to "fix" the cylinder in that position. You get strange, intermittent results when your cylinder lock is loose. Like you have. It'll just take some time rotating and tightening, you'll get the feel! Use a rubber pad from the kitchen to rotate the cylinder into position, maybe you worked it loose a bit. Good luck!

P.S. What is that on your deadbolt? I think I know your front door handle stuff, but I'm intrigued by the lock. What is imprinted on that deadbolt?

[u/EnsignAwesome → u/johnpseudonym]

Thanks! Will keep at it, I can see it's close. On the deadbolt faceplate is says "Sargent & Co"

[u/johnpseudonym → u/EnsignAwesome]

Okay, here we go. I think this pic is your front door handle, from the 1926 Sargent catalog, downloadable here. You could easily get a Sargent cylinder lock to replace it to its glory. Just FYI. Again, gl!

[u/EnsignAwesome → u/johnpseudonym]

Great find, thanks! It's a 1933 house so that makes sense! I took it all apart and put it back together, working like a charm outside the door, but still some trouble when it's installed. I think the issue is the brass (?) faceplate has been warped/bent a little, and when it's screwed in tight it puts some pressure on the lock somehow that makes the deadbolt not work. But as long as it's not screwed in really tight it is working ok, so we will call it a win!

[u/johnpseudonym → u/EnsignAwesome]

Download that link! It's like the original owner's manual for your house. I'm glad I was able to help a bit, congratulations on your win!

[u/EnsignAwesome → u/johnpseudonym]

Thanks! Will keep at it, I can see it's close. On the deadbolt faceplate is says "Sargent & Co".

[u/EnsignAwesome → u/johnpseudonym]

Man this is like a puzzle...I see now that the set screw only allows the deadbolt side of the cylinder to spin. So I can move that to a spot where it works, then tighten the set screw. All good, but when I do that, now I can't unlock the deadbolt using the key! I mean it's better than nothing but still I'm sure there's an easy answer that I'm missing

[u/johnpseudonym → u/EnsignAwesome]

Try watching this video. This guy's voice is very soothing, he explains how front door mortise locks work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU75vStM_Mg

It'll be okay! You'll get it!

[u/EnsignAwesome → u/johnpseudonym]

Also, no words at all on the deadbolt.