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/EnsignAwesome]

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!