Hatch Key

[Appleyard]

Hi all. I need to get a spare hatch key made...I can't remember the name of the type of lock...The key is about 35 mm long and consistd of a tubular piece,castellated at the end with a small tooth on the outside circumference...I imagine its a fairly standard type for a boat hatch..but what is it called ??and is it easy to get a duplicate made???

 

[sailorman]

local locksmith

i had one made in France @ great expence, failed to ask before he made it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

gave him the option ( after i got the original back ) to heavly discount or keep it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Appleyard]

Thanks...but I am trying to find out what this type of lock is called.???

 

[Norman_E]

This type of lock and the key that fits it was invented by Joseph Bramah (1748-1814), and was called a Bramah Lock.
Bramah offered a £200 prize to anyone who could pick his lock, it was not until 1851 that an American made a set of special picks and won the prize, after 16 days work on the lock. To all intents and purposes Bramah's original design was unpickable.

 

[Appleyard]

Thanks Norman....I couldn't remember the name of it... Gettig old!!!!!!

 

[Gin]

I stand to be corrected, but this, by description, is a barrel key which can be replicated by a high security locksmith- usually available in cities and large towns.

Sometimes these keys are available only through manufacturers approved locksmiths- so you may need to shop around and do some research

Factory approved locksmith for mine quoted £25 for two keys minimum- local high security firm did one for £12(ish)

 

[AIDY]

correct i had one cut a couple of weeks ago.

 

[Norman_E]

Quite true, they are now often called barrel keys. The modern mass produced locks are based on Bramah's lock, but they are a simplified (and cheapened) version.

 

[Talbot]

does your lock look like:

If so try a biro tube, cause they are quite effective!

 

[ilesmill]

Companionway locks -- These cost in the region of £20 from chandlers. However, they can be had much cheaper = £4.03 currently! Go to http://cpc.farnell.com and do a search for camlock or order a catalogue. For the record the 2D CAMLOCK 18MM fitted our Seahawk and my guess is anything else in the Westerly range. You can choose from a variety of different keys.