Cleaning an old padlock?

[baspinall]

Do you think I should soak this lock in oil or WD-40? What would you do? The clasp moves a little now but I want to see if I can get a key made for it by a locksmith.
Thanks - Brian

 

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[stefen]

I'd use some WD40 on the hasp portion, however I wouldn't touch the outer patina.

 

[PBK]

It's a lever push-key padlock, made by the Miller Lock. Co. of Philadelphia, PA in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Any good locksmith should be able to supply a key for it.

Don't clean it.

 

[gnewt]

WD-40 can be used to displace the water inside, if any. A good tool for doing that is a hair dryer with out any damage, the heat will dry and the blower will blow the dust out. The can of air spray they use on keyboards may work, maybe someone on here has tried it. I have and wouldn't be without it.
The problem with WD40, is it dissolves and when it dissolves it sometimes stains.?
You got a trophy case item to show off there. More HH, Gnewt

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

I would not clean it at all, that lock is in beautiful shape. Cleaning it I think would be disastrous, if you use WD-40 on it make sure nothing drips on the face. Your not going to use it so, I would not even bother with the WD-40 or any cleaning....

Keep @ it and HH!!

 

[stefen]

Can I change my recommendations...?

The reason it wiggle a little is because its precision made and is locked, however when you get a key made, it will probable open, then you can wiggle the thingy to your hearts delight.

So leave it alone and enjoy

 

[baspinall]

Thanks for the info guys! Here is a pic of the first one I found. The top was either cut or broken?

Brian

 

[Mike in Berks]

Cool find baspinall i've only found parts to that type i got one just like yours in a tool bin i bought at a
Public Auction yrs ago with the "original key" listen to the others don't clean it i did with a wire wheel
bad choice if your going to get a key madeby a locksmith he'd most likely have good advise on cleaning it
here's a pic of mine with the original key Miller - Phila. stick it straight in and the top of the lock pops up

 

[radarwill]

Can I change my recommendations...?

The reason it wiggle a little is because its precision made and is locked, however when you get a key made, it will probable open, then you can wiggle the thingy to your hearts delight.

So leave it alone and enjoy

It "wiggle" because it's precision made?
That makes a lot of sense, not.