Posted 11 years ago
Alpha1
(17 items)
Found these keys while sorting thru my fathers things. Plan on sorting thru them & taking detailed pictures grouped in their category when I can make the time.
In the meantime I laid them all out & took pictures in 4 sections. Starting w/ Top Left, Bottom Left, Top Right, & Bottom Left for review.
Any input will be appreciated.
Is there a light solvent/cleaner anyone recomends to clean them?
I have been looking various posts to become more informed. Any reference recomendation for identifying these keys?
That is an interesting variety of keys you have there. You have padlock keys, door keys, cash register keys, car keys, furniture and trunk keys, clock keys, hotel keys, safe deposit box keys...
I keep staring at some of the smallest ones hoping to pick out a handcuff key. Maybe, but I'm not sure you have any there. I also look at your pictures and think they would make great desktop wallpaper for anyone's computer.
As far as cleaning goes. You want to be sure of what you want to clean. Old keys look old because they are. If you clean them too much, you can make them look out of place. (In my not-so-humble opinion) If you just want to take off dirt, grime and corrosion, try a household cleaner without ammonia or a mild degreaser. If you want to make them shine, cleaners with ammonia will clean them well. Also vinegar will shine brass.
-- Earth
Earthling_,
Thanks 4 ur input.
1 of my many desires is 2 learn Locksmithing. It is becoming a lost art, but there still are a lot of old safes & such that need to be opened. I find the whole concept of mechanical locking devices intriguing. I just want to take off dirt, grit, grime & corrosion. My hands & the white sheet I used 4 the images got filthy just the 1 time. I prefer 2 keep that natural finish that nature has applied over the years. (I think it's called "p****"?) Feel it adds 2 the look, appeal, & value of items. That is why I have never polished or shined any of the spoons, just a light clean.
I plan 2 sort them out as best I can 4 pictures, & will post as I do.
Thanks again & u have some "neat" stuff.
"No Guts ~ No Glory"