Key Turns and Turns..is this normal? help

[moormansmari]

The lock on our 73 Tradewind locks and unlocks but you have to turn the key a bunch of times in the same direction to get it to lock or unlock. Is this normal? Is it broken? Sometimes the key gets stuck and it doesn't want to turn at all until I giggle it a few times and then it will turn.

Also the handle on the door sticks out. It is never flush with the outside.

I appreciate any help!

Thanks, Dave

[SteveH]

Yes, as I remember the older style lock takes like 1 1/2 turns of the key to lock and unlock. And, those style locks are problematic. I had to rebuild one on a 70's Argosy once because a part broke inside, and as I remember (it's been a while) it wasn't easy.

[cameront120]

Just be thankful that it locks and unlocks, because this is one very expensive lock to replace or repair. The handle on mine sticks out as well, but I don't worry about it. Welcome to the forums!

[Buttercup]

Dave,

Are you talking about the door latch lock or the deadbolt? We had the same problem with both our deadbolt and the door latch failing on a trip to Death Valley. We wond up having to break into our own trailer!
If the doorlatch is the problem, it can be repaired fairly simply. If it is the deadbolt, I found that that also can be repaired quite simply depending on what the problem is. On my trailer, we have a Schlage deadbolt. I was able to repair it for the cost of a new deadbolt kit from the hardware store. I have pictures that I need to upload to the web but I can describe the process in greater detail if you need...

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by shiny1973

The lock on our 73 Tradewind locks and unlocks but you have to turn the key a bunch of times in the same direction to get it to lock or unlock. Is this normal? Is it broken? Sometimes the key gets stuck and it doesn't want to turn at all until I giggle it a few times and then it will turn.

Also the handle on the door sticks out. It is never flush with the outside.

I appreciate any help!

Thanks, Dave

Your lock is expensive to replace, but can be repaired.

The handle position says someone tried to force the lock open.

There are several reasons why the tumbler can turn as you describe.

The right internal lock repair would correct that problem.

Or, for far less money than a new original lock, you can install a different lock, but you must plate the door.

Our lock kit # 22200 would replace the original KT lock, that you now have.

Andy

[mustang]

On my 73 overlander. It did somthing simialar If I recall. I called the local locksmith. I unscrewed from the inside, I took the whole panel in to his shop and he changed a couple things. WaaLaa problem solved.

On my 71 I lost my keys over the winter. (someone knockedum off the key rack) I took 1 exterior lock in and the door lock in the same fashion. He counted tumblers and made keys for all the locks. I dont think I had $20.00 into either job.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Key shops and Locksmiths do not have parts for the Airstream special KT lock.

At this point, they don't have tumblers either.

In fact, Airstream no longer has tumblers that fit the original KT locks, but they do have tumblers that fit a brand new KT lock.

We are the only company that has tumblers that fit the original locks, since we have them made.

Further, internal parts of a KT lock can wearout and/or be damaged. A turning tumbler says that there is a problem with the vertical locking pin, and/or the small spring and ball.

Andy

[easyride]

I installed Andy`s lock kit #22200,works good and looks nice.It just needs better directions [or a smarter person reading them].Had to make a plate to cover old striker hole ,to give striker plate a place to rivet to.Other than that it went very well.
Oh what do I do with the extra pieces?? Dave

[mustang]

That is why I just had my original redone. It looks original and works new.

Its very easy and parts are readily available. Any locksmith can redue your original Lock.

No fabrication at all

[moormansmari]

Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it!!! I will let you know what I do.

[Dan@LED4RV]

Originally Posted by shiny1973

The lock
Thanks, Dave

Here is some helpful links

Click here for an exploded view for those lock parts

Click here for the tumblers for that lock

Dan