Very Rare 1890s Store Door Lockset Restoration | Random Restoration

Welcome! Today I'll be restoring an old rare store door thumb latch mortise lock set. This lock set was made in the 1880s-1890s by Reading hardware, and is called the Windsor design in their catalogs. I've restored a number of Reading Windsor hardware in past videos that will all be put to use on a set of double doors in the future. This project was much larger than most of my restorations - It ended up taking around 250 hours to complete, and was worked on over the course of 8-9 months.
To start off today's hardware restoration I ground off the rivets holding the thumb latches to the backplates. Following this I disassembled the outrageously filthy mortise lock was pretty decently worn, including a small chip in the cast iron case cover, but still worked very well. Next up was paint stripping. Two of these backplates had been paint stripped in the past, but still needed lots of work to remove all the specks of paint here and there. After many hours of paint stripping I threw the steel and iron mortise lock parts into the rust removal solution. None of these parts were too rusty, but a quick soak in rust remover can never hurt!
Next up in the restoration I wire wheeled all the parts to remove any stubborn gunk adhered to the recessed areas. With all the parts clean I started work on the lock. The case and case cover were both japanned. The small parts were then chemically copper plated. I've never used chemical copper plating before, but the parts turned out looking pretty good. The remaining parts were then cold blued. Bluing steel is always weirdly satisfying to watch I find haha. After this I filed down a new flat key for the lock out of two sheets of phosphor bronze that I riveted together.
With the lock done it was time to restore the jumbo hardware. The antique backplates, handles and latches were all very bent and required no less than 24 hours of unbending total. After unbending I re-drilled the worn holes in the latches, riveted in a stainless steel rivet and re-drilled new holes. The large backplates had six unoriginal holes drilled in them - I ended up making six custom shaped bronze rivets and filled the holes with them. The next restoration work to take place was 60 or more hours of sanding. Each part was sanded from 400 grit up to 2,000 grit. They were all then given a quick polishing.
Now the backplates, handles and latches were all lacquered with a slightly golden tinted clear lacquer. Many hours of lacquering later and the parts were ready for painting. The recessed areas were all painted with a gloss black to match how they looked originally. Now it was finally time to get everything reassembled. I temporarily attached the thumb latches with a half rivet half screw which I made off camera, but will be swapped to a proper rivet when they are installed on the doors. It was nice to see this project finally come together after all this time! I still have to restore a letter slot and hinges for the doors, but those will be featured in future videos.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Welcome!
0:51 Disassembly
3:19 Paint Stripping Lock
4:38 Restoring the Case
5:26 Japanning the Case
6:24 Restoring the Faceplate
8:05 Making New Springs
8:57 Restoring Small Parts
10:04 Chemical Copper Plating
11:23 Cold Bluing
12:17 Reassembling the Lock
13:51 Making a Key
14:52 Improving the Lock
15:47 Paint Stripping Backplates
17:13 Restoring the Worn Latches
20:53 Cleaning/Unbending Backplates
22:52 Cleaning/Unbending Handles
23:51 Restoring the Backplates
29:53 Restoring the Handles
31:12 Reassembling the Backplates
32:02 Before and After
33:16 Temporary Display Installation
35:37 Thanks For Watching!
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Thanks for watching the video Very Rare 1890s Store Door Lockset Restoration | Random Restoration

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hi all, I hope you enjoy today's video! I started this project last September, and after many months of on and off work it's finally done! These will be installed on double doors in the nearish future, but before that I need to make the missing strike for the lock. I'll do this in a future video, though I haven't decided whether I'll etch the design in a piece of bronze or cast the strike like the original - Let me know which option you'd prefer to see!

[@craig7343]

I think you could cast it no problem. Someone with your talent. 🤔👍

[@randomrestoration6858]

@@craig7343 I'd love to cast it since (unlike etching) I can add a texture to the recessed areas like the original. Thanks for the feedback!

[@cathybenson5119]

If you think that casting is better, then I'm all for it. Love your videos mate. 👍👍❤️🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@oneshotme]

You should cast it! That way you can make it like you want!!

[@randomrestoration6858]

@@oneshotme Thank you for the feedback, I reckon it should make for an interesting video once I get around to it!

[@georgeshelton6281]

It's amazing of just how much, these door locks have survived. Knowing that it stayed clean from the inside.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Right, these old locks were very well built - This one has seen better days and is pretty worn, but will still last for many more years of extensive use! As always, thank you for watching!

[@j.l.emerson592]

You did this restoration with an artist's eye. Props!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey thank you very much! This one was a huge amount of work, but well worth it - These things are going to look great once they finally get installed. Thanks for watching, and have a good rest of your week!

[@ArtisticEndeavors]

I love how you restore your door hardware to “better than original”. ✌🏻🎨☕️

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey I appreciate it! With enough luck this set will last another 100+ years of use haha. Thanks again for watching, and enjoy the rest of your week!

[@samanthadean1083]

These would be great on a pair of French doors!!! Amazing job!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@randomrestoration6858]

They sure would! The doors haven't been picked out for these yet, but they'll definitely be going on double doors of some sort. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@mrkrasker9609]

Watching the restoration of these industrial works of art is very calming. I can tell this is a ritualistic labor of love. There is a zen like quality to your work .

[@randomrestoration6858]

I appreciate the kind words! This project was definitely a lot more work than usual, but it was well worth the effort in the end! As always, thanks a lot for watching!

[@MetalRestorationBho]

This was excellent. You really went all out. Love the result. 🥰🥰🥰

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey man thank you very much, I appreciate it! This one was definitely a lot of work, but was well worth it in the end!

[@Fruity_lexia]

I can't get enough of these lovely pieces of hardware, also can't believe you keep on being able to find them. Love the look of the black against the laquerwork. Nice job (again)!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Haha yeah I was surprised to have been able to find as many as I did - These will be installed on some double doors in the near future, with the fifth backplate being a backup in case one of the others needs to be worked on at any point. I appreciate it, as always thanks a lot for watching!

[@yeagerxp]

Excellent restoration 👍👍👍Thank you for sharing. Be safe🇨🇦

[@randomrestoration6858]

I appreciate it, thank you very much for watching!

[@Kevin15673]

I like the subtitles, you really just let the intrusive thoughts win in this video

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hahaha I can't resist sometimes - Thanks a lot for watching!

[@paulsweeney5642]

Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@randomrestoration6858]

It'll be a bit before I get the strike made up, but I'm pretty stoked to get started on it! Thank you for watching, Paul!

[@123mvsmith]

Absolutely beautiful! Can't wait to see how you create the strike plate and add detail back to the thumb latch, great job!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot! I'm pretty excited to get that new strike made up, and spent the last day working on the mold. It'll take a bit of doing, but I reckon it should be a fun process to learn. Thank you for watching!

[@frankierzucekjr]

Unbelievable job buddy. Well done, that looked like a painful amount of work. I'd love to see these used today on houses. As a framer and someone who built houses almost all my life, I'd really like to see these used again. They're so beautifully made. Great job.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you, Frankie! This was by far my biggest project to date, but I reckon all that work was wroth it - These things are truly gorgeous pieces of hardware. These will indeed be used again, and if all goes to plan should be installed on the doors of a business within a year or so. I also have six matching hinges for these backplates that I'll be finishing up the restoration on in a couple weeks, then it's just the long wait until they can be installed haha. Thanks again!

[@mskayla7747]

Started watching last night and fell asleep. 😊 Very relaxing

[@randomrestoration6858]

It's a good thing I didn't add any surprisingly loud and sudden noises hahaha. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@mskayla7747]

@@randomrestoration6858 I probably would have slept right through them. ☺️

[@rhenry7949]

I see a new sense of humor which I'm enjoying very much.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hahaha I definitely added a bit more commentary than usual with this one!

[@doriWyo]

If it wasn't for your videos, no one would know how much work you put in to things. You put in a mountain of work, this time, and it shows.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey thanks for stopping by, Dori - I appreciate the kind words! This project took way longer than expected, but it was great fun testing out new things this time! As always thanks a lot for watching!

[@brycecrousore1985]

Somehow, watching your incredible videos makes one wish they were 2 hours long! Perfection! Thanks for sharing.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey I appreciate it, Bryce! With how much footage I cut out and things I decided not to show it probably could have been two hours hahaha. As always, thanks a lot for watching!

[@vinceianni4026]

Hi Random brilliant restoration good job well done friend

[@randomrestoration6858]

I appreciate it, thank you for the support, Vince!

[@lofty7180]

simply lovely

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey I appreciate it!

[@Gun5hip]

Those are beautiful.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Right, this is such a gorgeous design! I'm glad to have found enough for the double door they'll be installed on in the future. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@JAdams-jx5ek]

"freshly grown spring steel" Ha! Good one.

[@JAdams-jx5ek]

A truly lovely restoration. You do excellent work.

[@randomrestoration6858]

@@JAdams-jx5ek Hahaha hey you act like you don't believe me! Thank you very much, I appreciate the support!

[@chrysanthepaxinos2839]

WOW! This really took dedication. Bravo! For some reason I find your vids relaxing and I love your dry wit.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Haha it took just a tad longer than expected, but it was well worth the effort! I appreciate the kind words, and as always thank you for watching, Chrysanthe!

[@Austeration]

Absolutely brilliant 👍 another perfect restoration. Always a pleasure to watch

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey man I appreciate it, thanks for stopping by!

[@Austeration]

@@randomrestoration6858 All good 😁 I don't think I have missed one since I Subscribed

[@randomrestoration6858]

@@Austeration At this rate you'll end up with one of those coveted fancy top fan purple hearts that haha. I have to make some time to check out some of your newer projects, it's been a while since I've had a chance to watch really any restoration videos unfortunately!

[@Austeration]

​@@randomrestoration6858 what's that a fancy prize or something ? yes check my channel when you get some time 👍

[@randomrestoration6858]

@@Austeration Haha yeah those that have the highest number of hearted comments by uploaders end up with a purple heart next to their name. Will do!

[@karlogumminase781]

Your work is excellent .. your results are stunning ! .. as always .. I definitely love watching your videos !

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey, I greatly appreciate the kind words, Karlo!

[@jodylarson5317]

i really do love these door plates, handles, etc. that you restore - i like all your uploads i watch, tbh, but these ones are my fave!

[@randomrestoration6858]

I appreciate it, Jody! These types of items are weirdly fun to restore for me so I'm glad to hear it haha. As always, hanks a lot for watching!

[@richardheilmann4007]

Amazing attention to detail!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelevans2989]

Man how I would love to cast this and make a new ones for my house! Nice job on the restore! You gained a follower!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Right, a house filled with hardware like this would definitely be gorgeous! Much appreciated, Michael - Thank you for watching!

[@larrykelly2838]

Wow, what a great restoration on those old storm door lock sets, they really are beautiful. To bad we don't have those available today, at least I don't know if they are. You must have quite a collection.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you very much, Larry! I saw a website selling reproductions of these thumb latches, though it's a different variant to the ones I restored in this video and they're something like $1,200 for a set haha. As always thanks a lot for watching!

[@drunkdunc8738]

The previous owners of those broken locks never knew what was in store for them 🤔🍻

[@randomrestoration6858]

I bet they thought they'd forever remain in storage hahaha. As always thanks for watching!

[@simonmuschamp4582]

Great job as always. They looked awesome. I wonder how many thousands of thumbs it took to wear away the pattern on the latch. Look forward to seeing the replacements being made. 👍

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot! Right, these thumb latches had to have seen a ton of use in their time! I hope to get started on making replacements for the worn latches and the missing strike soon, but I suspect there'll be a decent amount of trial and error to get them made, so it may be a while haha. Thank you for watching, Simon!

[@TommyG_0311]

I really enjoy this channel.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you for the support, Tom!

[@sebastianlinardi]

Otra restauración excelente! Definitivamente profesional. Cada pieza queda hermosa, delicada, elegante y brillante como a mi me gusta. Las restauraciones de antigüedades de bronce y cobre son mis favoritas. Veo que en el canal hay muchos vídeos para disfrutar con este tipo de restauraciones, voy a seguir mirando! Gracias por este vídeo.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Gracias por el apoyo! Este proyecto tomó más tiempo de lo habitual, pero al final valió la pena: es un diseño tan hermoso. ¡Gracias por ver!

[@cathybenson5119]

Nice job. 👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot, Cathy!

[@sagicknisch2093]

Excellent......Excellent

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey I appreciate it - Thank you for watching!

[@Sjels17]

Beautifull! Looks really good. Awsome how you do this

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you, I appreciate it! This one definitely took way longer than normal, but it was well worth it!

[@RestorationAustralia]

Looks great. 👍

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey I appreciate it, man! Thank you for watching!

[@healinbeet]

This is amazing!!!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

[@lolcec81]

Комментарий в поддержку ролика и канала, а также труда мастера.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Спасибо за постоянную поддержку и, как всегда, большое спасибо за просмотр!

[@alessamary8672]

Stupefacente, bravissimo 😀😀

[@randomrestoration6858]

Grazie l'ho apprezzato!

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Beautiful.💙

[@randomrestoration6858]

It's definitely a gorgeous set of hardware! As always, thanks a lot for watching!

[@basilreardon5783]

Sweet work 👍

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot!

[@erictoddw]

Amazing work!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey I appreciate it! This one was a bit more time consuming than normal, but was worth it in the end! Thank you for watching!

[@craig7343]

How great does black and gold look. Combined with attention to detail they came up brilliantly. Love your work as always. Keep em coming 👍👍👍

[@randomrestoration6858]

Black/gold is definitely a great combo! I appreciate the kind words, Craig - Al always thank you very much for watching!

[@Jack-gy7cs]

And your screw slots are all vertical just like the originals in the pictures. 👍

[@randomrestoration6858]

Haha oh yeah gotta get them all lined up and looking nice! Thank you for watching, Jack!

[@shaunmullings4153]

Stunning

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks, Shaun! It took way longer than anticipated, but is such a cool set. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@oneshotme]

They all look beautiful and you did a wonderful job restoring it as well!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@randomrestoration6858]

Much appreciated! This project was way more work than usual, but I'm pretty excited to have gotten them looking like new! Now it's just the year long wait to finally get them installed haha. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@oneshotme]

@@randomrestoration6858 You're very welcome!! Yeah they come out beautiful for sure and I'd like to see them when you put them in next year LOL

[@georgebrown8312]

Awesome job restoring the lockset to working order and making it look like a whole new unit. Great work. I have never seen one like it.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot, George! These were definitely much less common than standard door knobs/backplates since they were only used on store doors so it was great to be able to find as many as I did haha. Thank you for watching!

[@hauntedkellySZ]

Love this & love you 😍

[@randomrestoration6858]

Haha hey thank you very much!

[@basilreardon5783]

Awsum job 👍

[@Waldo_Ilowiecki]

Genius.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

[@gayle525]

You did your usual excellent work. I love how stuff looks when you are finished. Most are better than new one would have been. You rock!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you for the kind words! I'm pretty stoked to get these installed in the future - Now it's only the hinges and letter slot to go before the set is complete. As always, thanks a lot for watching!

[@juanluqui5018]

Excellent!!! As always a detailed and beautiful video!!

[@randomrestoration6858]

I appreciate it, Juan! This one was a bit more work than usual, but was well worth it. Thank you very much for watching!

[@Tim-57]

Hey RR 😀 What an outcome and the hours you put in! Wow!! You started with 4 and 5 appeared at the end...which pair had the 👶...haha Looking forward to your fabrication plate (or strikes?). Take care 🙂

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you very much, Tim! Hahaha yeah at first I thought I’d just restore the fifth spare backplate off camera but changed my mind at some point - I think you’re the first person to notice so far haha. I’m pretty excited to get the strike made up - I think I’ll cast it, but I have to make a mold of it first which may take a little while to get done. As per usual thanks a lot for watching!

[@Tim-57]

@@randomrestoration6858 You are welcome. Sometimes I notice the strangest things, drives some people nuts...haha. Maybe it is one of the reasons I do it.😉 Looking forward to watch you create the strikes, when you get time. Cheers RR

[@pfadiva]

These are so lovely! Door hardware is really boring these days. Excellent job! PS: I think casting would be the way to go for the strike plate but this isn't my channel so I'll watch whateve you decide to do.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Yeah they had so many great options for hardware back in the day! Thanks for the feedback! I agree, I reckon casting is the better of the two choices since I can not only cast the design on both sides making the strike reversible, but can also add a texture to the recessed areas. Thanks a lot for watching, Becky!

[@-Deena.]

Stunning work as always 🧡

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you, Deena I appreciate the kind words! I hope you're doing well, and as always thank you very much for watching!

[@bryanquick3349]

these are really lovely, it's cool that you managed to get your hands on so many of the same style. did you find a house that was being demolished that was full of them or something? or just an old box somewhere?

[@randomrestoration6858]

Right, they really are gorgeous! I forgot to mention in the video that I needed four (and got a fifth as a backup) for a double door setup, which is why I restored so many of them haha. I found these online in three different listings over the course of about a year or so. I haven't seen any of this variant pop up since then, but they show up for sale from time to time. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@Tinatortoise]

Amazing x

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you very much, Tina!

[@Tinatortoise]

@@randomrestoration6858 how many thumbs pressed those latches!x

[@randomrestoration6858]

@@Tinatortoise Now that's a good question, these things had to have been used for many decades!

[@pistolannie6500]

Art Deco style I think. Would add a little touch of class for anyone refurbishing an old house.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thank you for the comment! These are Eastlake style pieces, but perhaps they were a bit ahead of their time because you are correct they really do look art deco haha. I reckon they'd definitely class up just about any old house, especially if they doors are stained rather than painted. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@pistolannie6500]

Your welcome. 😎 oooohh btw... lol... I was laying back relaxing (WITH Headphones!),...when suddenly... BANG! BANG! BANG!! BANG!.... I jumped up yanked my headphones off lookin round for WHO was BANGING.... til I glanced back @ the screen.... & saw what was goin on! LOL! OH DEAR... my Poor ears! SOMEHOW.... I DID NOT see THAT comin! ROFL 😳😯 I would have turned the sound down or muffled it a minute! 😋 ?

[@mauriciovaldebenitto8966]

I like your Jobs

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

[@tomswindler64]

Looks like this would be a great hobby for you and if you got good at it you could start a restoration business.LOL.they all look good,nothing fancy,just dependable.great video as always keep it up 👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@randomrestoration6858]

Maybe one day hahaha. Thanks a lot, Tim - I hope these will last for many more years to come! As always thank you for watching!

[@adamcarmer5522]

AMAZING work. I can sit and watch these restorations for hour's. How do you get the paint off the raised edges?

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a bunch! I use paint thinner to remove the paint from raised areas. Thank you for watching!

[@PLuMUK54]

I am truly shocked that KZbin allows "droopy latches" to be shown! 😱

[@randomrestoration6858]

You must not be aware of my second underground KZbin channel which features only videos of droopy latches hahaha. Thanks as always for watching!

[@user-re6ct9bq4f]

Очень красиво!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Большое спасибо за просмотр!

[@saransmember7178]

Such a fantastic video they look stunning! I’ve learnt so much about metalwork and metal finishing from your videos. Will be fascinating to see how you do the striker plate. The chemical cooper plating… what is that - is it just copper sulphate solution?

[@randomrestoration6858]

Sorry for the late reply, I've been super busy lately! I plan to either etch the strike using photoresist to apply the design to the metal, painting any areas that I don't want etched, then etching the applied design with ferric chloride. At some point I'd like to get into casting, but I'll be too busy for the next few years to start that up unfortunately. Thanks as always for watching!

[@Mikegee63]

If this guy saw me painting all my old hinges and door knobs to my 100 year old Tudor matte black, he'd probably kill me!!!

[@randomrestoration6858]

As long as you're not slathering on 20 layers of white paint with a brush you're safe for now at least hahaha. Thanks for watching!

[@Mikegee63]

@@randomrestoration6858 I actually removed the previous layers of paint which for some reason included pink. Lol.

[@randomrestoration6858]

​@@Mikegee63 Gadzooks, well pink is what I call a fantastic choice of color for hardware hahaha.

[@realityisreal1360]

nice job! A felt washer punch where in the hell did you find that!!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot! Haha it's actually a metal punch that I restored in a video a long time ago - I figured it'd be the perfect time to get some use out of it. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@mrknittle532]

Hey man. I hope you're ok. I miss your content. I frequently go back and watch old videos just to get me fix...lol. I just sent a friend your channel because she has an Eastlake style pantry door latch she wanted to restore and wasn't aware that there were different color schemes and better ways to clean them than Barkeeper's Friend, vinegar, etc. Do you have plans on posting more content or did you get all of the hardware restored and installed in your house? If the latter, please give us a tour!!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot, man! I've been so busy that I haven't had time to edit for ages despite having four projects recorded. The good news is there should be a new video out this coming Friday, so stay tuned! It's a long story but I'm currently fully restoring 22 locksets which has sapped up all my time over the past year or so. Should be done in four months or so haha. Awesome to hear, I've been tempting to do a walkthrough with commentary on my entire restoration process which would include where to get well priced reliable spring steel of different widths, keys for locks and going over the different finishes these sets all had from the factory with examples. Thank you for the support!

[@harrietmills404]

Can you please provide information on the product you used for the chemical copper plating?

[@randomrestoration6858]

If you search for "JAX Copper Plating Solution" on Google you should see a few websites that are selling the copper plating I used. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@alexbulgaru2991]

А смазывать замок кто будет? Пушкин? А так вообще круто!

[@randomrestoration6858]

Я смажу замок, как только он будет установлен в дверь. Я ценю его! Большое спасибо за просмотр!

[@PeanutsDadForever]

I’m sure you have been asked this a million times before, but after you have applied the black paint what liquid do you use to remove the excess black to reveal the gold lacquer underneath?

[@PeanutsDadForever]

Sorry, what do you use?

[@randomrestoration6858]

It's surprising but I think I've only been asked one other time - I use either lacquer thinner or paint thinner depending on which can I grab first hahaha. Both make quick work of the excess paint as long as it hasn't been curing for too long or wasn't applied too thick. Have a nice rest of your weekend, Mark!

[@raywood8187]

Looks like these beauties will last another 100 years with all the time you put into them before they need to be refinished again. I love that old timey leather punch set too. Was that a restoration?

[@randomrestoration6858]

I appreciate it, Ray! I sure hope they last another 100 years! Haha oh yeah I restored that in my video titled "Rusty Metal Punch Restoration." It's probably only the second time I've used it over the last two years, and it sure had collected a lot of dust in that time haha. Thanks as always for watching!

[@masterlcpl3736]

where do you even find all this stuff bro? is it stuff you have layin around or stuff you buy?

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hey man, I bought these all from a few different websites over the course of about eight or so months I'd estimate. The rest of the hardware I've restored has slowly been stolen off my neighbors house in the middle of the night haha

[@masterlcpl3736]

@@randomrestoration6858 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@br6480]

Are you ever afraid that you’re going to snap a piece when you’re trying to straighten it?

[@randomrestoration6858]

Sorry again for the late reply, but good question! As a general rule I’m not too worried about it since most of these parts are not work hardened enough to be at risk of breaking. When bending bronze like this it’s usually pretty easy to bend by hand. If it feels very stiff I’d chose anneal it before trying to do any straightening, but haven’t needed to do that for any projects I’ve worked on for the channel

[@jessgreenwood262]

Would you say they were of the artdeco period ?.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Good question, these are Eastlake style pieces and this design was first offered for sale around the mid 1880s. Thanks a lot for watching, Jess!

[@jessgreenwood262]

Just an old gal watching a youngster restore a part of their history, and remember design and fashion what goes around comes around ha ha ,

[@art1muz13]

How do they get rust if they're brass?

[@randomrestoration6858]

Good question, I suspect you're referring to the darker/black bronze backplates that were very crusty in areas, but overall they were rust free. I don't recall seeing rust on any of the backplates or the mortise lock faceplate with this project, but with that said it is possible to have a layer of rust on top of bronze items if they were resting against something that was rusty for a long time - Although the bronze itself may not technically be rusty, the layer of rust deposited on the surface can be difficult to remove without a rust remover. This is why my previous videos I throw bronze door knobs in the rust remover overnight since the steel spindle usually has deposited a solid layer of rust inside the doorknob and doorknob shank, and if left as is would cause the restored steel spindle to start rusting shortly after being reinstalled. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@art1muz13]

@@randomrestoration6858 wow!I'm afeared to ask, but "where do you find these"?

[@randomrestoration6858]

@@art1muz13 It really depends, as there are a few architectural salvage websites such as "Olde Good Things" that I go to to find hardware, but I also sometimes find this style of (rare) hardware pop up on eBay from time to time.

[@carldelawter8900]

Etch it? Let's see that. Be SOcool.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Looks like you've found my pre-released video hahaha - Welcome! Etching was my first thought and I already bought a jumbo piece of decently thick bronze if I choose that option. I figure casting is a decent amount more effort since I have to make a mold of the design, though the benefit is that I can add a texture to the recessed areas like this hardware had originally. Thank you for the feedback, and thanks a lot for watching!

[@PrimoTerium]

Demasiado largo el video

[@randomrestoration6858]

Perdón por la duración del video, ¡pero gracias por verlo!

[@PrimoTerium]

@@randomrestoration6858 No lo vi, lo adelanté hasta el final

[@ImmortalThanos]

You did a very nice job restoring them, but don't be so afraid of leaving nicks, dings, and imperfections in your future projects. They add character to a piece and convey a tangible sense of real history. Now, these pieces look like new reproductions. When you began removing the imperfections, I sighed and got a bit disappointed.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Thanks a lot! Haha yeah dents and dings still have to grow on me a bit, but it's always possible I'll learn to like them in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@hgghgguk]

baaaaah baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

[@randomrestoration6858]

That's what I like to hear hahaha

[@janvanherck1547]

Please don't put paintremover on your pancakes.

[@randomrestoration6858]

Hahaha I can confirm it's nowhere near as enjoyable as maple syrup!