RE: Misplaced lock bolt hole in a fully engraved lock.

[Jerry V Lape]

I have reviewed the recent excellent video Jim Kibler posted about repairing a misplaced lock bolt hole.  However with a lock I acquired that is fully engraved by Ken Hurst I am wary of using this process because there is clearly no opportunity to refinish the face of the plate after soldering.   So far I have considered just using the misplaced hole to hold a front hook versus bolting it in the common manner.  I also considered filling the hole with a tightly threaded piece of stock filing it flush and selecting a smaller bolt and moving the hole for it off the misplaced correction.  Not sure how the later is going to screw me up on getting through the web without tipping the lock.  Any other ideas? 

[Greg Pennell]

Ken did some very nice work, I wouldn’t want to mess it up either. I’m lucky enough to own a couple of late 19th century cartridge rifles that Ken engraved for me, and have probably handled a couple dozen more pieces. He certainly could cut a scroll.

Greg

[Scota4570]

I would use a 1/4 -28 plug, if it fits.  Make a threaded plug of mild steel.  Bond in place with   https://www.tryloctite.in/products/retaining-compounds/loctite-680   Pene the ends.  Dress the ends. 

Tipping the plate?  IF I was having issues I would spot the plate through the stock with a transfer punch.  Drill undersized in a drill press.  Drill to tap size through the stock.  Tap. 

[Jim Kibler]

There's any number of ways to fix it if you're careful.  You could do it as shown in the video with brazing and peening.  You could just peen it in place.  You could even tig weld it.  With careful work and clean-up the engraving won't be compromised much if at all.

Jim

[jerrywh]

I think you have several options. 1st. Use a hook as you mentioned. Second is to leave the existing hole as a dummy and then solder a lug on the back of the plate for a new through bolt. You can also solder a hook on the Back or inlay a hook on the back. I have just made two locks with inlaid hooks on the backs. You could also send the lock to a master engraver to be repaired and have the existing engraving touched up.  You might mention whether or not the lock is case hardened.