Key for this unusual keyhole

[Flembot]

Black metal door on the gable wall of our house. We own the house and believe this door was part of the house ever since it was government social housing back in 1970s. Curious to see if we can get a key for this door as we want to brick up the unused cavity which lies behind it.

Anyone know which type of service key would open this?

 

[DAZB]

You could try a long flat screwdriver in there to see if it will rotate or shape a length of timber to match the opening and see if that works. You could even try undoing the bolts that hold the lock in place. They may just spin but worth a go.

 

[JohnD]

It's an Abloy lock. A screwdriver will not open it. I have some in my collection but not handy to photograph

The cylinder is very difficult to pick, common techniques will not work. Notionally impossible but some hobbyists can do it.

I think you will need to cut the bolt of the lock, or the hinges, perhaps with an angle grinder or slitting saw.

If there is a rimrock on the other side, drilling out the screws might release it.

 

[JohnD]

 

[JohnD]

How big is the door? Stand back and photograph the whole thing including the wall please. Include something to show scale.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Yes, we used Abloys as security locks at an old place. A locksmith might be able to do it?
We used to have to order the keys only from specialist locksmiths and it took a long time (80’s)

Agree that slicing into the door is easiest and cheapest, so long as you plan to brick it up.

 

[DAZB]

I was under the impression it was similar to a gas meter unit door and was just a simple lever type, a photo would clear it up a bit for us all.

 

[JohnD]

I was under the impression it was similar to a gas meter unit door and was just a simple lever type, a photo would clear it up a bit for us all.

Nope.

You can just make out some of the lettering round the keyhole

 

[Flembot]

How big is the door? Stand back and photograph the whole thing including the wall please. Include something to show scale.

Hi JohnD,
Photo of the door:

I believe this to be some sort of access to old flow and return pipe which was part of a district heating system or communal heating system which heated the homes in this area years ago. So a local Facebook group says. Indeed, the flow and return pipe enter our loft through the gable wall as shown in image below:

 

[JohnD]

You could ask the council, or whoever used to run or own the district heating system. This question probably crops up from time to time. There is probably a standard key and they may know how to remove or decommission it.

 

[Tigercubrider]

The yellow stuff looks like bog standard fibreglass loft style insulation but some pipe lagging could have asbestos on it?
Be aware and test just in case!