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Tower Double Lock Leg Irons Keys

23 visible archived posts · 23 preserved total · topic ID 3677
Original topic ↗Recovered images
SP-Frank 30 Aug 2010
#1
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Ian McColl 30 Aug 2010
#2
Hi, if the seller assures you he sent the wrong key, I would ask for the right key to be sent.
I am inclined to think that it is more likely that the cuff dont work properly or even at all.
However I have attached a photo of Tower keys I supply the Cannons with the four possible cuts.

Tower leg irons are commonly either blank height or c as per the way I have marked the keys.
The locksmithing term Blank height refers to the actual height of the key bit that will fit into the talon of the bolt.
The height of the blank as you purchased it from the Cannons may or may not have been filed down to blank height
Once it has been and it still doesnt run in the lock, then a single cut as per the photo for C should be made.
Hope this helps

Ian


?t=1283172619
Ian McColl 30 Aug 2010
#3
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Derek 30 Aug 2010
#4
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Nothing against cannons or Ian. I think they are both great assets to the handcuff collecting community and most of would be miserable without them. It is EXTREMELY possible the key doesnt work!!!!!!!!!!

Why do I say this?
Well first off...
Its not Cannons or Ians fault! Let me explain...

I had two sets of union hardware tower handcuffs. I only had one key.
so, I had purchased a tower key from cannons. The key cannons sent me worked in one set of handcuffs and did NOT work in the other exact identical set I had.

It was possible that inner parts are worn down on cuff that didnt work? Personally? I didnt think so. Both handcuffs were in mint condition.
I think this guy might be having same problem. It is possible tower used different parts? Or key was filed just a hair too much. Just enough to not make the locking mechanism retract all the way.


The key I originally had opened both cuffs perfectly.
The key I bought from cannons only opened the one set of handcuffs.
It was strange.

I know the tolerances for these handcuffs are extremely tight.
It seemed like either the inner mechanism was slightly worn or the the "length" of flag was filed just a hair too much. Just because the key doesnt work... IT DOES NOT MEAN THE HANDCUFFS OR LEG IRONS WONT OPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You need the right key.

Anonymous 30 Aug 2010
#5
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
I meant to say most of us would be miserable without them.


Oh yeah... If you notice on cannons website they say you can send in your handcuffs or leg irons to make sure you get right key. I never liked the idea of doing that.
Im starting to think its an excelent idea.

If anyone can get those leg irons open its Cannons or Ian!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous 30 Aug 2010
#6
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
p.s. The likeliness both sides are broken are extremely rare.
Its usually only one side that breaks. That usually renders the cuffs useless.
Hope this helps.

Derek
SP-Frank 30 Aug 2010
#7
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Hello again.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Before using the file I decided to try the keys as provided.

After triyng with the key gently for some time one of the shackles finally opened. I closed it again and double locked it. then I opened it again.

The other shackle required far more struggling but finally opened. I tried but was unable to double lock it, the key would not turn all the way and I did´n want to force it.

Now that I have the shackles opened, I think I might try to clean the locks using some sort of oil in spray.
The parts of mechanism I am able to see look quite dirty.

Perhaps that may help.

Perhaps Mr Ian is right and I need to file the key according to the pattern he reccommended to get a better working, but I would like to know if there is a technique to know it for certain.

Thank you again for your help.

Best regards.
harry 30 Aug 2010
#8
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Could you just not plastercine impression the lock and see which lock mech you have.
Derek 30 Aug 2010
#9
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Personally I would soak those irons in oil.
Ive heard people soaking in kerosene.instead. Not sure what is best.
Either way it wont hurt the cuffs.

No matter what you soak them in... You will have to flip a few times to get all of the air pockets out!!!




Dont ever fall for the "I dont have a key for these and dont know much about handcuffs" trick.

Wait for a better one to pop up on ebay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sometimes a key is broken off inside, or bow is bent and cuff wont close all the way.
You arent out of the woods yet. When you can open both sides, double lock them, unlock them, and close them to smallest locking position... you have a working cuff.


The easiest way to sell a broken handcuff is to say you dont have a key.
Derek
joe tanner 30 Aug 2010
#10
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
----------- WHY DOUBLE LOCK THEM ????? no need to - foolish to do so..... unless you have the ORIGINAL key that has been with the cuffs for many many years, i would NEVER double lock them.... if you do, you are asking for trouble !!! as at some point when you are playing with them, you MAY not be able to UN - double lock them.... over the years, i had many many a collector send me their cuffs to make them right away.... super hard to do, but manageable in most cases without taking the cuff apart..... all of the collectors swore that they would NEVER double lock them again..... joe
Edgeplay_Cgo 30 Aug 2010
#11
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
over the years, i had many many a collector send me their cuffs to make them right away.... super hard to do,

Even harder, if you're wearing them. {Grinning, ducking, and running}

If you want to clean them internally, I'd try something I'd try something like Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber, or Brake Cleaner from the car parts store. If you think they're rusty inside , penetrating oil may be in order. Then use the brake cleaner followed by a touch of gun oil.

WD-40 sometimes gums up.
Derek 30 Aug 2010
#12
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Brake cleaner works awesome but removes EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!! Dont forget to oil them back up or they will rust inside pretty damn quick.
LK 30 Aug 2010
#13
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
hi, i have worked and opened a dozen pair of tower leg irons and found the following to be true:

tower leg irons are very duriable,even in a rusted state.

usually the problem in opening is that the cuff was in the double locked possision and left un oiled for along period.

oiling a must, but first:

soft rapping lossens interior rust paticials,then follow up with air presure or canned air. (by soft rapping i mean non maring bubber hammer)

work key back and forth until u see an increase in movement/it goes a little futher and then a little more, ect.

finallly if it still won't turn completly by using hand i clamp a small vise grip to keyhead and work it some more,usually it then comes off the double lock and works like normal ( and yes i have broken keys off doing this but i fine no problem getting them out using a strong magnet) i would rather brake a key and replace it then have a pair of restrants that don't work at all !

well i'm glad u did get them open anyway

keep them oiled best wishs

LK D~D
SP-Frank 30 Aug 2010
#14
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Hello again.

Thanks again for your counsel. It´s very kind of you all.

I have lubricated the locks usind an spray oil quite similar to WD40.

One of the shackles work reasonably well. so it makes me thing that the key needs no filling at all.

The other only opens when it is closed to the maximun. Then it seems that the ratchet gets stuck in the open position and the shackle opens.

No way to open it only using the key. some resistence is felt at the point the key should release the ratchet, but then the key rotates freely counterclockwise again and the shackle will not open.

This make me think the lock is faulty due probably to internal wear.

Do you agree?

Someone pointed out that I probably bought the leg irons on E-bay.

I have got a good number of cuffs from E-bay and never had a problem.

But in this case I bought the leg irons from a well known collector that is currently selling his collection away.

I asked him if the shackles were in perfect working condition and he assured me so they were. So I purchased the set from him.

When I first asked for a refund he assured again that he had sent a wrong key and offered to pay for a replacement one from Cannon´s

Now the keys have been tested with the aforementioned results.

I think now is time to contact the seller and ask for a full refund.

Do you agree?

Thank you again.

Frank.
Anonymous 31 Aug 2010
#15
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Hi Derek, you wrote; Nothing against cannons or Ian. I think they are both great assets to the handcuff collecting community and most of would be miserable without them. It is EXTREMELY possible the key doesnt work!!!!!!!!!! ..
Can you tell me where I didn't suggest this in my first post??

Hi Frank, If you happened to purchase you Tower leg irons from Ron in Europe, I have had other cuffs to repair after purchases from there. Little things with the cuff which make them not fully function as someone would expect, little annoying things that YOU the buyer is supposed to figure out for yourself.

Please let me know the result of your key problem. I am most interested.

Ian
Derek 31 Aug 2010
#16
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Ian said....
"I am inclined to think that it is more likely that the cuff dont work properly or even at all."


I was responding to Ians post and not yours. I actually read everything. Did you?
The only mistake I ever made in my above posts was trying to help you out.





Anonymous 31 Aug 2010
#17
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Well... Dont take offense Ian. I guess I cant read either. lol.

I just re read the last post before I commented and noticed you wrote it.
I thought it was Frank. Its been a long night and i said too much already.


Atleast I got the quote right. =)


Ron 31 Aug 2010
#18
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
I would have appreciated it if Frank had contacted me before fighting this on the forum. He never asked me for a refund. In this case I must have mixed up the keys from other Tower cuffs I have sold. Therefor I offered him to buy a set of replacement keys at Cannon's at my expense. I didn't hear from him back and now he is posting this. I have sold more than 160 cuffs in one month time and there were only 2 or 3 buyers who were not happy with their purchase. I gave them all a full or partial refund. Also I don't hear Frank on the other purchases he made with me and which he is happy with. It's a pity.

Ron
Ian McColl 31 Aug 2010
#19
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Hi Derek, I am not taking a shot at you, I am just suggesting to reword stuff before posting, saying no offense to Cannon's or me is to suggest there is something to take offence at.

Seem that I might be wrong as Ron has posted that there is a key that works.

Ian
Derek 31 Aug 2010
#20
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
I apologize Ian.
Didnt mean to come off as disrespectful. Quite the opposite actually.
Derek
SP-Frank 31 Aug 2010
#21
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Hello to you all.

Ron is right when he sais I have purchased other items from him and I have not had a problem.

I don´t mean that he had a bad intention selling a faulty leg irons but I think he should have tested before selling.

I asked for a refund but then he offered to pay for a replacement key. Well, it seems the new key will not solve the problem and that´s the reason I have now contacted him privatelly to ask for that refund.

I did not contact him first because I wanted the opinion of more experienced collectors before taking a decision.

Living in Europe, I perfectly know it will be very difficult to get a good working set of Towers due to export restrictions on the States.

So it will neither be a happy nor an easy decision to send the irons back, but I want the pieces of my collection to be at fully and reliable working condition.

Thank to you all for your counsel.

Frank.

Ian McColl 31 Aug 2010
#22
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
Hi Derek, no need to appologize, you haven't done anything wrong.

cheers

Ian
LK 31 Aug 2010
#23
Hello.

I recently bought a set of Tower Double Lock leg irons.
When I tried the key provided, I found that the leg irons would not open at all.

The seller assures me that the leg irons work perfectly and that the cause of the problem is that he sent the wrong key.

I have got two new keys from Cannon´s. But these keys are blanks that must be filed to the appropriate pattern. They give several common key bit patterns, but I don´t know which one is correct for my set.

I wonder if someone can post a detailed pic of a Towers Double Lock Leg Irons Key so that I may get some clues about what I should do.

Thank you very much indeed for your help.

Best regards.

Frank.
Click to expand...
HI AGAIN, I BELEIVE U SHOULD TRY A LITTLE MORE FILING, IF THE SIDE THAT WORKS REASONIABLE WELL STARTS WORKING BETTER THEN U WILL KNOW, I'V HAD THAT TO HAPPEN,SO FROM EXPERIANCE TRY JUST A LITTLE FILEING(ONE OR TWO STROKES) AND TRY UR REASONABLE WELL SIDE, IF THAT SIDE IMPROVES THEN SEE IF THE OTHER SIDE HAS SOME IMPROVEMENT !

LK D~D
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