Old lock stuck - how to fix?

[AdrianeS]

I have an old lock that uses a skeleton key to open it. The lock is stuck in the closed position and won't open. I can see a little piece of metal at the top of the keyhole but I'm not sure what to do with it. Any idea how to fix this?

 

[Snoonyb]

Well, after WD & PB BLASTER had failed, I would disassemble.

 

[AdrianeS]

Well, after WD & PB BLASTER had failed, I would disassemble.

Snoonyb! We meet in another thread! The little metal piece moves, but I'm not sure where it belongs. Being that it's stuck locked, if I disassemble the doorknob, will I have access to the lock mechanism from there?

 

[Eddie_T]

That could be a broken key in there. I would disassemble.

 

[Snoonyb]

Snoonyb! We meet in another thread! The little metal piece moves, but I'm not sure where it belongs. Being that it's stuck locked, if I disassemble the doorknob, will I have access to the lock mechanism from there?

It should be by removing the four wood screws, which in an original, would reveal a mortised lock and require some mechanical maneuvering to release, or a pin tumbler, which are far easier to maneuver.