NICE HARDWARE

   This sash lock was one of ten that accompanied the full restoration of the same number of openings from an 1899 home in Fairfield. The lock is, typically, composed of  a latch and a keeper. The keeper here is apparently made to look like a cresting wave, which was unidentifiable as such until I stripped the old paint from the mechanism. Many locks that I encounter in restoration of windows are so encrusted with ancient paint that they don't even operate. Keep in mind that almost ALL are coated with many layers of lead paint, and that each time the lock is used (if they operate at all), a tiny amount of lead paint is released as dust or flakes.

The safe way to strip one of these is to use a razor knife to clear the screw slots (use a HEPA vacuum and wear a mask while doing even this small task), remove the screws and lock, and strip them all with citrus stripper. Covering the pieces with  clear kitchen-type food wrap keeps the stripper moist and allows it to do a better job. After a day or so, immerse the latch and keeper into a bucket of water and scrub with a small brass-bristle or plastic brush to remove the stripper and softened paint. Sometimes a second soaking in stripper is needed. Once dry, I use a grinder with a wire wheel to remove any dried residue (and yes, I have a vac attachment nearby to suck up even this much lead paint residue). If the hardware is brass (and it is usually steel), care must be taken not to scratch it and less abrasive tools should be used or you will need to re-polish the surface.

If it is steel, it will rust, so either coat it with a clear coating or spray it with a rustproof paint.