Hi Joshua, First question is - is the case level? If it isn't, it should be for the clock to work properly. Plus, if it is level, the door may not open on its own. I agree that if you have no key, having a new key is the best option. I would contact a clock maker, seller or repairer and see if they ahve any spare keys. Like keys to desks of a certain period, they are often interchangeable... not complicated. The likelihood that there is a key out there that would fit your door is pretty good. I realize it is time, but that is better than "rigging" something that may damage the case in the process. There is also a company called Time Savers in Arizona that is a big spare parts company for all sorts of clocks. I found a bar for a swinger clock there and it was only a few dollars for the part. Their sales staff may be able to assist you. www.timesavers.com Hope this helps! Ware Petznick University of Glasgow --- On Wed, 11/5/08, Patti Davis-Perkins <[log in to unmask]> wrote: From: Patti Davis-Perkins <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Pesky Tall-Case Clock Problem To: [log in to unmask] Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 8:50 AM What about installing a magnetic system? Could it possibly be adhered to the wood with water soluable clue? Patti Davis-Perkins -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Joshua K. Blay HSBC Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 8:38 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Pesky Tall-Case Clock Problem The doors on some of our tall-case clocks like to open up over time; the keys have long been displaced. Might someone here have a suggestion to encourage them to stay shut but still be able to be opened on a weekly basis? -- Joshua K. Blay Associate Director/Museum Curator The Historical Society of Berks County Museum & Library 940 Centre Avenue Reading, PA (610) 375-4375 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).