Weathering is an issue everywhere, but here in Cornwall it is one of the worst areas I have worked in. Being surrounded by salt water on 3 sides definitely multiplies the issues making it a priority to maintain your locks and door fittings.
A few years ago, we had the undertake a gain entry and multiple lock replacement at Acton Castle on the south coast below Rosudgeon.
1 – Acton Castle 
2 – 1st of 4 doors 
3 – Handles rusted on
The castle has a number of holiday flats and a number of the doors had failing mortice sash locks. When locks have failed, the only option is to drill the locks and this can cause serious issues. The locks fitted were also keyed to one key so replacement had to be the same.
4 Trying everything to remove handles 
5-Door-in-poor-condition 
6-Door-in-poor-condition 
7-Rusty-handles 
8-Attempting-to-remove-locks 
9-New-and-old-nice-colour
The locks had to be firstly removed which proved a challenge as the handle screws were rusty, the spindles running through the locks were also rusted into the locks so nearly every piece had to be either cut away or drilled off.
Once out, the doors were fully cleaned off before the new parts fitted.
The replacement locks were keyed to differ, I.E. different keys so they all need the inner parts changed to operate off of one key. Once complete, the locks had added grease for further protection as did the handles despite being supplied lightly greased.
10 – Locks re-keyed, greased and being checked 
11 – New lock with original handles 
12 – 1 door completed 
13 – Door complete
All the new parts were fitted with some minor repair works needed to the doors where necessary as some of the timber was to weathered and soft or missing to fix the handles onto.
Once completed, it was then over to the owners to give the doors a lick of paint to finish the job.
