A second start for my "White Swan" reefers

[modelsof1900]

Yesterday I started an attempt to change my cast brass door locks - and it was a successful one! Do you see the difference of these both items?



I replaced the shaft by a nickel-silver wire with 0,4 mm diameter (0.016”) or 1 3/8 inch in reality. This is a thick shaft still, however smaller would be a discrepancy to all other details at the door lock mechanism.

I started this attempt after an intensive discussion with Doc Wayne and he encouraged me to follow this idea. So I cannibalized one of surplus brass parts, separated all fixing parts from shaft, drilled them and inserted a new and finer rod. And with a bit solder I received a new and well-fitting door lock.
Thanks to Doc and thanks also to Matt for your reflections because I was also on thoughts to print and cast new hardware parts as single elements. However this would be a very expansive solution again. I think that the follow pictures show that this idea and modifications were the right way.



Here a direct comparison of original brass door lock mechanism (left) and the new one.



I think that this picture shows the improvement better yet. Please compare a very similar picture in one of my last posts.
I was surprised and lucky also that I needed a bit under four hours for rebuilding the first door lock including a small tool for fast clamping the small brass parts for sanding and drilling the holes. I think that is an acceptable working time with a good result so that I will like to start the modification of other nine door locks in next days.
Thanks to all for your helpful discussions and mails.