Fig. 63
There is a modern type of lock spindle, known as the “screwless” spindle, that permits the proper adjustment of the knobs without the use of washers and with less screws. These spindles overcome the general looseness and rattle found in the common type. A “screwless” spindle, known as the Triplex, is illustrated in [Fig. 64]. This spindle is a first-class device, and is constructed, as shown, of three parallel parts, triangular in section, which, together, form a square bar. To fasten the knob on this spindle, a setscrew in the knob bears on the center bar, and owing to their wedge form, the two side bars are forced apart and into frictional engagement with the spindle of the knob. The spindle itself is screwless, and there is nothing tending to loosen the setscrew, so that when once properly tightened, the knob will remain firm and in position on the spindle under all conditions of use. In some instances, this style of spindle has been condemned by owners and architects. This has been due largely to the fact that the mechanic did not set the screw tight against the spindle, thus allowing the knob to be easily pulled off. This is often caused by not using a screwdriver that exactly fits the head of the screw. When the knobs are put in place as they should be, this device always gives entire satisfaction.
Fig. 64
Fig. 65
There is another, though somewhat costly, type in the market, known as the wrench spindle. This spindle is illustrated in [Fig. 65]. As shown, the mechanism consists of a chuck, or vise-like arrangement, formed on the knob shank. When the nut a is screwed on the jaws b, the tendency is to grip the spindle securely, the latter being solid and without screw holes. This type of spindle allows perfect adjustment.
Another type of knob spindle is the swivel spindle. This is used with front, vestibule, and other door locks that have stop-work, whereby the outside knob may be made operative or not, as desired. In order to accomplish this, the spindle is divided longitudinally, so that one end may rotate independently of the other.
The standard sizes of spindles for door locks, etc. are ₅/₁₆ and ⅜ inch square. Occasionally, spindles as large as ½ inch square are used for large knobs or handles, such as would be used with massive lock trim. For thumb knobs and locks and latches of this character, spindles ¼ inch square are employed.
59. Key Tags for Hotel Use.—Considerable confusion is frequently created by hotel guests taking with them on departure the key to their rooms. Formerly, hotel managers sought to prevent this practice by attaching to each key a large tag of iron or brass, generally serrated on the edges and made so cumbersome as to practically preclude its being carried in the pocket. Subsequently, tags made of red fiber of large size became popular. The usual forms of these large tags, whether of brass or fiber, are illustrated in [Fig. 66]. The use of key tags, however, is gradually being superseded by having the name of the hotel and number of the room stamped plainly on the key bow, the stamped name of the house serving for its quick identification and return by mail. The latest and best development in this detail consists in attaching to the key bow, by means of a short chain, either an ornamental disk bearing the name of the hotel and the number of the room, or a small ball, the name and key number still being retained on the key bow. In either case, the short pendant serves for convenience in the use of the key, diminishes the danger of misplacing it, and, if well designed, contributes to its appearance.