Charleville lock

[Artificer]

Gus I was always under the impression that if a tight bridle screw was binding up the lock its because the bridle was drilled and tapped on before the sear was located and drilled and tapped, i could be wrong, but on two locks I assembled this ended up not being an issue because I drilled the bridle screw after having located and drilled the sear screw. The way I had understood Kit’s booklets, the bridle should almost be set on in a neutral position, not adding friction to the tumbler or sear.

Nick,

I definitely agree with your last sentence as the bridle is meant to support the tumbler and sear screw from wear and act as a stop for the tumbler. However, I have never made and fitted a blank bridle from scratch with none of the tumbler arbor or screw holes drilled, though. So I don't want to suggest how that should be done, because I might be wrong.

Gus