Modifications to A27 cages

While the device is unlocked, you can tweak the gap a bit by swapping out the brass lock for a 1/4” bolt. You might be able to do this with the original brass piece still there, though it could damage the lock. Gently pressing the cage and ring together or pulling them apart SLIGHTLY changes the gap by up to about 3mm. If you go beyond that, you’ll need to tweak the cage part of the mechanism using needle-nose pliers. I widened my gap but had to give a slight forward twist to the center section (the metal ‘C’ piece attached above the cage). Now I have to jiggle the lock and key around a bit more when locking or unlocking, but it’s not too bad. A few dry fits are recommended to make sure you didn’t adjust it too much.

The “square” edges on the ring part of the cage near your body can be smoothed out with a Dremel tool, though they will need polishing afterward using jewelry-grade abrasive material. Getting this right takes 45 minutes to an hour, but it’s definitely worth the better fit and finish.

You can also round off the base ring quite a bit. It might take an hour or two of work, but that effort is VERY worthwhile.