I’ve talked about this before and don’t want to completely beat it into the ground, but I did want to say more specifically on the locking mechanism of the Queen’s Keep. As I’ve said there are two methods of locking it, but I suppose neither is really perfect. The sideways mounted padlock is much too bulky, and the security screw is rather difficult to get started, especially alone.
The main thing that makes it so difficult to get the security screw started, is the way the cage tends to rotate on the locking post that sticks out from the base ring. You have to get the threaded holes lined up just right and keep it there long enough to start the screw. It’s not so bad when dry-fitting the pieces together, but while wearing it it’s almost impossible to hold both parts with one hand while turning the screw with the other.
I think there could be a big improvement opportunity for Mature Metal, if they just didn’t make the locking post (and the corresponding “guide hole” in the cage) perfectly round. They could, for example, flatten the top of it. Or, make the whole thing more of an oval shape instead. There would be lots of design possibilities here to make the end result something that won’t spin freely, and lines up perfectly the first time, every time.
But so far that’s really my only complaint with it, enough to warrant a dedicated post here. All in all I am still extremely happy with the design and craftsmanship of the Queen’s Keep!
