Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 12/24/2008

Question
I just bought a small safe, i don't know if you need this info or not but it's 26" high wheels included, 17" deep, 16" wide.
inside the door says  Herring Hall Marvin
outside says Dominion safe & vault limited,
Farnham Que, The canadian fairbank company, distributing company.
there are some large numbers stamped in the middle of the dial they are  5158.
there is no handle.  My question is the combo works but not always was told to hit the safe when i enter the last number in the combination is that true or is it that its old and needs to be cleaned? I don't want to mark it all up if I don't have to.
Any other info about the safe would be great.
Thanks

Answer
Blaine,

No, you are correct, you should not have to hit the safe in order to open it.  The person who sold you the safe was either too lazy to have it serviced or too cheap!  sorry, IMHO! (in my humble opinion).
Servicing includes, cleaning all components, lubricating correctly, and reseting the combination on the lock so that it operates correctly.

If the safe is small enough, you can remove the door and take it to your local safe company to have serviced.  While the door is off, make sure that you lube the hinge pins.  If the hinges have bearings, don't lose them.
The dial and lock should work smoothly when locking and unlocking.  The handle and bolt work should operate smoothly when opening and closing the door.  The hinges should operate smoothly, with no force or squeaking.  Squeaking or any metal on metal sounds are basically the safe crying for help.  Grease and lubricant should be replaced annually.  Chemically it starts breaking down within about 30 days and with accumulated dust, debris and metal wear, becomes more of a grinding compound than a lubricant after a year.  If you purchased the safe because of its age or uniqueness, then you want it to last and operate correctly.  Spending a $150-$200 every 2 to 3 years for service is a small price to pay to ensure that you can pass this heirloom down later on.

If you can't remove the door for service, you may have to have the safe technician come to you to service the safe.  Different companies charge different prices so you may want to check around.  Be advised that most locksmith shops do not have trained safe technicians.  Even though they advertise and want to work on safes, I don't recommend having someone learn "at your expense", unless you are aware of this and the price is right.

Herring-Hall & Marvin (HHM) started (merged) in 1892 and was discontinued in the late 1950'S.  Dominion Safe & Vault was simply a distributor.  Many distributors put their logo on the safe for advertising.  I would have to see photos of your safe and the serial number to determine an age.  One thing you can check is the hinge acorns, take one off and hold it in your hand, if it is a heavy, cast material, the safe was made prior to WWI, if it is a thin light weight, material like brass or tin, the safe was made after WWI.  This will give you at least an estimate of the age.

Andy