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Locksmithing/Mosler security container

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Expert: Terry V. Andreasen (Andy) - 3/18/2008


Question
I have what is labeled a "security container" made by Mosler with a serial #2230339 that has two drawers with a separate dial & handle on each. Can you give me any info on it, the combination didn't come with it. Can you tell me the procedure to open it as far as number of turns each direction etc.

Answer
Hi Joe,

I am assuming that the label you are referring to is the "General Services Administration - Security Container" Label on the unit.  These containers were made for the government but can turn up almost any where.
The most prevalent labels were the "Black" and "Red" labels (referring to the color of the lettering on the label.  The lock that is probably installed on your container is a Mosler MR302 lock.  This was Moslers version of a "manipulation resistive" "radiological attack resistive" lock.  They used a plastic type of wheel so that the lock could not be xrayed to determine the combination and the lock uses a manipulation resistive spring assisted ball bearing/cam assembly (you can probably feel the dial click, fairly substantially as you turn it).
In order for the safes to be opened and retain the GSA rating, it must be opened and repaired in a very specific manner.  If you are not planning, nor required to use the GSA container for protection of documents then you are not restricted to having the containers opened and repaired per GSA standards.
The original combo from the factory was either 50-25-50 or 25-50-25.  The correct dialing procedure is as follows:
1.  Turn the dial left (counter clockwise - ccw) stopping the 4th time the first number comes to the 12 o'clock index mark.
2.  Turn the dial right (clockwise - cw) stopping the 3rd time the second number comes to the index.
3.  Turn the dial left (ccw) stopping the 2nd time the third number comes to the index.
4.  Turn the dial right (slowly) until the dial stops (around 80-90).  
If the dial does not stop you have either made a dialing error or you have an incorrect combo.
If the dial comes to a complete stop, turn the handle and open the drawer.

Hope this has been helpful.

Andy
andy@securitysafeusa.com

Locksmithing

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Terry V. Andreasen (Andy)

Expertise

Safe and Vault related Questions; Antique Safe Repair and Restoration; With over 38 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer. Current Project: Restoration of two Tilton & McFarland safes from the 1860's. Will answer Safe & Vault related questions concerning age, value, restoration, moving, opening & repairing, parts, operation and history. Note: It is not my intention to teach you to open safes or to provide information which may aid in the unlawful opening of a safe. I will not give out drill points or information which I deem inappropriate.

Experience

38 years in the Safe & Vault Industry. Service Manager for one of the largest Safe & Vault companies on the West Coast. Graduate of Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing, Safe lock Manipulation and Safe Deposit Lock Courses. Graduate of Locksmith Institute. Certified Instructor for the California Locksmith Association teaching Basic and Advanced Lock Servicing, Basic Safe opening and Repairing. Factory Trained by AMSEC, LORD Safes, LeFebure, Mosler, KabaMas, LaGard and Sargent & Greenleaf

Organizations
SafeCrackers International and the National Antique Safe Association ClearStar

Education/Credentials
Graduate of Locksmith Institute 1972 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing 1974 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Manipulation 1975 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Deposit Lock Servicing 1985 Instructor Certified - California Locksmith Association - 1985 Factory trained by AMSEC, MAJOR, STAR, Johnson-Pacific, Kaba-MAS, Allied-Gary, ISM, Lord, Brown Safe, EXL, Mosler, Diebold.

Awards and Honors
2009 & 2010 - Listed in AllExperts Top 50 Experts. All Expert Categories - Safes & Security Containers, Locksmithing, Antique Safes. Retired US Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), with 32 years of total service. With numerous awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Navy - 1971-1981 US Army Reserve 1984-2006 US Army Retired Reserve 2006-present

Past/Present Clients
US Secret Service, FBI, BATF, Local Law enforcment agencies, Diebold, Hamilton Pacific, Red Hawk Int., Chubb International, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Mechanics Bank, El Dorado Savings Bank, many Credit unions and smaller banks. McDonalds, Togos, BurgerKing, TacoBell, Carls Jr. FoodMaxx, SaveMart, Lucky's, Albertson's, Raley's, Safeway, NobHill, Bell Markets, PW Markets. Great America, Century Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, UA Cinemas, and many homeowners and small businesses. Provide warranty service for lock and safe manufactures. Service Area is Northern California (Fresno to Oregon and Western Nevada)

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