Locksmithing/Yale combination

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Expert: Terry V. Andreasen (Andy) - 11/3/2009


Question

combo
I have a Safe Cabinet L.E. Safe #2345 made in 1922 with a Yale dial on the front. I am unable to get the combination to work. It has 3 ajustable dials and I am able to change them. Unlike other safes I have seen this one must have the dials lined up and rotated counter clockwise to open. See pic. I cannot get the dials to rotate together in a counter clockwise direction and open unless I turn them all that way and prop the tang on the # 3 dial to the notch position. Thanks for any help you may provide.  Tom

Answer
Tom,

The correct dialing sequence for this lock is as follows:

4 times Right to the first number,
3 times Left to the second number,
2 times Right to the third number,
1 time left, slowly until the dial stops.

I'm not exactly sure what you are talking about - the dial is the part on the outside of the safe with the numbers on it, that you turn to operate the lock.
There are three combination "WHEELS" attached to the back cover of the lock that hold the combination.

I'm not sure why you are trying to rotate all of the "WHEELS" counter clockwise to line them up as the lock does not operate this way.  The reason that your lock is not operating correctly is that you have misunderstood its operation.

If you know the numbers that are set on each wheel, then using the above dialing sequence WILL operate your lock.

NOTE:  hand change locks are notorious for slight errors.  You may be required to (+/-) a number or so to each wheel to get it to operate on the desired combination.

I recommend that you have a trained safe technician inspect your lock and ensure that it is set and operating correctly, as any mistake can result in a costly lock out.

In any case, do not close and lock the safe until you have successfully test its operation several times with the door OPEN!

Andy
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentAndy, THANKS For the help. Looking at other sites on the web I did not understand its operation. You were right on the money. Thanks again. Tom


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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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