Old Yale lock will no longer open

[PopsAU]

Sorry so long to reply. Have tried the banging and dialing three more times… no luck. Similar banging as described previously each time.

All of the “directions” I have for the combo are just the three numbers and those papers go back at least 50 years. There may have been something with detail, but if it exists that is probably inside the safe.

Do you have any suggestions for a different turning process or suggestion on where to find something?

[MartinHewitt]

This video explains nicely how to open a combination lock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEYjgOFKR1U

With a fourth number 5-RIGHT is added in front of the sequence. So it would be 5 RIGHT, 4 LEFT, 3 RIGHT, 2 LEFT, RIGHT to stop.

There are also locks, which work the other way round. Here the sequence is with a 4th number 5 LEFT and then always 4 RIGHT, 3 LEFT, 2 RIGHT, LEFT to stop.

There are also locks, which do not stop itself. These must be positioned at the last number. I don't think your safe has such a lock. So if the dial does not stop it self, your dialling or number was wrong.

[PopsAU]

The video was exactly as I remember, however over the years I would occasionally start in the wrong direction, so during all attempts I have always tried both directions. A couple attempts after the video did not open. Will try a couple more times before declaring it’s still not working. Attached image is the label near the bottom of the front doors.

[MartinHewitt]

Often fence levers can get stuck from old oil and won't fall down to retract the lock bolt. Yale locks often have so called "friction fences". The fence is driven via gears, so usually the sound of gears can be heard when turning the dial. The purpose which is mentioned in the friction fence patent is to prevent exactly the problem of a stuck lever. York safes should only have this type of lock and likely the final turn to retract the lock bolt is left/CCW to stop.

Can you feel the wheel pickup? I.e. turn 5 or so times in one direction to e.g. 50, then reverse the direction. After approximately one turn one wheel is picked up, after approx. another turn the next, etc.. If you can feel this, could you try to determine exactly (half or quarter number) how much you need to turn?

Btw. is there an official looking notch half past two at the dial ring?

[PopsAU]

IT WORKED!! IT OPENED!! It starts clockwise, not left like the video showed. The difference is, I believe, multiple, much banging with the deadblow hammer. I remember numbers and the process, but because of not opening tried different directions etc. The combo that worked is the same as have been using for about 50 years and also the past year and half. Felling the gears and the pickup has been common to the best a non-expert can tell. Will test many times before closing again and remove some of the stuff just to ensure easy access. THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!