I have an old Cary safe that I am trying to open.
https://ibb.co/bjpbbzxb
https://ibb.co/5XN4JW36
This is what I think I know:
1) It is not a direct-entry fence (feel of dial does not change with CW or CCW pressure on handle)
2) 4-wheel mechanism (using the 'whack test' in both directions, multiple times, I pick up four wheels)
3) appears to be a friction fence (continuous rachety click and sound as dial is turned)
4) there are scratches/marks at 17-1/2 and 92 on the dial (see second pic)
5) loose key? Regardless of where wheels are parked, or where dial is turned there is a one-increment motion before the cam seems to turn.
6) The dial gets a little stiffer when I pick up the 2nd wheel and much stiffer when I pick up the 1st wheel.
7) Regardless of where I park the wheels (though I didn't try 17-1/2 or 92 - duh!) I cannot feel any contact points.
I am managing the building where this safe was left. It is an old Odd Fellows building and the Lodge was closed. The building is now owned by the California Odd Fellows. I am also the locksmith for Yolo County in California and have 'manipulated' four safes to get the combos, all of which have been open (3 S&G, 1 HHM). Watching youtube videos and reading "The National Locksmith Guide to Manipulation," has taught me a lot, but this project feels like I am now out of the kiddie pool
The good news is that there is no time constraint on getting this safe open. I am very averse to drilling.