Automatic J.B.M.K.L Miller Red Dot Click Combo Padlock

[MrWizard]

Anyone have the coded for the old Automatic J.B.M.L.K Red Dot click type combo padlocks. This has the code stamped on the shackle 248. Need to know if someone has the codes for these. Function is you count the clicks left and right back and forth 3 to maybe 5 different number of clicks. This is what became the Gougler click combo later on. If you have the code that would be great . If you have a technique on how to determine the comb that would be even better.
Any help with this would be very much appreciated.





Richard

[GWiens2001]

While I do not have the codes, just had to say that is a cool lock.

Gordon

[MrWizard]

Ya it is a very cool lock patent Sept 29 1931.

I have Gougler one that has huge dial the entire size of the lock body with nothing on it just a chrome dial with nothing no index nothing that has to be turned all the way to the left until it stops then count clicks to the right 10 clicks then left 8 clicks then right 7 clicks then you have to pull it open. So even a blind person or someone in total darkness could use a combo lock.

This Miller has NO stop you can turn it either was all day long. Has that raised reserved dimple I can assume is the starting index to align with the arrow. But don't know which way to start counting or how many times left right left right left or right left right left right or how many clicks each time. Could be as many a 5 rotations each way. Pulling on the shackled does nothing to indicate anything. Plus the dial knob is so small with grooves on it and the spring in it is strong from click to click it is hard to turn. Trying to determine anything you will get blisters in about 30 minutes messing with it. I think that was by design to deter someone to try to figure out the combo. Somebody somewhere has the old J.B.Miller code books just haven't found them yet.

Richard

[MacGyver101]

I'm looking at a few of the old Reed padlock books that I have... no guarantees, but it suggests the following for a Miller Red Dot with a code of 248:

• Turn left two or more full rotations, ending with the index mark (sorry: I can't see one on your dial?) pointing at the dot at 12 o'clock
• Continue turning left 3 clicks, right 21 clicks, left 5 clicks, and then right to open

[MrWizard]

Well I tried it many times but didn't work. The index is the arrow on the top and the raised dot on the chrome dial. Are you sure the second number is 21 that is a lot of clicks seems it would erase the first 3 clicks left. Is that reed book # 2?

I thank you for checking sure wised it worked. I did hear a clunk though 8 clicks to the right after the 3 left so 3 to the left maybe correct.

Richard

[MrWizard]

One thing that has proven to be true Reed code book are notoriously wrong with many codes. That is why I bought HPC but they don't have the old codes Reed does. Sometimes they aren't all wrong in a series but many in the series are wrong. I thought for sure you had it cause it is the right indexing to this lock

Richard

[MrWizard]

I should have mentioned this is a Miller Red Dot NO.29 also says Automatic. There is a difference in the series. I see a Red Dot N0. 10 and No. 29 on vintage locks.com and they have different number of turns and sequence. So if you can check for Red Dot No 29 again. No. 29 has 5 turns No 10 has 4.

Thanks

[MacGyver101]

Apologies for the delay in replying: I've been a bit under the weather the last few days.

I was getting those numbers/instructions from an older version of the Reed Code Book, long before they'd split it into separate volumes (1976 edition)... but you're right: there are a lot of errors to be found in there. Unfortunately, there's nothing in there for a No. 29.

[MrWizard]

I am thinking I will never find a working code or figure this one out. Many long time collectors of these have said they have a No. 29 for decades never to get it open. Now I know why I got it so reasonable nobody wants it without the combo as the long time collector know it will never be found.

Picky Ricky

Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right.

[Qship]

I know this is an old thread, but I too have the same Miller Red Dot lock stamped number 8. I do not have the combination since it was my father-in-laws, who is no longer with us.

It would be great to know the combination if anyone knows how to figure it out.

Thanks

[lockman21]

ok....picked this up today wanted to share what ive learned in opening this cool old automatic red dot no.29

i was fortunate to have the combo taped on the backside......hard to make out but figured it to be a 5 digit code / combo
i started clearing it out as most locks to left couple times and began my efforts...but to no avail....most say the lock works on clicks
but there are clicks and then there are stooping points there are 8 stopping points so your 5 digit lock combo will be #s from 1-8
for example 3-1-4-5-7 .....after 15 minutes i took a break and regrouped......i said to myself u know what im going to start the opposite way CLEARING OUT TO RIGHT AND STARTING TO THE RIGHT .....With the inner dial brass dot to the 12' o clock position lined up the brass marker on the lock ... (of coarse this is if you have the combo or even partial combo because you will be able to work out the missing digits with time and effort)....Take your time and count the pretty distinctive stopping points , remember these were made to be able to open in the dark....again example only 3 right 1 left 4 right 5 left 7 right and BANG OPENED UP !!! Put a little oil inside and it works quit nicely now.....hope this info can help someone...i'm just a novice lock tinkerer ...thx and take care !