American Lock Series 200 Disassemble

[Divinorum]

Not having a good day today and this old Series 200 American Lock has frustrated me to no end. Apparently I did not pay close enough attention when I took it apart and not It won't go back together. I have noticed that the older vs the newer American locks come apart differently. Here is my problem and I can't figure out what part I have wrong.

To me it seems like the actuator only fits in the body 1 way which is shown in the picture (this could be wrong but I don't see an alternative way of it fitting). The cylinder also only fits 1 way, this part I know I have correct. The plug is in line with the bible so the pins can stack and the screw hole for the retaining screw is on the correct side of the lock. In the picture just imagine the cylinder gets turned over and inserted.

http://i59.tinypic.com/25uo51y.jpg

The problem is that the actuator and the lip on the back of the plug do not line up. Rather than being snug next to each other they end up on top of each other.

What the heck gives?!!? I know the cylinder is not facing the wrong way it has to be the actuator and I'm just not seeing how to insert it facing the other way.

[GWiens2001]

Put the key into the keyway and turn it clockwise until the cylinder drops into the lock. Then turn the key back and remove the key so you can continue reassembling. Hope that works for you!

Gordon

[Divinorum]

Okay here is the update in case anyone needs to know in the future. I finally got it to fit with Gordon's help. The problem was that when reassembling the lock in order to install the ball bearings and the actuator the shackle must be closed....Now when you go to insert the core the actuator is not in the correct position to accept the core and fit nicely as is is with most newer american locks. I had re-installed the retaining pins at the back of the plug before getting the core set with the actuator so when I tried to turn the key as Gordon suggested it would not turn far enough (see the picture). After removing the retaining pins, reinserting the plug, and turning the key again, then the core finally made contact with the actuator correctly. After that I just turned the key back the other way and the shackle popped open. I then removed the core and re-installed the retaining pins. Now since the shackle is open and the actuator is in the correct place when the core was inserted it fit perfectly. I hope I did make that too confusing Thanks again for your help Gordon!

[GWiens2001]

Divinorum,

Glad you got it worked out! This site is great about working together.

The do make a tool for testing the lock (an actuator testor), but we can make it work. A wood dowel cut to the shape of the cam is enough.

Gordon