How not to destroy Safe Dial?

[femurat]

If this question is not allowed in this forum, please either move or delete it. As it is a very general question, I don't really see any security risk.
When a safe tech wants to drill an antique safe, if the safe is to be repaired, You really want to preserve the dial and ring if at all possible. I have seen the tools they use for pulling the press on dials with minimal damage. What do you do when the dial is not just pressed on. Maybe the spindle is cast in, or attached from the rear in an inaccessible or unidentifiable way. On a fire type safe it's feasible to drill an angled hole, but on a real safe that can be pretty tough. Generally speaking what options are there aside from destroying the dial in removal?
I always feel like an ass when I destroy something only to learn in the process of destruction that there was a better way.

[Regina]

Here is an example I just bought off the local Craigslist. Previous owner destroyed the dial and ring, and punched the spindle/lock. Luckily for him, this particular safe allowed for that. I'm guessing that was dumb luck. There had to be a better way. He didn't care, but now makes it harder for me to restore.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/f ... 72967.html

[billdeserthills]

The steel is soft, wouldn't be tough to drill mounting holes and installing a modern safe lock--
Unless you are restoring it to it's original low security container self....

[Squelchtone]

The steel is soft, wouldn't be tough to drill mounting holes and installing a modern safe lock--
Unless you are restoring it to it's original low security container self....

I dont think the point of restoring an antique safe is just the obvious purpose of having a working safe for the customer. Some folks like having antique or vintage stuff that is period correct with all original parts and looks good as a conversation piece in a den or living room etc.

[bitbuster]

REGINA---I had also seen the safe posted on MPLS CL and saying to myself "good luck trying to find parts". I believe the safe is a National and probably had the Yale OB lock. Good luck in the restoration.

[Regina]

Yes it is an OB. I bought it because I figured no one else would want to fix it. I didn't pay $200. I kind of liked the boltwork. I have machine shop facilities, so that will help a bit. I intend to tig weld in a piece in the middle of the tube to lengthen it back to the original length. It doesn't need to be threaded in the middle. The spindle is a std 5/16-40, so a S&G spindle should work. I have to come up with a Yale ring and dial, but they made a lot of those and that shouldn't be too terrible. There is an old school locksmith shop in St Paul I am developing a relationship with and I am hoping he will have something.

[bitbuster]

There is an old school locksmith shop in St Paul I am developing a relationship with and I am hoping he will have something.

Kats Keys??

[Regina]

That's the one!

[Regina]

For anyone interested, here is a link to my flicker folder that will be chronicling the repair and restoration. So far I have repaired the lock tube and now have to track down a dial and ring.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/8024729@N ... 9812499085

[femurat]

This is going to be very interesting. Great job. Please post an update here when you add photos so we know there's something new to see.

Good luck

[Regina]

I Learned something new. Apparently by definition, the group 1 dials (s&g 8400, 8500) cannot be pulled. They are threaded and keyed to the spline.