S&G 6731 with resin wheels

[alank2]

I am fascinated with these S&G locks so I bought a 6731 off of eBay for $20. I just like messing around with them for fun. I expected it to have brass wheels, but when it arrived it has the resin wheels! I didn't know S&G made the 6731 this way, but perhaps they did in the past. One odd thing is that trying to change the combination is not as easy as it is with the brass wheels. I dialed the combination to the changing index and insert the key and turn it 90 degrees, that all goes fine - but when I try to then dial the new combination to the changing index, I have to use more force than with brass wheels and it sounds like the nylon teeth are slipping a bit. Getting all 4 of them turning adds to the force required to do it. Is this how resin wheels or, or do these have an issue? I _was_ able to get the combination changed...

[Safecrackin Sammy]

Sounds like somebody may have changed out the wheels in the past..
A 6731 would have four brass/aluminum wheels. Its only a group two lock so delrin wheels would be an overkill for the lock.
But yes, the delrin wheels sometimes sound like a zipper when changing the combination.

[alank2]

Thanks for the reply. It does seem odd that somebody would put delrin wheels in it, so it sounds like I got something unique. Thanks for confirming the zipper noise for changing the combo - I am happy to know that is normal!

[GWiens2001]

The Delrin wheels are put into their radialogical protected locks. They make it much more difficult to use an X-ray device to locate the gates on the wheels.

That said, I have not seen Delrin wheels the 6731 (four wheel, cheaper) version. Maybe they were an option, though I think it more likely that Safecrackin Sammy is right and they were added at another time.

When I have changed the combo on the Delrin wheels, I don't remember much difference in the feels of the wheels, but it has been quite a while. Guess I can dig one out and try it someday. It does not sound right to me for it to feel like grinding plastic gears.

Gordon

[alank2]

It seems touchy at the end of the key turn to enable combination changing. Sometimes it can sound/feel rougher like plastic gears skipping, but a little more turn pressure on the key and it is more like a zipper. Also, getting to that last 4th wheel stacked up really adds to the pressure it takes to turn the dial.

[alank2]

It has a sticker on it that says group 2 no D-8129xx. I don't think the 6731 is a cost reduction lock like the 6741 series, I think it is like a 6730 but with an extra wheel. Is there a chart somewhere that tells you the age of a lock?

I've got another group 2 that I think is a 6730 with a no of 9395xx, but it doesn't have a torque adjustment in it. Oddly it has what looks like one of the lock washers that is bent a bit to give it tension.

Both locks have a gray patterned finish.

[Safecrackin Sammy]

If there is a date code on the lock, it would be stamped inside of the lock case. Between the wheels and the bolt just below the torque adjustment would be. Month and year.

[alank2]

Do you have to pull the wheels to see it, or should it be visible with the wheels in place? Thanks!

[alank2]

The 6731 with the resin wheels has an "01 86", but my older 3 brass wheel one (without the torque adjustment) is blank.

[Safecrackin Sammy]

You dont have to pull the wheels to see it. Just the back cover.

Not sure when S&G started or stopped putting the date code there but I have a lock here from 1979.. It was a good year...

[GWiens2001]

Not sure when S&G started or stopped putting the date code there but I have a lock here from 1979.. It was a good year...

You can just see Safecrackin Sammy smelling the back cover, turning to the safe owner with a smile. "Rich, and full bodied with just the right hint of MBA Aeroshell grease 22.

Gordon

[Safecrackin Sammy]

Not sure when S&G started or stopped putting the date code there but I have a lock here from 1979.. It was a good year...

You can just see Safecrackin Sammy smelling the back cover, turning to the safe owner with a smile. "Rich, and full bodied with just the right hint of MBA Aeroshell grease 22.

Gordon

I love the smell of 22 grease in the morning!

[L4R3L2]

I love the smell of 22 grease in the morning!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!

[GWiens2001]

I love the smell of 22 grease in the morning!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!

Now that’s the way to do it.

Gordon