by Publius » 2 Oct 2021 2:24
Yes, the cutouts/gates in the wheels correspond to the combination numbers, but of course the dialing sequence also matters -- if you're not sure, depending on the type of lock (e.g., Sargent & Greenleaf or Yale), the dialing sequence to bring all three wheels into alignment may be either (for Sargent & Greenleaf) 4 times to the left for the first number (corresponding to the wheel closest to you when you're facing the dial); 3 times to the right for the second number (middle wheel); and 2 times to the left for the third number (rear wheel); OR, just the opposite for a Yale -- 4x right, 3x left, 2x right. That's without retracting the bolt, which may then require turning the dial slowly left/right, but regardless at that point, the gates in all three wheels should be aligned with the fence, allowing the nose of the lever to drop into the cam. If for any reason the numbers you believe represent the combination are not producing this result, easy enough to simply bring the wheels into alignment by eye with the door open following the dialing sequence and note the corresponding numbers on the dial. Probably goes without saying, but in any case I would just make sure not to close and lock the safe until you've verified the combination and become comfortable dialing it and retracting the bolt with the door open. Hope that's helpful.
