Big Red CDL-3 Safe lock

[BlueLock]

Do any of you have experience with a Big Red CDL-3 lock?

If you were to replace a CDL-3, would you replace it with the same model, something from S&G, or someone else?



The destination would be for the safe in this post. It currently has an older model Big Red with a manufacture date of 2013. I saw on the Big Red website that this lock was redesigned and improved in 2018, which would then be an improved version that what is currently in the safe.

For this application, the considerations are:
1. The length of bolt based on the design of the lock. This will not go into a hole in the side of the safe, but a limited space over the door's bolt, so extended length is critical.
I think the bolt can be swapped out for a different size and/or removed and modified if too long.
2. Exact fit of lock for the mounting holes
3. Prefer to use the existing dial (Amsec), since the shaft is already cut to size for the door thickness

[MartinHewitt]

I don't think you will have problems swapping the existing lock with a modern Big Red, a S&G 6730 (or its cheaper version) or a La Gard 3330. I don't know a reason why the old dial should not work with the new locks.

PS: Be careful with the spline key. The La Gard is slightly thicker than the S&G. An S&G spline key in an LG lock can be slightly loose, which is not good. Check that the spline key sits well. There must be no play between drive cam and dial.

PPS: And as always: Check the complete opening and closing procedure at least three times before closing the door.

[billdeserthills]

I would skip the LaGard lock, they seem too junky--Big Red is supposed to be like an S&G on steroids, like supposedly Big Red is made by people who actually care about quality, much as S&G did way back in the long ago. Another nice thing about Big Red is their cushy dial--too bad you're just gonna throw that part away...

[MartinHewitt]

We have here a quite good experience with the LG 3330, but it is here basically unavailable now. The standard LG is here now the 3390 which is awful.

Do you have experience how well the cushy dial is ageing? Depending on the quality this kind of material can get sticky.

[BlueLock]

Thanks to all.

I would want to get something on steroids from someone who cares about quality. That's the go-to.

I can get the CDL-3 without a dial, so it the dial will not go into the trash. Even if I did need to buy it with the dial, it would either go into stock or be put to good use on a bench setup or something.

For what its worth, here in Southern California, it seems like anything with a rubberized grip will become gooey and sticky in just a few years.

[BlueLock]

Update - I called and talked with Michael at Big Red. Great conversation and he seems like a good guy that definitely cares. He said that there are two different sizes of bolts, and they are different by 1/16". If needed, I can swap out the bolt from the old unit into the new unit if needed. Just need to be careful because there's a couple of ball detents for the bolt. Seems like Big Red is the way to go.

I went ahead and ordered the Big Red.

Thanks again!

~Blue