S&G Lock Becoming Unreliable

[sign216]

Take a look at where the spindle is splined. The dial shown is a common dial for an 8500 series lock, you have a 6700 series lock. They use a different spindle. As I recall the 8500 series is splined at 18 or 19 while the 6700 is splined at something like 41 or so. This is from memory and may not be exact, but they are different. This may be why you put the spline key in at a different place than the actual mounting position. Just something to think about.

You have a good eye, and this spindle is not correct for the lock or dial ring. I recall I had to grind a projection to get it to work. Also, the spindle has two grooves instead of one. I forgot why I choose one groove over the other years ago.

And...I received the change key in yesterday's mail, so I'll give that a go and then report back on how the lock is working.

Joe

[sign216]

With the lock assembled and in place, it's working 19 out of 20 tries. I call this a success, and will reassemble the drawer into the cabinet safe. If in another 4 years it becomes unreliable (again), then I'll spring for a new lock.

Thank you Martin, Bill, Raymond, and 8550 for providing guidance in the repair, and making this possible. The board is a real asset.

Joe

P.S. As an aside, when the lock cover is off, and I'm watching the action turn, it fails about 1/3 of the time. Idk, maybe my hand turning the dial at that angle is bearing down oddly, or some other weirdness. When I'm in front of the dial, working it normally like one's opening a closed safe, all is good. I'll let this aspect rest.

[billdeserthills]

MartinHewitt, thanks for directing my attention. It looks like the middle wheel slightly turns when the third (last) wheel is picked up. Moves just a hair, but it's enough. Also, two wheels may have slipped 1/2 number, but it's hard to tell.

I am leaning towards getting a new lock body. MBA is showing them for $90. If the repair was simple and direct, like a loose spline key, dial ring, etc, I'd be game for the repair. But digging into the internals is beyond me, and I'd rather open my wallet for a new unit.

Looking at my records, I installed the lock 4 yrs ago. It was bought used, and the sticker shows it was manufactured 7 yrs ago in 2016. So it's not that old, but it has an unknown history.

I am open to ideas, if I am going down the wrong path.
Joe

What's wrong with saving money?

https://mbausa.com/4-wheel-mechanical-lock-ul-group-2/

I take the above back,
Installed my first Big Red lock kit today, must have had that thing in stock for years.
Right off the bolt was sticking out too far, had to grind some off so it would fit the safe I was installing it on.
Next problem was the dial was not mounted upon the spindle squarely, so the whole thing wobbled around when it was spun. It worked fine but I'm not buying anymore of these, the plastic escutcheon in the center of the dial also was cracked. It's obvious that Big Red doesn't care about quality manufactured product

[sign216]

Bill,
Sorry to hear that Big Red isn't top quality. Kentucky is a second home to me, so I'm a loyal S&G guy.

Joe