2 safes, 2 manufacturers, 2 50 dials

[Kaesekopf]

Hi! I see you brought some fun home. The Meilink has a Meilink Special lock that should have only two wheels. It should be rather beginner friendly. Most manipulation tutorials cover this type of lock as it is working very similar to the modern Group 2 locks. There are a few series on yt and also some books online. The main difference is that the lever does not have a spring, but is falling down by gravity only. If it was greased badly decades ago the lever may be stuck and slabs with a rubber mallet may be necessary if there are no contact points.

The second safe does not have a 50 number, but a 60 number dial. I have doubts that it is a Victor. Early Victors can have dials without "ears" and with 60 numbers, but the hinges look very un-Victor-like. My guess is, that it will not differ that much from the Meilink.

Im assuming it only has 2 wheels, going along with what you mentioned in your first reply. Maybe i should do a little more research on this “special” Meilink lock mech, search some more posts on how to figure out how many wheels. stay tuned….

These are easy things to test. To find the number of wheels, you can turn the dial a bunch of times (let’s say 3 or more) in one direction, then stop around 30. Start turning the other way and see how many times you pick up more wheels.
These locks often have lightweight, low friction wheels, so you might have to spin fast at the pick up area and listen. Each wheel likely picks up a bit before 30, so 35,40,45, etc.
Another important test: will the dial bind up if you start putting pressure on the handle? Don’t break things but that will affect your process

[Fabreezai]

Thanks for the info!
I will try/check these things, so far the information i have located, all point to a 3 wheel dial. Ill have to confirm in the next couple days.

Thank you so much!

[Fabreezai]

[/quote]These are easy things to test. To find the number of wheels, you can turn the dial a bunch of times (let’s say 3 or more) in one direction, then stop around 30. Start turning the other way and see how many times you pick up more wheels.
These locks often have lightweight, low friction wheels, so you might have to spin fast at the pick up area and listen. Each wheel likely picks up a bit before 30, so 35,40,45, etc.
Another important test: will the dial bind up if you start putting pressure on the handle? Don’t break things but that will affect your process[/quote]

Had a chance to play with the safe a little today. The handle does not move much in either direction and there is no binding on dial when held in the left and right positions. The drive cam left and right contact area for sure are between 22 and 25. I got as far as, contact for 1 wheel at 30 and wheel 2 possibly at 49. House got too noisy to confirm. I will try and do so
tomorrow when its quiet again.

thank you guys so much!

[MartinHewitt]

Have fun!