How To Install a Mechanical Safe Lock

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Күн бұрын

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@dalehayes1911 Жыл бұрын

Seriously, this is the best video I have seen on how to install one of these locks. I have been working with locks,keys,and safes for over 25 years and could not have made a video this good.

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

I'm humbled by your words. I've been thinking of getting another small safe and using it as an opportunity to install another mechanical lock. I'm fairly certain Big Red would give me a good deal on a lock for the purpose. I was thinking of installing one of the manipulation-resistant locks. Do you think it's worth doing another video like this?

@dalehayes1911 Жыл бұрын

@@HandgunSafe Absolutely. Most people were taken by surprise when they heard about some companies handing out override codes. I bet a lot of people are thinking about going mechanical with their safe lock. It was nice to see Big Red give that piece to clean up the threads after cutting. Sargent Greenleaf doesn't do that.

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

@@dalehayes1911 Okay. I'm on it. I've got a backlog of three upcoming videos to shoot, but I'll start securing the parts for another safe retrofitting video. Thanks!

@ViciousFirearms Жыл бұрын

Your videos never miss. Thanks for yet another fantastic upload!

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I thought I would do something productive following the Liberty Safe episode, rather than simply gripe about it.

@anthonydiubaldi6475 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Thanks for sharing - especially when things go wrong. I just did this and two things to help avoid this. 1. Check the dial action and alignment before you send the spline key all the way home- just put it in half way. 2. you can by a dial alignment tool that has bushings on both sides (dial and lock body) that aligns the two perfectly.

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

If I decide to do more of this, I'll invest in a dial alignment tool.

@hkssystemslocksafe2486 Жыл бұрын

As a safetech for a living this was well done BUT- there are "forbidden zones" in most mechanical locks quick rule of thumb don't place the LAST number of combo between 90-20 you should be fine. otherwise, you'll run into a lock-in situation! Also keeping numbers well spaced apart is a good idea, not 10- 15- 18 ETC.

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

More precisely: Do not use a a number between 95 and 99 or between 0 and 20 for the third (or last) number of the combination. This is also explained in the instructions. To avoid having my video become too long, I made a point of explaining that I was following the directions "to the letter" at the beginning.

@replacesoundboard Жыл бұрын

When I saw the thumbnail, I was like: hey, isn't that the neat looking longhorn safe he presented? It is indeed. Just in a new kind of video. Can't wait to watch it (too tired to actually appreciate it properly so I'll wait for the right time).

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

Well thanks for watching, in advance. It's gripping stuff.

@PhantomLlamasDen Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the link on this one. Cheers!

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@robertboudrie2234 2 ай бұрын

When I run into a dial ring that needs a small amount of vertical adjustment outside the range of play in the hole, I find I can often dremmel the existing hold for the magic module existing screw locations to add enough up ad down play to proerly center the dial without drilling into the safe. Also missed as the traditional wisdon of "do not re-use the spline key" The spline key is generally oriented with the flag oiinting away frm the center of the spindle rather than towards it.

@HandgunSafe 2 ай бұрын

Interesting. I can see that installing and reinstalling a spline key repeatedly can result in the key not seating very firmly, but I think removing it once or twice won't hurt. The spline key is made of slightly harder metal than the spindle, which is brass, so the wear is happening to the spindle. As for the direction of the flag at the end, I followed the manufacturer's instructions. The designer of Big Red locks designed the locks to standards and drafted the instructions. I think he's a better authority on how to install these.

@robertboudrie2234 2 ай бұрын

@@HandgunSafe Thanks for the informative reply. I over-generalized (my apologies); the S&G 6730 instructions say (and show) flag out and assumed that was the same on Big Red. The spline key on S&G is brass; I believe that Big Red supplies stainless (?) so it is harder, and I have read that Big Red supplies two. Once again, the "use once only" is an S&G recommendation, perhaps not for Big Red. I always push the spline key in finger tight to I can remove it wihtout tools until the testing is done. I agree 100% with you on the manfuacturer instructions. Big Red seems to go a bit further than S&G on niceties like including a thread cleanup tool. "Read this site in Chinese" on website - interesting clue that this is Chicom merchandise. I assume you made the dial alignment "mistake" for theatrical purposes, and doubt you really would have made that goof in on install. I had the identical issue on an electronic=>6730 conversion, but resolved it dremmeling a vertical notch in the screw hole on the dial instead of tapping new holes in the safe (with my luck, the tap would break off). I wonder about the current viability of Big Red since it appears they have not updated their website in years. MIssing image on home page unaddressed for ages? Amateur hour. " Overall a very nicely done video.

@HandgunSafe 2 ай бұрын

@@robertboudrie2234 Okay, I just followed up with the owner. He's still in business! The IT guy has closed up shop, and this is making it hard for the owner to get passwords for site maintenance, etc. If you want to find Big Red locks, try MBA USA, Inc.

@nallwhite4146 Жыл бұрын

I was waiting for this video.

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

The wait is over. It has arrived. The video has arrived.

@russelallen5342 4 ай бұрын

It's odd that Big Red's instructions say to put the spindle key flag over end of the dial shaft, S&G uses the same set up and they say not to, that correct orientation is against the drive cam.

@HandgunSafe 4 ай бұрын

I don't know what to say. I haven't played with all that many of these kinds of mechanical locks. The Big Red locks are designed by somebody not affiliated with S&G, and the designs are his, though the locks are fabricated in China.

@myvenusheeler Жыл бұрын

Do you think that Big Red is as good as an S & G 6730? I ask because I have a Big Red on my Amsec BF gun safe. The safe is now 14 years old and is opened quite often and has never been a problem.

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

Yes, the Big Red lock offers the same level of security. Big Red locks are built to hold up under heavy use. If the lock isn't having problems, don't worry about it.

@JayneCobbsBunk Жыл бұрын

Just to be clear, the original threaded holes in the door were just slightly misaligned so the new lock dial didn't lay flat & wouldn't turn properly?

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

Yes, that's basically it.

@benzam6218 5 ай бұрын

That rug really ties the room together.

@HandgunSafe 5 ай бұрын

In case you want to know, those rugs are cheap Home Depot runners that absorb sound, so the audio doesn't echo too much. Other KZbinrs lay blankets all over the floor, but I end up tripping when I try that. No one will ever see those outtakes.

@danielgoodman3578 Жыл бұрын

Pretty cool. :) I have observed that this combo lock takes a lot more "pass the number" turns--either that or you just choose however many of those you want to do when setting your combo. I'm used to turning a combo lock right enough to reset all the plates/whatever they're called, landing on 1st, turning left past the 2nd once, then landing on 2nd, then turning right to immediately stop on 3rd. Is that just cheapie combos?

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

Going by your description, I suspect you are describing combination locks one might refer to as "budget" locks. I think the number of passes used in Big Red locks is pretty standard. This video is getting a surprising number of views for being posted at an odd hour on a slow day. I want to do another retrofitting video on another safe.

@danielgoodman3578 Жыл бұрын

@@HandgunSafeWell I suppose budget (combo) locks is all I've ever known then lol.

@danielgoodman3578 Жыл бұрын

@@HandgunSafe Regarding retrofitting/doing one's own lock on a safe and my prior description of the kind of pistol safe I want to build someday, what are your thoughts on a big safe openable not by a combination but solely by a key in a super beefy well made cylinder lock with whatever appropriate back-plating inside the door?

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

@@danielgoodman3578 I really like combination locks, and I would rather build or retrofit a safe with a combination lock. But if you're thinking about keyed locks, a high-end, high-security lock would be the type of lock you''re talking about. Although I know what keyed locks I would use, I don't want to get into making recommendations. You're going to need to be comfortable working with locks to do what you're planning. That's really all I want to say on that.

@danielgoodman3578 Жыл бұрын

@@HandgunSafe thanks for the input!

@rmholladay Жыл бұрын

Do you prefer Big Red over an S&G mechanical dial? Why?

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

Based on what I've learned, these Big Red locks are extremely durable and outperform every other make of lock out there. They're also affordable. As far as S&G is concerned, I think people are paying for a brand name.

@AK40_29 2 ай бұрын

I really like this lock, but I’ve been hearing a lot of negative feedback from technicians who have been in the industry for 30 to 40 years. They’ve mentioned having to replace a lot of these locks due to various mechanical failures.

@HandgunSafe 2 ай бұрын

I seriously doubt they're having much trouble with these locks. Technicians, who are often locksmiths who have expanded their services by getting certification to service specific brands, are partial to the brands they sell. Big Red locks are solid, and you can get them with four number combinations and manipulation-prevention technology built into them.

@AK40_29 2 ай бұрын

@@HandgunSafe man I really want to believe you because they look good Have you encountered any issues with your lock? How long have you owned it, and have you experienced any problems?. the negative feedback surrounding these locks It seems like some people might prefer to stick with what they know, while I’ve seen multiple individuals in a Facebook group who have extensive locksmith experience mention that these locks might be less reliable and are a cheaper off-brand Chinese version of Sargent & Greenleaf. They suggested that you often get what you pay for. I’m unsure who to believe. I’m trying to gather more information, but it’s challenging to sift through varying opinions from industry veterans. I don’t want to risk getting locked out of my safe, so I’d appreciate any insights you have. If you have any additional details or resources, that would be really helpful! And also, they said it wouldn’t fit on my safe that used to have a s&g r674 they said this about the big red group 2 lock I wanted to get the four wheel or three wheel one but they said this……. Big Red is made for a direct replacement of Mosler. If you don't have a Mosler, stick with S&G 👍 So I can’t use it even if I wanted too

@AK40_29 2 ай бұрын

@@HandgunSafe how long have you had your lock for and have you had any issues and have you heard any issues about them and I was also told I wouldn’t be able to use it because of this Big Red is made for a direct replacement of Mosler. If you don't have a Mosler, stick with S&G 👍 I had a s&g r6714 group 2 lock can I not replace it with the big red four wheel version?

@AK40_29 2 ай бұрын

@@HandgunSafe is there a workaround

@MrPawPaw 9 ай бұрын

Nice job. My e-lock is failing and I’m thinking this Big Red lock looks nice but are they out of business already? Where did you get this lock?

@rustlebruxz0013 Жыл бұрын

I have a @15 year old Liberty Safe, the Lincoln 25 model. Since mine has the mechanical lock do I need to be worried about this 'fiasco' you mentioned?

@rotho282 Жыл бұрын

I think after watching this video I think I'm going to call a locksmith and let a pro do it. To many things can go wrong if your not careful enough. After the safe "scandal" I was going to get mine replaced also. It really sucks because I like push button locks.

@HandgunSafe Жыл бұрын

It is best to have an experienced technician do it. Too many things can go wrong. I did this to help people see that they can get locks replaced, and that safes are designed to be retrofitted.