Worth Changing Safe Lock Mechanism?

[freedom-lover]

Friend asked me to ask on here about an old Cannon safe that has a 'no-name' dial/lock mechanism. Is there any benefit to swapping out for an S&G, for example? Looks the screw mounting pattern is a standard. Note, I looked at his old mechanism box and it said UL Group 2, so I am not sure what benefit there is swapping out one group 2 for another group 2.

[PaperTarget]

Are we fixing what isn't broken?
It helps to know the motivation. Because no problem was mentioned with the lock, I presume your friend is seeking better peace of mind about the safe not failing.

How old and especially how oft used might help for advice.
Daily, once a month, ?

[Spyder]

Mine has been getting more difficult to open lately, I believe it's an SG.

It's on my list of things to figure out soon, before I'm locked out of the dang thing.

[PaperTarget]

Mine has been getting more difficult to open lately, I believe it's an SG.

It's on my list of things to figure out soon, before I'm locked out of the dang thing.

If acting up, do not lock it. Secure your stuff another way until fixed.

Access the back to see the model and then look it up.

You can take the cover off and then dial each number of the combination while watching the cut out (called a gate) on each wheel line up at around 1 o'clock when looking at the wheels with the back cover removed. Or around 3 to 4 O'clock if the locks bolt is facing down. Then as each wheel lines up under a square shaped rod that floats over the 3 wheels and is attached to the lever arm. Then then look at the dial and see what number it is on.

The wheels in some models can drift over time. That can be caused by dialing it close enough to the right number to work but not dialing the exact number..

[17+1]

Mine has been getting more difficult to open lately, I believe it's an SG.

It's on my list of things to figure out soon, before I'm locked out of the dang thing.

My safe of 12 years was hanging up about a year or so ago. I opened it and pulled all the carpet out of the door interior, greased the bolts (pins) and linkage, and lubricated the lock with lock ease graphite dry lube. It’s butter smooth now and we’re talking Home Depot quality made in China safe. It’s ready for another 10 years.

[smoothy8500]

I switched out my 20-something-year-old S&G lock a couple of years ago. It was "missing" by at least 1 number on two of the three wheels. The lock body was $80 and I followed the tech video produced by S&G, even keeping the original combo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjmLG8tNfWQ&feature=youtu.be

[NATEWA]

https://www.vaultprousa.com/lubricating-s-and-g-lock

[NATEWA]

If it works, leave it alone.

[george223]

I was wondering the same thing. There was a thread a few days ago where someone couldn't get into their safe that had a mechanical dial and the lock malfunctioned. My safe is 35 years old with a mechanical S&G and has yet to drift. I feel confident that it is still good to go but that thread made me start thinking.

[The War Wagon]

IF... it works, leave it alone.

Have it checked out by a competent locksmith... before you're calling him to come BREAK your safe open.