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Hi,
I'm trying to get this floor safe open. My grand children were paying with it about 20 years ago and said look grandpa the dial came off. since then I cant figure out how to open it, does anybody have any idea how I would go about it? Will post some pictures as i figure out how.
Thanks for the help,
Phil
If you can post better resolution and clear close-up pics of the dial and casters, I maybe able to identify this safe. With this information I can narrow down the lock possibilities to help you get this open.
DH
I'm trying to upload the new pictures but I get an upload fail. working on it.
Thanks,
Phil
Hi,
Tried to get pictures to upload, no luck, See if you can open PDF's
Thanks,
Phil
Any ideas how to open this puppy?
Any ideas how to open this puppy?
While this is not the site to discuss safe open techniques. I can tell you it's a Vulcan antique cast iron fire safe. It will have a direct entry type lock. Any safe and vault technician who can identify this safe will have the skill and knowledge to open it without damage. This is a non drill opening.
DH
Does anybody have any pictures of the locking mechanism of this safe.
Thank You
I just happen to have that model Vulcan safe. I thought I had taken pictures of the lock but there was nothing in the computer file. Despite being after 10 PM and being in my sleep ware, my curiosity forced me to head down to the shop and tear it apart. Here you go.
https://www.antique-locks.com/images.../343n05z-1.jpg
https://www.antique-locks.com/images.../20h8owm-1.jpg
The spline key is held in place with a spring clip that snaps onto the drive wheel like a circlip. In order for your dial to come out the clip had to have come off and the spline key had to work its way out. There is the drive wheel plus 3 wheels in the wheel pack.
https://www.antique-locks.com/images.../2wpmq7n-1.jpg
https://www.antique-locks.com/images.../2hwjqcn-1.jpg
https://www.antique-locks.com/images.../28rdue9-1.jpg
Was the safe operational before the dial came out? Was the lock worked on or the combination changed before that? My guess is someone put it together without the clip in place thinking the spline key would not come out. The clip snaps in place quite firmly, I doubt it would come off on its own.
Great photos 00247, couldn't ask for better close ups than that.
Yes, the safe was working before the dial came out, but I don't know if somebody in the past had been into the works of it. I purchested it from a friend probably 40 years ago. My wifes jewelry is in it along with things I have forgoten abut. It has become a challenge to get it open now.
I assumed that the threaded, keyed shaft attached to the dial had a nut on the end that fell off, but I see that is not true. The dial still slides into the hole but I don't think it’s turning the lock wheels. the key must have fallen out. Since it’s been a while I have also lost the combination.
Philvet, if I understand your posts correctly the situation has gone from working with combination, to working but with the dial knocked off, but now its also without combination since you've lost it?
It really sounds like its time to get a decent safe tech to open it for you, I'm sure members your side of the pond can recommend someone close to you.
Yes, if somebody could recommend a tech, I'm on Grand Island NY 14072
I have someone very close by in Cheektowaga NY who you can trust. Top notch technician. PM me your name and contact information and I will pass it along.
DH
00247,Quote:
Originally Posted by 00247
I was always under the impression that this casted horizontal bolt bar was a Schwab design. I surely haven't seen it all.
Would you mind posting a picture of the full frontal outside of the safe. I would love to see the body, door, hinges, casters, and dial. Thank you.
DH
I have read that Vulcan did not manufacture their own safes but contracted with other manufacturers and then sold the product under their name. I know less than you, can anyone confirm this? Can anyone date this cute little safe?
https://www.antique-locks.com/images...9/w8nhxi-1.jpg
https://www.antique-locks.com/images...9/xfagr7-1.jpg
https://www.antique-locks.com/images.../16c3sdt-1.jpg
My safe open thanks to the top-notch tech you recommended, thank you again.Quote:
Originally Posted by David Hovey
Post a picture of the inside of your safe. I'd like to see if it is the same as mine. Tell us how it was opened, manipulated?
I for some reason could not attach JPG, only pdf's.
Holes were drilled under the dial backplate, to turn the wheels. The last that the dial was threaded into unscrewed when the key must have fell out, but I never found the key.
Glad I could help.Quote:
Originally Posted by Philvet
I'm seeing that your issue might have stated back at the factory. It looks as if the dial spindle was cut to short. This could cause the spline key not to seat properly and eventually work its way out. See attached picture of Vulcan safe.
I wonder if the hole in the end of your spindle was used for a screw to help fasten the key?
DH
I found a small screw in the door lip, didn't think about the shaft end, Ill take it apart again and see if it fits.