stuck cannonball door

**safenut** · 13-08-13, 03:37 PM

i have a stuck door on a cannonball safe. i have bolted a cheeter bar on the door to turn it, i have moved it less then a 1/8" ccw on the door. on the cheeter bar im using 3300# of weight from a fork lift. i layed it on its back and made a dam out of putty and filled the dam with wd-40 for three days, i have used a slege hammer around the top and sides with the weight on it. im pooped out. what can i do next? it hasnt been opened for 20 years +. it hasnt been out side, and no surface rust. very clean. am i right beliving that once you take the front off and combo removed, and all thats showing is one large gear aprox. 7" that after 72 hours its unlocked? and should be able to turn the door ccw and it will open. thank you.

**Timothy** · 13-08-13, 04:31 PM

Maybe you shoud try using NUT OFF in spray can as this loosens rusted or corroded. That wd-40 is only for lubricant. This is my guess as i has try it on a safe awhile back and it loose up all the rust.

**Dean Nickel** · 14-08-13, 03:47 AM

Safenut, I have to ask if you are safe tech? I have had a bit of training but I am no expert. But this safe may have a fault with the lock(s) that might need a experienced hand. If a time lock fails, the main lock fails, the relocker has fired (if it has one), or the boltwork is disconnected you need someone that knows where to put the hole to keep the damage down to a minimum.

**safenut** · 14-08-13, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Dean Nickel

Safenut, I have to ask if you are safe tech? I have had a bit of training but I am no expert. But this safe may have a fault with the lock(s) that might need a experienced hand. If a time lock fails, the main lock fails, the relocker has fired (if it has one), or the boltwork is disconnected you need someone that knows where to put the hole to keep the damage down to a minimum.

im not a tech. (on cannonballs) but shouldnt the door move a bit? ether way? its tight. as far as lock and re-lockers. i dont know. something could have failed. i would be willing to drill it. other then the name on the lock, theirs no brand on it. so i wouldnt know where to drill. theirs safe techs, and then theirs cannonball techs. thanks

**Timothy** · 14-08-13, 03:36 PM

My guess if you post a picture maybe give us some idea of what you talking about and the problem you having.....

**Doug MacQueen** · 19-08-13, 02:44 PM

Have you ever removed the outer faceplate on your Mosler. The dial combination lock is mounted to the backside of that plate. On cannonball models where the dial is recessed in, then the comb lock would be deep in the door. On yours, it is the timelock automatic that does the major locking. 14 years ago, had you successfully fully shut and opened the door? Did it rotate freely enough or did you really have to work at getting it fully shut or open? Have you ever put some time on all three timelock movements and verified proper functioning of the automatic? Did you remove any parts from the inside prior to last shutting the door. And do you know for fact the time movements were all wound down? Did you rub any type of oil into bare metal surfaces of the door edge and/or jamb? Odds are your problem is in fact rust or gummed up oil, if you applied some. But there are several questions here that hopefully you can answer. Doug

**MCPO** · 19-08-13, 11:32 PM

Thanks for the reply, Dean. I only used a 4 pound dead blow hammer as I was afraid I might do damage. I used a lot of PB Balaster. Twice. I let it set 2 days each time. It still doesn't budge... not even a smidgen. I have a Mosler "expert" safe man coming down from Springfield, Missouri tomorrow morning. I guess I'll have to hand over my wallet and first born son. (grin) Just kidding. He comes highly recommended from a safe company in Oklahoma, and he seems like a very nice guy. His name is Allan and he works for Federal Protection in Springfield. If he gets it open, and if rust was the problem, you can take it to the bank I will open that safe at least once every month for the rest of my life!!!!!!!!! I'll let you know tomorrow evening how all works out.

**Doug MacQueen** · 14-08-13, 04:10 PM

Yes I think some pictures would help. Determining the direction the door turns is important so you are not wasting your time. Odds are good your problem is not the timelock, possible but not nearly as likely. The fact you have some movement is good. Is this movement free or with a ton of effort? Doug

**Scott Klemm** · 14-08-13, 07:20 PM

The Antique Lock Collector, Vol. 35, No. 3 (July-Sept. 2013) published by the West Coast Lock Collector's Association has an article entitled "Opening Stuck Cannonball Safes." The author, Lynn Collins, used what he calls the "shock method." Hope this helps. - Scott

**MCPO** · 16-08-13, 04:42 AM

You stated that you were trying to move the handle CCW. If it is a Mosler cannonball safe you must turn the handle CW to open. That said.... I have an old Mosler Cannonball right now with a stuck door. Has not been opened in 14 years and I suspect interior rust, because the combination sequence works just fine. If you get yours open please let me know how you did it. Thanks.

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