Problem With The Lock on My Gun Safe

[Bailey Guns]

Had to make a 10 day trip back to Idaho to tie up some loose ends. Before leaving I put all my extra house keys, property keys, important documents, etc..., into my safe. Never had even a hint of a problem with the manual combination lock.

Got home last night and tried to open the safe this morning. Went thru the normal unlocking procedure but the lock didn't open. Tried again, same results. Double-checked the combo...correct. Spun it slowly several times to "clear" it. Nothing. It was acting as though I was entering the wrong combo. It finally opened on about the 5th or 6th try. I didn't really do anything special other than a little slower and stop precisely on the numbers...but I'd really done that a couple of times.

Any idea what might be wrong? I bought it used from a forum member many years ago and it's always been trouble free.

Do lock mechanisms need to be cleaned or do the need some special service? If so I've completely neglected to do that. I'm afraid to lock it now.

It's an American Security BF6030 made in 2007...I don't see a brand name on the lock.

[ray1970]

There are some adjustments to the mechanical linkage that could be made.

I had a similar situation with one of my safes and the part of the linkage that actually enters the slots in the lock was ever so slightly out of adjustment. A few minutes with a wrench and all was right again.

Might try pulling the panel off and see what?s going on.

[NukeRJ]

Combo dials should be maintained on regular intervals. Even if it is just opening the back plate and cleaning out any debris. My S&G has greasing instructions for maintenance. You should not take the tumbler stack apart unless you are a professional. The stack should not need any lubrication. Take the back panel off the door and then the back plate off the lock and dial the combo while watching the lever, you may be able to spot the problem easily.

[Bailey Guns]

How would I watch the tumblers in the lock while dialing the combination? Or do you mean just rotate the dial?

I'll take the inside panel/plate off tomorrow and see what I can see.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[battlemidget]

Call a safe shop. That dial can probably be swapped for a numpad.

[ray1970]

Call a safe shop. That dial can probably be swapped for a numpad.

Maybe he?s like me and doesn?t want any more stuff that takes batteries than he has to have.

Between garage door openers, remote controls, optics, clocks, cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs I feel I?m changing some sort of battery just about every day.

Which reminds me, I need to get a new battery for the riding mower.

[MrPrena]

The sell both mechanical and digital c ok no now for people who fear EMP.

[Bailey Guns]

Call a safe shop. That dial can probably be swapped for a numpad.

I plan to call one Monday but just for advice on the lock. I prefer the mechanical locks.

[battlemidget]

I plan to call one Monday but just for advice on the lock. I prefer the mechanical locks.

Might not hurt to drop a line to the manufacturer too, see if the comments are comparable.

[colorider]

My S&G has the exact same problem. Had opie look at it and ended up swapping it out with the securam keypad w dial backup.