.MAJOR lift-out Round Door (Old Style)This one was discovered during the renovation of a store nearly 80 miles from me. Well over an hour
drive was worth it though. The safe was soon destined to be covered back over with the new floor.
So if I'm able to open it, I can keep it. Moreover, was the welcomed thought of seeing the caller -
a friend of mine (best friend), whom I've not seen in many years. Life just goes that way some-
times. This safe brought us back together & we're now making the effort to keep it that way.
You may recall I opened one of these during last years safecracking-season.
I've posted this one because there are some differences and, considering this
one came home with me I was able to take more pics for you guys than before.
Had a good deal of trouble with this one. Took two visits. I actually hooked up my amp as the CP's were so faint.
After making some progress though, the contacts became more pronounced and I was able to ditch the audio.
By the time the store was winding down for the day I was insanely close to an opening. The fence desperately
wanted to drop in. I've never been so close to an opening and had to walk away, lol. But the closing bell rang.
Returning for round 2 I was thoroughly convinced I would finish it up in
minutes. But I continued to struggle
!It was not until I
very reluctantly let go of a previously found gate that I began making progress again. This
gate was so clean and defined I would've bet my life on it. It was a low spot obviously, and it
did allow me
to locate gates on other wheels - but I hung onto it for far too long afterwards. Another lesson learned.
As to the contents? For once, this one
did have something inside! The thrill for me is the lock giving in.
So the other thrill - opening the door - I left for them. As I gathered up my tool bag, I heard them
both at once say, "
no way!". I turned around to see 'em pull out an old leather bank bag.
They very slowly unzipped it and found it to be... empty. Ahhhhhhh. Well, I suppose it's
better than finding nothing
at all. It gave us all a cheap thrill, if only for a moment. lol
Below are some random photos; Gutted, cleaned, greased, reassembled, etc.
And my prize(?)
now shines brightly in a cozy little corner of the lockroom.
Major's own lock w/ S&G wheelsCONTACT AREA: 26 - 35 (keep in mind this varies)
DIALING:
LRL Right to stop (@ approx. 16)
Group 2 ... 3 wheel ... mesh change .... spring-load leverDifferences between the
old and
new style doors were discussed earlier in
this thread
here, where I initially labeled the lock as a Sargent&Greenleaf
But technically the lock itself is Major's creation. The old style doors will
have S&G wheels, while the new style doors will use LaGard wheels.
Some thoughts:
Bare in mind I'm not speaking from an immense amount of experience here!
To date, I've dealt with only two of these. Both were Major's Old Style door.Many of these have been drilled (needlessly in my opinion). I'm not saying these
are a cake-walk to spin open.. but if everything's in working order, manipulation
is a very feasible option! Certainly what I would consider "manipulation-friendly"
So if you're looking at tackling one, don't be too intimidated! First order of business,
(as with most floor safes) is to vacuum out all the debris. Then get the dial turning as
smooth as possible- whatever that takes. Next locate the contact points. Remember(!)
they can be
anywhere. The bolts, drop-in, and relocker positions were all intentionally
randomized from factory. Naturally you'll want to go through the usual motions to make
sure everything's intact and interacting with each other. But after that... get to spinnin!
Fluctuations and gate sigs I've found to be quite drastic. I'm talkin' in the neighborhood of
a half to even a whole increment. Sorting them out can prove challenging sometimes, but
overall these locks are rather talkative. The RCP will give the most info... but this is one
time I might advise taking readings on both; as the LCP can provide you with some pretty
fantastic drops as well.
So go in with some confidence! If you've done your time, odds are... you'll open this one.