Combination locks have been in use for over 100 years and in countries such as America, they are the most common safe lock in use. The British and European markets have always favoured the traditional keylocks, but with the advent of electronic locks, this trend has begun to change in recent years. (You can find out more regarding electronic locks by clicking on the relevant sub menu).
An introduction to using combination locks.
Disclaimer
These instructions have been put together from experience by our engineers and are general guidelines only. Please note therefore, Bradley's cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for mistakes or errors in the following articles. It is ALWAYS recommended that ANY changes made to codes, either electronic or mechanical, are done with the door of the safe or container OPEN and preferably in the earlier part of the day to ensure that help can be easily sought if necessary.
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Please read the instructions carefully before operating the lock or proceding with changing the combination.
There are two marks on the dial ring (see drawing). The mark at the top (the opening index) is used for opening the lock. The index 30° to the left is used only when changing the combination. The dial should always be turned slowly and evenly. A Revolution is counted each time the selected number is aligned with the opening index.
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Do not turn the dial back to compensate for overdialing a number. If, when dialling the combination, any number is turned beyond the opening index, the entire sequence must be repeated from the start.
3 Wheel combination locks
Opening the 3 wheel combination lock
These 3 wheel locks are made by a number of manufacturers and common factory settings are
50-25-50
10-20-30
50
To unlock on a 3 number combination (For Example 50-25-50)
1. Turn dial to the LEFT stopping when 50 is aligned with the opening index, the FOURTH time.
2. Turn the dial to the RIGHT stopping when 25 is aligned with the opening index, the THIRD time.
3. Turn the dial to the LEFT stopping when 50 is aligned with the opening index, the SECOND time.
4. Turn the dial slowly to the RIGHT until the bolt retracts.
TO LOCK
Turn dial to the LEFT at least four full revolutions.
New combinations
Setting a 3 wheel combination lock
WARNING: NEVER INSERT THE CHANGE KEY IN THE LOCK WHEN THE COVER IS REMOVED. BEFORE TURNING THE CHANGE KEY, MAKE SURE THE WING OF THE KEY IS FULLY INSERTED INTO THE LOCK.
Changing The Combination
Select three new numbers. For technical reasons, we strongly recommend you DO NOT use any number between 95 and 20 for the last number. For maximum security, try not to use numbers that end in 0 or 5, and do not use numbers in sequence such as 35-36-37. Also 27-48-56 is not as good as 56-27-48
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1. Dial the existing combination on the opening index (see steps 1-2-3 above or directions for opening when on factory setting). Open door of container and throw the bolts using the handle.
2. Dial the existing combination again, this time to the changing index. Only use steps 1-2-3 in other words, do not turn the lock as if you were going to open the safe.
3. With the last number set at the changing index, hold the dial securely and insert the change key in the keyhole in the back of the lock. Make sure the wing is entirely inside the lock and comes to a positive stop (see picture above) before turning the key.
4. Turn the key one-quarter turn to the LEFT (see picture above). With the change key in this position, set the new combination as follows: turn the dial to the LEFT, stopping when the first number of the new combination aligns with the changing index the FOURTH time.
5. Turn dial to the RIGHT stopping when the second number is aligned with the changing index, the THIRD time.
6. Turn the dial to the LEFT, stopping when the third number is aligned with the changing index, the SECOND time. Holding the dial in this position, turn the change key back to the RIGHT and remove it. (See Figure 2). The new combination you have chosen is now set in the lock. |
CAUTION: BEFORE CLOSING THE UNIT try the new combination several times using your new combination.
4 Wheel combination locks
Using high security 4 wheel combination locks
These 4 wheel locks are made by a number of manufacturers for use on higher security safes and cabinets. Common factory settings are
50-25-50-25
10-20-30-40
20-40-60-80
All numbers set to 50
READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING THE LOCK AND WHEN CHANGING THE COMBINATION
There are two marks on the dial ring (see 3 wheel lock drawing). The index at the top is used for opening the lock. The index 30° to the left is used only when changing the combination.The dial should always be turned slowly and evenly. A Revolution is counted each time the selected number is aligned with the opening index.
DO NOT TURN THE DIAL BACK TO COMPENSATE FOR OVERDIALING A NUMBER.
If, when dialling the combination, any number is turned beyond the index, the entire sequence must be repeated.
TO UNLOCK ON A 4 NUMBER COMBINATION (For Example 50-25-50-25)
1. Turn dial to the RIGHT stopping when 50 is aligned with the opening index, the FIFTH time.
2. Turn the dial to the LEFT stopping when 25 is aligned with the opening index, the FORTH time.
3. Turn the dial to the RIGHT stopping when 50 is aligned with the opening index, the THIRD time. 4. Turn the dial to the LEFT stopping when 25 is aligned with the opening index, the SECOND time.
5. Turn the dial slowly to the RIGHT until the bolt retracts.
To lock the combination lock.
Turn dial to the LEFT at least five full revolutions.
Setting a new number on a 4 wheel combination lock
WARNING: NEVER INSERT THE CHANGE KEY IN THE LOCK WHEN THE COVER OF THE LOCK IS REMOVED. BEFORE TURNING THE CHANGE KEY, MAKE SURE THE WING OF THE KEY IS FULLY INSERTED INTO THE LOCK.CHANGING TO A NEW COMBINATION
Select four new numbers, for technical reasons, DO NOT use any number between 95 and 20 for the last number. For maximum security, you should not use numbers that end in 0 or 5, and do not use numbers in sequence. E.g., 36-46-56-66 is not as good as 56-66-46-36.
Dial the existing combination on the OPENING INDEX (see steps 1-2-3-4-5 above or directions for opening when on factory setting). Open door of container.
2. Dial the existing combination again, this time using the changing index following steps 1-2-3-4. Do not complete step five.
3. With the last number set at the changing index, hold the dial securely and insert the change key in the keyhole in the back of the lock. Make sure the wing is entirely inside the lock and comes to a positive stop (see Figure 1) before turning the key.
4. Turn the key one-quarter turn to the LEFT (see Figure 1). With the change key in this position, set the new combination as follows: turn the dial to the RIGHT, stopping when the first number of the new combination aligns with the changing index, the FIFTH time. Dial LEFT, stopping when the first number of the new combination aligns with the changing index the FOURTH time.
5. Turn dial to the RIGHT stopping when the second number is aligned with the changing index, the THIRD time.
6. Turn the dial to the LEFT, stopping when the third number is aligned with the changing index, the SECOND time. Holding the dial in this position, turn the change key back to the RIGHT and remove it. (See Figure 2). The new combination you have chosen is now set in the lock.CAUTION: BEFORE CLOSING THE DOOR try the new combination several times using the new code with the door open.
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Manifoil combination locks
Unless ordered otherwise locks are supplied to operate in position “A” as per standard instructions for use - do not use numbers between 95-10 for your third number.
If the lock is required for use in position “B”, zero “0”, becomes number 25 - do not use numbers between 20-35 for your third number.
If the lock is required for use in position “C” zero “0” becomes number 75 - do not use numbers between 70-85 for your third number.
• To open
(1) turn clockwise > stopping when the first number comes the fifth time to the arrow mark.
(2) turn anti clockwise < stopping when the second number comes for the fourth time to the arrow mark.
(3) turn clockwise > stopping when the third number comes the third time to the arrow mark.
(4) turn anti clockwise < stopping when 0 (zero) comes to the arrow mark the second time.
(5) turn clockwise > slowly until the lock operates and the dial refuses to turn any further.
• To lock turn the dial anti clockwise at least five times.
• To set up a new combination of three numbers
• With the door open throw the bolts and turn the combination lock dial at least five full turns counter clockwise thus locking the combination lock.
• Choose your three numbers. N.B. Do not choose consecutive numbers such as 33, 34, or 35. Do not choose all tens or fives as 10, 20, 30, or 50, 55, 60.
Special note
If these instructions have been followed with care no difficulties will be experienced in operating the lock. If however an error has been made and the lock refuses to operate the following procedure should be adopted.
Redial the combination on the straight mark and re-insert the change key into the back of the lock.
• If the key enters freely and to its fullest extent this indicates incorrect setting when trying to unlock on the new combination withdraw key without turning and carry out the unlocking sequence again with the new combination taking care as each number comes up to the mark on its final turn.
• If the key only enters fully after overcoming a little resistance this indicates a slight inaccuracy in setting up the new combination. To remedy this turn change key and repeat the entire setting procedure as detailed above.
• If the key will not enter fully this indicates a major error in setting up the new combination and the assistance of a qualified person should be sought.
• Do not insert change key in to the square keyway in the wheels when the lock cover is removed. The keyhole in the cover is exactly positioned to hold the key firm at the correct angle in relation to the wheels and if you insert the key without having the cover in place you are likely to upset the relative position of the mechanism in the wheels. The lock cannot then be made to operate.
• Ensure that there is a difference of at least 5 between each number by distributing the numbers well over the dial. Take care not to have any number suggesting its possible successor.
• Important – do not use numbers between 95 and 10 for the third number of your combination.
• Carry out the sequence of unlocking with the existing combination but using the straight mark, as your stopping point and stopping when the third number comes to this mark the third time. Do not move the dial from this position.
• Remove access plate (if fitted) on inside of safe door thus exposing back of lock.
• Do not remove lock cover.
• Insert change key in keyhole in back of lock until the wing of the key has passed right in to the hole, turn the key ¼ turn anti clockwise - leave key in this position.
• Important do not attempt to turn the key until the wing has passed completely into the keyhole and the collar on the key is right up against the back of the lock. |
