Dumb statements

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Dumb statements

Post by Tiger650 » 20 Jan 2021, 2:01 pm

Had a lock mechanism out of an older but very solid gun safe yesterday and thought a visit to a Locksmith may save some time and frustration.
Approached the counter and spoke to a very young bloke who I reckon was the Apprentice, he gave me a dumb look and retreated to the workshop with the lock and key to consult with someone.
Couple of minutes later returned with a bloke who I assume was qualified.
I explained that the lock consisted of eight rotating plates with which the key engaged, the last [lower] plate was misaligned and so the key would not fully insert.
The "Locksmith" looked at the lock with key partially inserted and said "But how does it work" !!!
Realising that I was not on a winner I thanked him for his time and began to leave the shop when he scoots around from behind the jump and tries to sell me a new safe, half the size of what I have and made from lighter gauge steel for only $800.00.
Back in the shed I made a leaf spring out of .005" shim brass and lock now works fine.
Do you reckon that makes me a Locksmith ?
Going on my experience in that shop I reckon it might.
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Re: Dumb statements

Post by JimTom » 20 Jan 2021, 2:43 pm

It’s hard to get good help these days mate.
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Re: Dumb statements

Post by Member-Deleted » 22 Jan 2021, 4:07 pm

Tiger650 wrote:Had a lock mechanism out of an older but very solid gun safe yesterday and thought a visit to a Locksmith may save some time and frustration.
Approached the counter and spoke to a very young bloke who I reckon was the Apprentice, he gave me a dumb look and retreated to the workshop with the lock and key to consult with someone.
Couple of minutes later returned with a bloke who I assume was qualified.
I explained that the lock consisted of eight rotating plates with which the key engaged, the last [lower] plate was misaligned and so the key would not fully insert.
The "Locksmith" looked at the lock with key partially inserted and said "But how does it work" !!!
Realising that I was not on a winner I thanked him for his time and began to leave the shop when he scoots around from behind the jump and tries to sell me a new safe, half the size of what I have and made from lighter gauge steel for only $800.00.
Back in the shed I made a leaf spring out of .005" shim brass and lock now works fine.
Do you reckon that makes me a Locksmith ?
Going on my experience in that shop I reckon it might.


Did you get a photo or photos of the lock? What was the brand of the lock?
It could just be the lingo used, but I don't think I've heard of that type of safe lock either (recently qualified locksmith), chances are, I would have tried to get some details of the lock and safe, spend 15 mins looking at the lock and carefully taking it apart, if I can't figure it out and none of the other more experienced guys could, I'd reach out to a specialist and have you either take it to them or leave it with me. That way I hopefully could have been of some assistance.

Locksmiths don't know it all, they have basic engineering knowledge, so given time they might have been able to figure it out, or maybe they may have just been lazy and tried to sell you a new safe. It's probably more cost effective to try and sell a new safe, but I certainly wouldn't have thrown it out there straight away.
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Re: Dumb statements

Post by Tiger650 » 23 Jan 2021, 3:03 pm

Cheers BWC
Before I left Melbourne I had asked re possibility of cutting spare keys at two well regarded Locksmiths, no blanks available so I reckon the locks are obsolete.
Function is pretty simple, the lock drops a lightly constructed "tongue" into a slot in a lateral rack which prevents operation of the handle which withdraws a gang of four cylindrical bolts [which engage in the door frame].
Looking at that and space available within the door I reckon at a pinch the lock could be replaced with a modified rim night latch [hope that is correct terminology].
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Re: Dumb statements

Post by Member-Deleted » 23 Jan 2021, 6:32 pm

Tiger650 wrote:Cheers BWC
Before I left Melbourne I had asked re possibility of cutting spare keys at two well regarded Locksmiths, no blanks available so I reckon the locks are obsolete.
Function is pretty simple, the lock drops a lightly constructed "tongue" into a slot in a lateral rack which prevents operation of the handle which withdraws a gang of four cylindrical bolts [which engage in the door frame].
Looking at that and space available within the door I reckon at a pinch the lock could be replaced with a modified rim night latch [hope that is correct terminology].


Haha, I'm sure if I saw it I'd understand what you mean. Unfortunately, it's hard to explain the theoretical workings of a simple lock without the correct terminology, more robust or complicated locks... no chance, unless someone is really familiar with the lock. As for replacing the lock with a night latch in a pinch, the police wouldn't accept it I don't believe, typically they like safe locks like a Ross-600 at a minimum.
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Re: Dumb statements

Post by Tiger650 » 24 Jan 2021, 12:53 pm

Cheers again BWC
I googled the Ross 600 and it operates on the same principle as what I have, also looks to be more heavily constructed.
Also available for small $$$ is a hardened steel mounting plate which looks like it could be TIG welded to interior of safe door to mount the lock.
I have now decided that I am not a Locksmith but surely glad I found one to help !
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Re: Dumb statements

Post by Member-Deleted » 25 Jan 2021, 11:40 am

Ah, so you found a locksmith near you or were you referring to me?
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Re: Dumb statements

Post by Tiger650 » 25 Jan 2021, 12:39 pm

None other than yourself !
Info re Ross locks much appreciated, I can save a good size well built safe for maybe $100.00.
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Re: Dumb statements

Post by Member-Deleted » 25 Jan 2021, 4:15 pm

Tiger650 wrote:None other than yourself !
Info re Ross locks much appreciated, I can save a good size well built safe for maybe $100.00.


Haha, I think the heat is scrambling my brain :lol: Some of those older quality safes can still sell for a pretty penny after a bit of refurbishment, if I were you I'd set the original lock aside if you're going to change it, or if you get some details of the safe i.e. brand, size, type (gun safe). Then some pictures of the lock, if there is a brand mentioned on the lock (Ross locks have the brand on the lock bolt) even better, then email them photos through to a safe specialist, or just a few locksmiths, asking if they have encountered such locks before and if they can get replacement locks, that might keep the safe is somewhat original condition. :drinks:
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Re: Dumb statements

Post by Skinna » 27 Jan 2021, 11:10 am

Bill wrote:I bet the Libtards will fold like a cheap suit when push comes to shove
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