The purpose of this section is to assist you in identifying what type of safe and/or lock you have, or at least tell you what to look for — before you call. This will allow us to help you with both residential and commercial safe lock issues. It will also help you to determine the procedure for changing electronic safe lock codes or determine the correct dialing procedure for your mechanical combination lock.

• Diebold Safe Serial Number Lookup
• Diebold Safe Serial Numbers Lookup
• Diebold Safe Model Numbers

If you are in West Michigan or Central Michigan call Hoogerhyde Safe. But first — please do your best to identify the type of lock you have or the type of problem you are experiencing by reading the information below! If you call us without first attempting to identify the lock or problem, we will direct you to this page anyway. There are too many questions to ask for a brief phone call. If you are still having trouble after that, call us while you are standing next to your safe and we will help you.

Mechanical Combination Safe Locks

DieboldDirect.com is the official ATM supplies and branch supplies website for Diebold, Incorporated. Our supplies are commonly used at credit unions, banks and other financial institutions. Products include ATM receipt paper, ATM cassettes, ATM ribbons, ATM cleaning supplies, deposit envelopes, drive-thru VAT carriers, coin bags, FDIC/NCUA signage, cash trays. This safe was once used at a Postal facility and is now being sold AS IS. It is a 1970 Diebold Safe, model P.O. 292, serial number 33730 and weighs 1,375 lbs. The locking mechanism has been removed. The winning bidder of this unit will be completely responsible for loading and transportation of it. DieboldDirect is proud to bring you our expert vault repair and service program. With 150 years in the business and GSA certified technicians across the country and some with the ability to go international, our certified master locksmiths can open locked vaults, adjust doors, repair hinges, and more. They can also service Mosler, Hamilton, Compusafe, GSA certified safes, and Bank Lock safes. Look for a safe manufacturer’s name and/or model number on the safe door; Is the safe relatively new or does it seem to be 40 or more years old? If it is 40 years old or less, a safe serial number might help — look for one; How many numbers are shown on the dial? Can you tell whether the lock system is direct entry?

What Kind of Combination Lock Do I Have?

The following points will help to identify which type of mechanical combination lock you have:

• Look for identifying marks on the lock dial
• Look for a safe manufacturer’s name and/or model number on the safe door
• Is the safe relatively new or does it seem to be 40 or more years old? More than 100?
• If it is 40 years old or less, a safe serial number might help — look for one
• How many numbers are shown on the dial?
• Can you tell whether the lock system is direct entry? (See below)
• Do you know the proper dialing procedure?
• Are there dialing indicator marks at 12:00 and 11:00 positions, or only at 12:00?
• Is the dial plastic or metal?
• Where did you get the safe?
• Remove the back panel of the safe door. If you can see the lock, you can usually find information either embossed on the lock cover or on a paper label. Warning: Do not remove the lock or the lock cover!

Group 2 Locks: Over the last 40 or so years, the most common type of combination lock on good quality safes is a Group 2, or a lock that mimics a Group 2. This is a security certification, a rating for burglary deterrence which is awarded by Underwriters Laboratory based on extensive testing. The largest manufacturers of Group 2 locks are Sargent & Greenleaf (S&G), LaGard (LG), Diebold, and Mosler. These manufacturers sometimes put their names on the dials of their locks; other manufacturers rarely do.

Group 2M, Group 1, and Group 1M Locks: U.L. awards these certifications for locks that achieve even higher security levels, again based on extensive testing. Group 2M, Group 1 and Group 1M locks are uncommon but sometimes used by banks, credit unions, jewelers, etc. It is unlikely that you have one of these.

Direct Entry Lock Systems: Many cheap safes and old safes use what is called a direct entry lock system. These are all less secure than Group 2 locks. There are several ways to identify one of these:

• Put some pressure on the safe’s opening handle and then turn the lock dial. If, through the handle, you can feel the lock turning, then it is a direct entry lock.
• Some direct entry units use a key or thumb-turn along with the dial; the key or thumb-turn, rather than an opening handle, throws the safe bolts. You can usually feel the dial turning when you put turning pressure on the key or thumb-turn.
• If the safe has only a dial and not a separate handle, then it is also a direct entry lock.

Old Safe Model Locks: Old safes (before Group 2 locks became the standard for good security) had numerous types of combination locks. Likewise there were many different dialing procedures. Most modern lock dials have 100 numbers; older locks may have only 60, 50 30 or 25.

The above information should help you determine what type of combination lock you have, or at least narrow down your search. If you are still unsure, call us while you are standing next to your safe.

For typical dialing sequences, go to Mechanical Combination Lock Dialing Procedures.

Precisely Identify the Problem with the Combination Lock

Answering these questions will allow a locksmith or safe tech to give you the best assistance when you call. Here are the most common problems with combination safe locks:

• Lost combination?
• Lost operating instructions?
• Are you certain you are using the proper dialing procedure?
• Damage from break-in or vandalism?
• Did it just suddenly stop working, or was there a minor problem that gradually kept getting worse?
• Is the dial hard to turn, does it feel normal, or does it feel like it is “free-wheeling”?
• Is the dial stuck and not moving at all?
• Does it feel like the lock is working properly but the door still will not open?

Electronic Safe Locks

There are more types of electronic locks than dial types. Even though they have only been around for about 20 years, a number of them are obsolete with no exact replacements available. Some models do nothing more than unlock with just one user code. Some have multiple user codes, time delays, alarm capabilities, etc. Electronic locks are more delicate than dial locks: Keypads can wear out, liquids can short out the electronics, battery wires get pinched or broken, they are easily damaged when bumped, etc.

What Kind of Electronic Lock Do I Have?

The following points will help to identify which type of electronic safe lock you have:

• Look at the face of the keypad for some kind of brand identification. Sargent & Greenleaf (S&G), LaGard (LG or Basic), Secure Ram, Kaba, Mas Hamilton, and American Security (Amsec) locks are usually identified on the keypads. Some keypads show model numbers but most do not. Many have no identification at all, which makes the safe model critical.
• What is the code entry procedure? Lock manufacturers typically have their own unique unlocking pattern. For example: If you start by pushing C, then 6 digits, and finish with #, it is probably an Amsec ESL 5, 10 or 20; six digits followed by # could be a number of locks but the most likely is S&G; hitting nothing except six digits is probably Lagard; if you start by turning an outside ring back & forth before entering the code it is a Kaba; if you turn an outer ring after putting in the code, that narrows it down.
• What brand and model safe is it? Typically modern safe manufacturers will only use specific brands of locks on their safes, so knowing the safe model will help narrow your search.
• If the safe brand and model are not known, where did the safe come from?
• What shapes are the keypad and buttons? Is the keypad round, square or rectangular? Are there three rows of four buttons or four rows of three buttons, or something else? Are the buttons round or square? Are they smooth membrane-type buttons, or do they stick out?
• Does the keypad have any other differentiating factors? Is there a key hole near or under the keypad? Is there an LED screen on the keypad? Are there two silver battery contacts on the left side of the keypad? How many LED Dots are on the keypad, if any? Are the buttons on top of the keypad rather than on the face? Is there a fingerprint reader?
• Can you tell where the batteries go?
• Does it use 9-volt batteries or AA?

The information above should help determine what brand of electronic safe lock you have, or at least narrow down the possibilities. If you are still unsure, give us a call us.

What Is Wrong With My Electronic Safe Lock?

The number one most common reason for problems with electronic locks is battery issues. Try new batteries before calling! The only two types of batteries to use in safe locks are Duracell and Energizer alkaline. Store brand batteries, lithium, rechargeable and other types or brands do not work consistently, and can possibly damage the lock.

The number two biggest problem is that the lock does not work at all after changing batteries. This is caused by either putting the batteries in backwards, or by breaking the battery connections. Be careful when changing batteries!

After you’ve ruled out battery related problems, answering the following questions will allow a locksmith to assist you efficiently when you call. Here are the most common problems with electronic safe locks:

• Did the lock stop working all at once or gradually?
• Are there just one or two buttons that don’t work, or are they all dead?
• Was it damaged by break-in or vandalism?
• When entering the code do you get “normal signals” in the form of beeps or lights?
• Do you get lights, beeps and maybe a “click” but it won’t open?
• Can you hear a motor run?
• Is the lock completely dead?
• Do you get multiple beeps after entering the code?
• Do multiple beeps interrupt you in the middle entering the code?
• After entering the code does a light flash every few seconds?

Call Us if You Still Need Help.

When you have answered these questions you are ready to get help. If you are in West or Central Michigan, call Hoogerhyde Safe. We are in the business of helping people with safe and lock issues. We appreciate your business and look forward to hearing from you!

Diebold Safe Serial Number Lookup

Copyright ©DIEBOLD, INCORPORATED

TP-821474-001A PD 6809

February 2011

1.1 Description

Read these instructions thoroughly before you operate the lock or change the combination.

• The door is equipped with two combination locks. For proper security, the combinations should be changed to new numbers immediately.

• As standard, each door ships to operate with single control. With single control, only one combination lock must be unlocked to open the door. As an option, the lock linkage may be configured to operate for dual control. If your door is configured for dual control, Diebold recommends that one person change the combination of one lock and another person change the combination of the other lock. This security measure prevents any one person from knowing the combination number of both locks.

Two indexes are located at the top of each dial ring. The index at the top center is the opening index. Use this index to dial and open the lock. The other index is the change index, and this is located slightly to the left of center at the top of the dial ring. Use this index to change the combination numbers to a different set of numbers. See Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1 Mechanical Combination Lock

Operational Guidelines

Observe the following guidelines as you operate the locks:

• Use extreme care to align the combination numbers with the proper index. Turn the dial slowly and steadily. If, after turning the correct number of revolutions, any number is turned beyond the chosen index, the entire series of combination numbers must be dialed again.

• Do not turn the dial back to regain proper alignment. Each time a selected number is aligned with the proper index, a revolution is counted.

1.2 To Unlock on Factory Setting

The locks are set on 50 after final inspection at the factory. Perform the following steps to unlock the lock when it is set on 50 (or any single number).

1. Turn the dial counterclockwise five full revolutions and stop when 50 is aligned with the opening index.

2. Turn the dial slowly clockwise until the dial stops.

3. If your vault door is set to operate with dual control, repeat these instructions on the second lock. (If your vault door is set to operate on single control, it is not necessary to unlock the second lock.)

1.3 Guidelines for Changing the Combination

Observe the following guidelines when selecting a new combination:

• Do not use numbers between 0 and 20, or between 80 and 100 for the last number of the combination. See Figure 1-2.

• For maximum security, do not use numbers ending in 0 or 5 and do not use numbers in a rising or falling sequence (for example, 35-50-75-90). A sample combination that conforms to these guidelines is 37-19-53-46.

• Each adjacent number must be at least 10 numbers apart. For example, a combination of 35-40-75-70 would not be recommended. However, a combination of 37-19-53-41 is within recommended guidelines.

Figure 1-2 Dial Ring

1.4 Changing Combination From Factory Setting to Four New Numbers

Diebold Safe Serial Numbers Lookup

Change Keys

Your vault door is equipped with a mechanical combination lock. A change key (Figure 1-3) is required to change the combination. A change key is provided with the lock.

Procedure

Perform the following steps to change the combination from the single number factory setting of 50 to a new combination with four numbers.

Always be certain that the change key is entirely in the lock before you turn the change key. Never insert the change key in the lock when the lock cover is removed. Failure to follow these procedures could cause damage to the combination lock.

1. With the door open, turn the dial counterclockwise five complete revolutions and stop when 50 is aligned with the change index.

2. Leave the dial with 50 at the change index and insert the change key into the key hole in the back of the lock. Insert the key far enough so that it comes to a positive stop. See Figure 1-3, View A.

3. As you face the back of the lock, turn the change key clockwise (Figure 1-3, View B) until it stops. Leave the change key in this position and return to the front of the lock. Turn the dial counterclockwise at least five full revolutions to clear the lock. Never spin the dial to clear the lock.

4. Turn the dial clockwise, stopping when the first number of your newly selected combination aligns with the change index the fifth time. Stop with the number squarely aligned with the change index.

5. Turn the dial counterclockwise, stopping when the second number is aligned with the change index the fourth time.

6. Turn the dial clockwise, stopping when the third number is aligned with the change index the third time.

7. Turn the dial counterclockwise, stopping when the fourth number is aligned with the change index the second time. Leave the dial in this position and proceed to the next step.

8. Return to the back of the lock and turn the change key counterclockwise (Figure 1-3, View B) until it stops. Remove the change key from the rear of the lock. The new combination is now set for this lock.

9. Change the combination at the other lock by repeating Step 1 through Step 8. Use a different combination number for each lock. Be sure to observe the following caution statements.

   CAUTION

   • Before you close the door, try the new combination a minimum of three times. Align the numbers with the opening index and dial the new combination as explained in Section 1.5.

   • If an error is made in setting a new combination, LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN, and call your nearest Diebold Service Center or call 1-800-DIEBOLD.

Figure 1-3 Changing the Combination

View A Change Key (part number MS-N86539-000A)

View B Change Key Rotation

1.5 To Unlock a Four-number Combination

Perform the following steps to unlock a four-number combination.

1. Turn the dial to the counterclockwise at least five complete rotations to clear the lock. Never spin the dial to clear the lock.

2. Turn the dial clockwise, stopping when the first number of the combination is aligned with the opening index the fifth time.

3. Turn the dial counterclockwise, stopping when the second number of the combination is aligned with the opening index the fourth time.

4. Turn the dial clockwise, stopping when the third number of the combination is aligned with the opening index the third time.

5. Turn the dial counterclockwise, stopping when the fourth number of the combination is aligned with the opening index the second time.

6. Slowly turn the dial clockwise until it stops. The lock bolt is fully retracted when the dial no longer can be turned in a clockwise rotation.

7. If your door is configured for dual control, repeat Step 1 through Step 6 with the other lock.

1.6 Locking the Vault Door

With the door properly closed, turn each combination lock dial counterclockwise at least five full revolutions to lock the vault door.

1.7 Instructions for Changing a Four-number Combination

Diebold Safe Model Numbers

After you change the combination, and BEFORE YOU CLOSE THE DOOR, try the new combination a minimum of three times. Align the numbers with the opening index and dial the new combination as explained in Section 1.5.

With the door open, perform the following procedure to change the combination from four numbers to a new four number combination. If required, perform the procedure on both locks.

1. With the door open and the boltwork locked, turn the dial clockwise, stopping when the first number of the combination is aligned with the change index the fifth time.

2. Turn the dial counterclockwise, stopping when the second number of the combination is aligned with the change index the fourth time.

3. Turn the dial clockwise, stopping when the third number of the combination is aligned with the change index the third time.

4. Turn the dial counterclockwise, stopping when the fourth number of the combination is aligned with the change index the second time. Leave the dial with the last number of your combination at the change index.

5. Insert the change key in the key hole located at the rear of the lock. Insert the key until it is entirely inside the lock and comes to a positive stop. As you face the rear of the lock, turn the change key clockwise until it stops. With the change key in this position, return to the front of the lock.

6. Turn the dial counterclockwise at least five full revolutions to clear the lock. Never spin the dial to clear the lock.

7. Turn the dial clockwise, stopping when the first number of your new combination aligns with the change index the fifth time.

8. Turn the dial counterclockwise, stopping when the second number of the new combination is aligned with the change index the fourth time.

9. Turn the dial clockwise, stopping when the third number of your new combination aligns with the change index the third time.

10. Turn the dial counterclockwise, stopping when the fourth number of the new combination is aligned with the change index the second time.

11. Leave the dial in this position. Return to the rear of the lock and turn the change key in a counterclockwise rotation until it stops. Remove the change key.

With the door open, test the new combination using the opening index. Make sure that the dial stops between 90 and 0 on the opening index when the bolt is fully retracted.