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Excaliber wrote: ↑Sun Jan 13, 2019 11:30 am

puma guy wrote: ↑Sun Jan 13, 2019 10:28 am

Excaliber wrote: ↑Sun Jan 13, 2019 8:48 am Fort Knox offers safes with both electronic and mechanical combination locks on the same unit for bulletproof redundancy.

They cost a little more, but the cost difference would be more than eaten up if you have call in a safe expert to open your safe.

I would suggest having a local safe service guy service your lock while the safe is open. That is much cheaper than having to drill it open and you'll be sure the fix will be done right.

Do not oil a combination lock. The oil will eventually thicken and cause the kind of problem you've described.

Strangely Cannon recommends lubricating. I used to use powdered graphite on key locks, perhaps that's what Cannon was referring to. I am going to call a locksmith when my electronic lock arrives and I'll see what problem he discovers with my existing dial before I have him install the new lock.

Graphite is OK and I figure that lubes that leave a dry film behind would be OK too. I would suggest staying away from anything that leaves a wet surface once the carrier has evaporated (e.g. WD40)

I wouldn't put WD40 on a gun unless it had been submerged or out in a downpour; nor on anything with moving parts for lubrication. To put any lubricant on the lock mechanical lock in a safe would require removing the re-lock plate and lock cover to access the wheels and lever. I watched a S&G mecahnical lock replacement video and the tech didn't lubricate or suggest lubricant on any part of the lock mechanism. I'm going to ask the locksmith if lubrication is part of the maintenance they do on safe locks.

Excaliber wrote: ↑Sun Jan 13, 2019 8:48 am Fort Knox offers safes with both electronic and mechanical combination locks on the same unit for bulletproof redundancy.

They cost a little more, but the cost difference would be more than eaten up if you have call in a safe expert to open your safe.

I would suggest having a local safe service guy service your lock while the safe is open. That is much cheaper than having to drill it open and you'll be sure the fix will be done right.

Do not oil a combination lock. The oil will eventually thicken and cause the kind of problem you've described.

Strangely Cannon recommends lubricating. I used to use powdered graphite on key locks, perhaps that's what Cannon was referring to. I am going to call a locksmith when my electronic lock arrives and I'll see what problem he discovers with my existing dial before I have him install the new lock.

gljjt wrote: ↑Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:25 am

rotor wrote: ↑Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:03 pm

puma guy wrote: ↑Sun Jan 06, 2019 4:31 pm I have called Cannon safe several time and waited anywhere from a minimum of 45 minutes to as long as 1hr and 40 minutes without reaching anyone in customer service. There is some good news, though. We had Christmas this weekend for our two daughter's families that live out of town and my middle daughter suggested letting her husband attempt to open the safe. He tried several times with out success. He walked out of the room to load up to go home, so I thought I'd give it another try. After my second unsuccessful attempt I banged on the door with my fist. Tried the combination one more time and Wha! Lah! it caught on the stop and I got it open. Keep in mind I have beat on the door and dial with an rubber mallet and even a hammer with dense rubber mat to protect the door with no success! Should have used my fist I guess! LOL Now I have to decide if I'm going to close the safe and use the key lock on the dial that locks between the zero and the stop at #90 that allows the spoke wheel to open the bolts. The back of the safe door has fuzzy cloth covered sheetrock held in place with black plastic plugs of the kind used to hold auto door panels on. I'll have to get a tool at the auto supply to remove them in able access the lock to see if lubricating it will help. Even if I get it oiled I still don't think I'll trust the lock and I want to get in touch with Cannon, though to see if they can provide a new lock or perhaps an electronic set up. I'm hoping there's just a lot of post Christmas calls causing the long delays in reaching customer service.

Glad you got it open. Harbor Freight has the tool called "push pin" pliers. I would blow out any dirt if you can get to the lock mechanism with those cans of compressed air and maybe consider spraying with CRC contact cleaner or those small cans of lock lubricant they sell at Lowes. Don't do WD40. Try the lock multiple times while the safe is open. I have an electronic safe which has a key backup if needed. Never had any problems, just change the battery's every few years (always use Duracell).

Doesn't the key make the safe less secure? My key only locks the dial, it doesn't "unlock" the safe. I would think the key would be easy to pick with minimal skill.

The key to lock the dial is for convenience if you are entering the safe multiple times, while being able to close it. But locking the dial leaves the safe in a vulnerable state since the wheels and lever are in the unlocked position. That said the key for an electronic lock safe is to be able to open it if the electronic access fails. I guess if a thief was clever they could maybe pick it, which leaves it less secure than a dial lock I suppose.

rotor wrote: ↑Wed Jan 09, 2019 10:49 pm After all of this my wife says the safe made funny beep sounds. Changed the battery's and all is well.

longtooth wrote: ↑Wed Jan 09, 2019 11:06 am WOW, I also have a Cannon Safe. Thought yrs ago when I bought mine that the electronic would be the way to go. Only trouble I ever had w/ it was I did let the 9 volt battery die on me once. That will never happen again. Mine is pushing 15yrs old and so far no other trouble after the self inflicted issue. Hope I never have to deal w/ any of this. My carry and home defense do not stay locked up but mine secures more than firearms and probably many of you do the same. Some of it I sure don't want to wait til next week if I need it today.
Thanks for the post.

Most safes I see these day are equipped with electronic locks. I only have the one dial lock safe that I think was bought around 2003-2004, the other 3 are electronic. I received notice that Cannon shipped the electronic lock and all parts to convert it including a key. I'm going to try to do it myself, but may have to hire a locksmith if it proves too difficult.

Flyincowboy wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:50 pm I have the same safe. It used to have the mechanical dial. I always had a difficult time with opening it. I would always just lock the dial and use the key. Well the keys got lost and I called Cannon they said they no longer make the keys and to call a lock Smith. They also sent me a free Electronic lock system for me to have installed on the safe. When I had a lock smith come out to pick the key and install the new lock he had a very difficult tile working he combination. Upon getting the locking mechanism out he said that it was a very cheap made mechanism and it was not adjusted right for the numbers to align up properly. He tried to adjust it to make it work properly and was unable. Have not had any issues since installing the Electronic lock.

PM'd you.

I don't want to belabor this post much longer, but I thought I'd follow up after finally contacting Cannon's Customer Service. I called at 5:01AM PST and spoke with Armando. He told me the dial locks hardly ever fail and said I should call a locksmith to do maintenance on the lock. After relating to him that I had lubricated the lock and it still was hit or miss and that I was using the key function to open and that I didn't trust the dial he didn't offer any other solution until I asked if the dial lock could be replaced with and electronic lock. He told me they could so I asked how much fro the part and was told they provide the free of charge. He said all I had to do was send an email with photos of the front of the safe and that the email was on the website. I thanked him and after the call ended I went to the website and discovered there is no email listed there. I opened my email to check as I routinely do and saw an message from Cannon/Armando closing the ticket. I called back and asked where I could find an email address and was told to use the one on Amando's message. I sent a request in. I went back to my email and saw a couple more email's not related to my request, but one was to set up an account, which I did. Once I did that I saw a navigation link for "requests". It gave me the ability to explain the problems and a way to post the pictures directly on the request. We shall see what happens. I have to wonder why Armando didn't just connect me to the parts dept or at least tell me how I'd be able to contact. The account set up email was from Cannon for the account set up but it went to Alpha Guardian to navigate setting up my account. Sorry for the lengthy post but I though it might help someone shorten dealing with Cannon in the future. Now I'll wait to see what happens with my request.

rotor wrote: ↑Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:03 pm

puma guy wrote: ↑Sun Jan 06, 2019 4:31 pm I have called Cannon safe several time and waited anywhere from a minimum of 45 minutes to as long as 1hr and 40 minutes without reaching anyone in customer service. There is some good news, though. We had Christmas this weekend for our two daughter's families that live out of town and my middle daughter suggested letting her husband attempt to open the safe. He tried several times with out success. He walked out of the room to load up to go home, so I thought I'd give it another try. After my second unsuccessful attempt I banged on the door with my fist. Tried the combination one more time and Wha! Lah! it caught on the stop and I got it open. Keep in mind I have beat on the door and dial with an rubber mallet and even a hammer with dense rubber mat to protect the door with no success! Should have used my fist I guess! LOL Now I have to decide if I'm going to close the safe and use the key lock on the dial that locks between the zero and the stop at #90 that allows the spoke wheel to open the bolts. The back of the safe door has fuzzy cloth covered sheetrock held in place with black plastic plugs of the kind used to hold auto door panels on. I'll have to get a tool at the auto supply to remove them in able access the lock to see if lubricating it will help. Even if I get it oiled I still don't think I'll trust the lock and I want to get in touch with Cannon, though to see if they can provide a new lock or perhaps an electronic set up. I'm hoping there's just a lot of post Christmas calls causing the long delays in reaching customer service.

Glad you got it open. Harbor Freight has the tool called "push pin" pliers. I would blow out any dirt if you can get to the lock mechanism with those cans of compressed air and maybe consider spraying with CRC contact cleaner or those small cans of lock lubricant they sell at Lowes. Don't do WD40. Try the lock multiple times while the safe is open. I have an electronic safe which has a key backup if needed. Never had any problems, just change the battery's every few years (always use Duracell).

This was the first safe I bought. I think it was about 14 years ago, a Model AE-22. If I can ever get in touch with Cannon, I'll try to verify that date. I have three other safes all with electronic locks and backup keys. I agree on the W40. I'd never use that stuff on anything that has moving parts, especially locks. I actually have some lock lubricant. Blowing it out with air is a good idea, too and I have some CRC Electronics cleaner as well I might use once I get into the back. Thanks for the Harbor Freight recommend; I didn't think of them.

I have called Cannon safe several time and waited anywhere from a minimum of 45 minutes to as long as 1hr and 40 minutes without reaching anyone in customer service. There is some good news, though. We had Christmas this weekend for our two daughter's families that live out of town and my middle daughter suggested letting her husband attempt to open the safe. He tried several times with out success. He walked out of the room to load up to go home, so I thought I'd give it another try. After my second unsuccessful attempt I banged on the door with my fist. Tried the combination one more time and Wha! Lah! it caught on the stop and I got it open. Keep in mind I have beat on the door and dial with an rubber mallet and even a hammer with dense rubber mat to protect the door with no success! Should have used my fist I guess! LOL Now I have to decide if I'm going to close the safe and use the key lock on the dial that locks between the zero and the stop at #90 that allows the spoke wheel to open the bolts. The back of the safe door has fuzzy cloth covered sheetrock held in place with black plastic plugs of the kind used to hold auto door panels on. I'll have to get a tool at the auto supply to remove them in able access the lock to see if lubricating it will help. Even if I get it oiled I still don't think I'll trust the lock and I want to get in touch with Cannon, though to see if they can provide a new lock or perhaps an electronic set up. I'm hoping there's just a lot of post Christmas calls causing the long delays in reaching customer service.

Flyincowboy wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:50 pm I have the same safe. It used to have the mechanical dial. I always had a difficult time with opening it. I would always just lock the dial and use the key. Well the keys got lost and I called Cannon they said they no longer make the keys and to call a lock Smith. They also sent me a free Electronic lock system for me to have installed on the safe. When I had a lock smith come out to pick the key and install the new lock he had a very difficult tile working he combination. Upon getting the locking mechanism out he said that it was a very cheap made mechanism and it was not adjusted right for the numbers to align up properly. He tried to adjust it to make it work properly and was unable. Have not had any issues since installing the Electronic lock.

I used the key a lot as you do because it has acted weirdly before, but I always though it was because I was not careful to perfectly dail the combination. The last time I closed it I was going out of town, so I took the key out closed it and spun the dial. I can't call them tomorrow because I'll be out of town again, so it'll have to wait until Thursday.

WildBill wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 4:33 pm

puma guy wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 4:12 pm

WildBill wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:51 pm

puma guy wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:48 pm

rotor wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 2:44 pm I have an electronic lock but this may help from another internet poster

"Quick follow up...so last night I took a 4 foot 4x4 and ratcheted it down in 3 places on the edge of the door." Apparently relieved pressure that was locking the door. https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/sho ... p?t=641113

The dial is supposed to load up at zero and then you continue turning turn to 90 to release the lock to be able to open the door. The dial will not release the lever to allow wheeling the bolts.

My safes have marks on the dial and you have to go a couple clicks further to unlatch and release the bolts.

Thanks, Bill. I have gone to Cannons website but there's no help there. I have their phone number and my serial number for the safe and the . I don't know the model because I put all the paperwork in the safe..... you know for safe keeping. LOL! The dial will not load up and stop at the point that let's you open the lugs with the spoked wheel.

Yeah you probably have a copy of your combination locked in the safe too. ;)
If you have the serial number Cannon should have a record of the model number.
Did you give the spoked wheel and dial a good whack with the 4X4 in case there is something stuck or catching? ;)
I can't tell from your post if you have an electric lock. Mine do not.

I used a whacking method I found on the internet for dial combinations. Didn't work.

WildBill wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:51 pm

puma guy wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:48 pm

rotor wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 2:44 pm I have an electronic lock but this may help from another internet poster

"Quick follow up...so last night I took a 4 foot 4x4 and ratcheted it down in 3 places on the edge of the door." Apparently relieved pressure that was locking the door. https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/sho ... p?t=641113

The dial is supposed to load up at zero and then you continue turning turn to 90 to release the lock to be able to open the door. The dial will not release the lever to allow wheeling the bolts.

My safes have marks on the dial and you have to go a couple clicks further to unlatch and release the bolts.

Thanks, Bill. I have gone to Cannons website but there's no help there. I have their phone number and my serial number for the safe and the . I don't know the model because I put all the paperwork in the safe..... you know for safe keeping. LOL! The dial will not load up and stop at the point that let's you open the lugs with the spoked wheel.

rotor wrote: ↑Tue Jan 01, 2019 2:44 pm I have an electronic lock but this may help from another internet poster

"Quick follow up...so last night I took a 4 foot 4x4 and ratcheted it down in 3 places on the edge of the door." Apparently relieved pressure that was locking the door. https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/sho ... p?t=641113

The dial is supposed to load up at zero and then you continue turning turn to 90 where it stops to release the lock to be able to open the door. The dial doesn't laod up then catch at 90 to release the lever that allow wheeling the handle to open the bolts.

I have a Cannon American Eagle gun safe with a dial combination that suddenly will not open. Anyone ever have this problem? It's about 12-14 years old and I recall reading in the manual that you might have to try one number off the original combination due to wear, but even when I try that with plus or minus one digit it will not catch on the opening point on the dial. If I can't get it open what are the alternatives? I assume drilling out would ruin the safe.