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1/2/2026 8:08:37 PM EDT
I have a smaller Champion Model T safe with the S&G dial lock and on the final clockwise rotation where it's supposed to stop at 87 and give resistance to 97... well, it's not doing that.  I figure something broke or is seized and not dropping once all the dial plate things are aligned.

I did attempt to trouble shoot by entering the combo and positioning it at 8 and tapping on the door with a rubber mallet but no go.  I'm currently trying to vary the numbers to see if my combo drifted.  I reached out to Champion already, waiting on a reply.

If I can't get this sucker opened, what are my options?  Can a locksmith get these things open?  I'm changing the lock if/when that occurs.  Thanks!
1/2/2026 8:18:55 PM EDT
[#1]
I'd call or email the manufacturer first, then a locksmith.
1/2/2026 9:11:46 PM EDT
[#2]
I don’t know anything, except mine is an S&G dial too, and I think I will pull that liner and do some cleaning/lube in the 25 yo lock.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
1/2/2026 9:20:17 PM EDT
[#3]
Some people tend to "slam" the dial when dialing the combination. The discs can drift over time.

You might try dialing the numbers off a number or so to which may work to get it aligned.

Dials should be turned slowly and smoothly stopped.

Good Lick!
So... I find comfort in the fact that if Trump has to work so hard to go to Heaven, then there is a shit load of Democrats that have no f-cking chance to go anywhere but HELL. Sometimes it is entirely appropriate to kill a fly with a sledge-hammer.
1/2/2026 9:29:13 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks all, I shall persevere.  :D

I'll update when I can.  (safe thread)
1/5/2026 1:20:44 AM EDT
[Last Edit: turbobrick][Edited] [#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By wav3form:
Thanks all, I shall persevere.  :D

I'll update when I can.  (safe thread)
View Quote
Dial your combination normally, except stop on the last of the 3 actual combo numbers.  Hold the dial still at that point with one hand, and with your other hand, give the safe some good smacks with a mallet or soft faced hammer just above the dial area, then turn the dial the rest of the way.   It can take a few tries.  If this works, your safe need to be serviced.  

If that doesn't work, then you need to try dialing and varying the numbers up and down a couple numbers to see if the combo has slightly slipped.  @wav3form

1/8/2026 5:17:03 PM EDT
[Last Edit: JKinAZ][Edited] [#6]
I went through something similar several years ago with an S&G. The numbers had drifted a bit and it took some trial and error to get it open, but once I got it open and exposed the disks it was pretty easy to figure out. I think mine ended up being -1 on the 2nd and 3rd numbers. It opens reliably with the adjusted combination for at least 4 years now.
1/26/2026 9:13:40 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By wav3form:
Thanks all, I shall persevere.  :D

I'll update when I can.  (safe thread)
View Quote

@wav3form
Any updates?
No one is untouchable.
1/26/2026 9:31:10 PM EDT
[#8]
I had a hell of a time opening the safe of my best friend who had passed.
His had S&G lock on it.
It is very finicky.
1/26/2026 10:18:32 PM EDT
[Last Edit: sheltot][Edited] [#9]
I have a 30+ year old safe with a S&G dial lock and , knock on wood, has been perfect. About 15(?) years ago, I bought another. At about seven years in, I went to open it and it wouldn't unlock. I honestly thought I had a tumor or a stroke. I was/am easy on them as the salesman when I bought the first mentioned they could drift if you beat on them. I finally called a locksmith from the place I bought it and he came out, wrote down my combo, then wrote out a buttload of permutations based on it drifting one way or another and had no luck. He finally had to drill it and that door plate was hard as hell as it took his big mag drill over an hour, probably closer to two, to drill it in a place he could work his skill. Once open, he found the back part (drive cam?) on the floor of the safe. He said it was never going to open like that.

Good luck!
dfwlabrescue.org
1/26/2026 10:31:11 PM EDT
[#10]
Go past each number by a half-number before reversing direction to the next number.
1/27/2026 10:35:44 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By AR15Texan:
Go past each number by a half-number before reversing direction to the next number.
View Quote


Yeah I have one that's been like that since the day I bought it
2/28/2026 10:23:55 PM EDT
[#12]
I got it open!  It was 100% FUBAR, the relockers all fired, I have no idea what TF happened.  Had it drilled it out and replaced it with a digital lock.
2/28/2026 10:35:40 PM EDT
[#13]
Great news!  Bad news, I have the same lock.  I should call my safe company and see about getting the lock serviced.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
2/28/2026 10:42:41 PM EDT
[#14]
I shouldn’t have read this thread. I have “I hope this doesn’t happen to my safe” anxiety now.
3/1/2026 4:03:45 PM EDT
[#15]
After 20 years of use my S&G lock began to feel like something was "rubbing" when turned. Luckily I replaced it before something failed. The cast zinc tube the wheels ride on was worn and lube on the wheels and rings was a bit sticky.

The lock has a finite lifespan so it's worth it to have a locksmith inspect/service perioically

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