Gunsafe problem

[gspn]

When I opened my gun safe tonight the turn felt "heavy". Since it didn't feel right I was hesitant to lock it back. With the door open I turned the handle to the "locked" position and again it felt heavy...stiff. A few more turns back and forth and it's about locked up completely. It is really difficult to turn the handle...I've no idea where to start on this problem. A quick google search on the make and model produced nothing. Any thoughts on what might make the handle difficult to turn?

 

[Warp]

What make/model is the lock?

Might be time to contact a locksmith.

 

[gspn]

I got it at Bass Pro. It's a "Readhead" safe by "Western". I tracked down the owners manual and it looks like the manufacturer is now Winchester. I shot them an e-mail and will see what there response is. It should be covered under warranty...I don't think I've had it a year yet.

 

[firesky101]

I have seen a few safes with bolts that hold the gearing together backing off. Once they come off everything gets out of sync. Is there any way of getting to the tumblers? you will be able to see if something is loose pretty obviously.

 

[gspn]

Unfortunately I leave town tomorrow afternoon so I won't be able to look at it for a few days. There is nothing in the owners manual that covers this issue or discusses how to access the inside of the door.

I assume I can take some of the screws out to access some stuff but I don't have time today. Will have to do it later this week.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Before you do anything else go to your local lock smith supply shop and get a can of Houdini.

http://www.omahawh.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=CPI 11101

We had a lock at work that had literally been stuck for years. I finally got a facilities tech to look at it, he sprayed Houdini into the lock and I watched this black funk come out of the lock mechanisim and the lock started working instantly .

I mentioned that I'd like to get some of that for myself and he handed me the can.

I took it home and sprayed it on a sticky lock mechanism in my wife's car same result.

It also works well in the little nooks and crannies that you can't get to on your guns

 

[GarySTL]

They'll probably tell you to send it in for warrenty repair!

 

[ARide4Ever]

Hi, I have had a similar issue with a redhead safe I kept out at a hunting shack. You should have a set of either torques or Philips head screws on the back of the door. Take these out carefully and watch your feet as the steel has no other support., You should then see a gear similar to whats in a car window motor, 1/2 moon, there is a single bolt holding the gear on, that bolt has a tendency of backing out a bit causing the gear to bind under pressure, take some red locktite and re tighten the bolt to about 35p and you should be good. Your model is probably a little different but the gearing should be close. All redhead safes are made by Granite and a few of the higher end are made by browning. Browning/Pro-steel models are a different beast. You might want to consider contacting the seller and inquiring on warrantee as this is normally due to manufacturers defect. there are several threads here concerning the redhead safes, there's some good info on them. good luck.

 

[4v50 Gary]

You did good in not closing the safe.

Call the locksmith. Something's wrong. At least you won't have to have it drilled open.

Paging our local expert: a1abdj.

 

[berettaprofessor]

I have had similar issues with a redhead safe

I'm not an expert, but I've lived long enough to know that there is no redhead safe, nor any safe redhead.

 

[a1abdj]

I don't see any harm in removing the back cover of the door and taking a look for obvious problems. Sometimes they'll jump right out at you, and sometimes they won't.

Just remember that safes are designed to keep you out. If you lock it now it may not open again. The same also holds true for any repair work. The slightest mistake may do you in.

If you pull the cover and don't see anything, and you want to post (or e-mail) a photo of what's inside the door, I'd be happy to do my best with some e-diagnostics.

 

[ARide4Ever]

I'm not an expert, but I've lived long enough to know that there is no redhead safe, nor any safe redhead.

(Redhead) re-branded safes sold at Bass Pro shops manufactured by several companies.

 

[guyfromohio]

B-professor..... I got it.

 

[Shimitup]

I married one... not safe but very sweet.

 

[gspn]

I came home today and pulled the inside cover off the door. It was held with six self-tapping screws. I was surprised how simple it was inside the guts of the door. There was very little there...so easy a caveman could figure it out..which it turns out...he did.

I re-greased the place where two plates come together and it loosened up and smoothed out again. I guess they don't use a lot of lube or a cheap grease at the factory. I used a high quality synthetic grease from Valvoline...I imagine it should work for a while.

Thanks to all for the advice. For what it's worth the manufacturer didn't get back to me today.