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Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 8:44 am
by larcklorn
I was left a large Cannon Safe from my father and it has been moved into my house, but the combination is lost and Cannon does not have an MRC available for it. I have contacted a few locksmiths in my area (Indianapolis, IN) and either they are not interested or state that they will have to drill into it. After doing some research I see that manipulation (either manual or through an electonic tool) is a possible option - is that an accurate assumption?

If so then two questions:

1) Is there anything you can tell me about this lock and how manipulating it would be different between a 3 wheel and 4 wheel pack?

2) Does anyone know of someone in my area that can do a non-invasive opening (happy to pay if I cannot do it myself situation)?

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 8:57 am
by MartinHewitt
I guess it will be a La Gard lock, probably a 3330, from what the dial looks. https://www.dormakaba.com/us-en/solutio ... 731-292670

A 4-wheel lock is mostly just more work than a 3-wheel lock, but 4-wheel locks are quite rare, because it is to much dial spinning for safe owners.

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 11:43 am
by L4R3L2
Cannon is NOTORIOUS for putting Group 2M locks on their safes. If this is the case with yours, you will have a harder time finding someone who is able to manipulate it, and you will likely end up having to have it drilled. It's difficult to describe in writing the difference in feel between the LaGard Group 2 and Group 2M locks, but a manipulator should know right away if it isn't a basic Group 2 lock.

The good news about drilling, if you have to go that way, is that no damage should show on the outside once the job is done and the dial replaced. Try to find someone competent and who will do a complete job with repair. Hopefully your safe is an older model with a Group 2 lock that can be manipulated. Good luck.

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 11:48 am
by L4R3L2
Was cannon unable to even find lock information for that safe by serial number? Or were they just unwilling to give you any information because you lack credentials?

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 12:20 pm
by MartinHewitt
Typical for any LG Group 2M and Group 1 is that turning the dial over around 0 is like you have to turn the dial uphill and then it is rolling downhill.

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 12:30 pm
by larcklorn
L4R3L2 wrote:Was cannon unable to even find lock information for that safe by serial number? Or were they just unwilling to give you any information because you lack credentials?


Yea - they told me that the safe was old and that they didnt have the information on file for it.

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2020 1:00 pm
by L4R3L2

Yea - they told me that the safe was old and that they didnt have the information on file for it.


That's really irresponsible of them.

MartinHewitt's description of the feel is good, but being an older Cannon is good news, and your lock may be a Group 2 which could be easily manipulated by most good safemen. See if you can feel what MH described.

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2020 3:43 am
by SafecrackinSammmy
Check savta.org for some safe techs in your area.

Looks like there is one in Fishers and one downtown. Its no guarantee, but they should be more versed in safes than a locksmith off the street.

A good safe tech even if he cant manipulate it open, can drill and repair the safe so that it can be used with no visible damage when done.

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2020 5:43 am
by larcklorn
SafecrackinSammmy wrote:Check savta.org for some safe techs in your area.

Looks like there is one in Fishers and one downtown. Its no guarantee, but they should be more versed in safes than a locksmith off the street.

A good safe tech even if he cant manipulate it open, can drill and repair the safe so that it can be used with no visible damage when done.


Thanks. I called the first one on the list and were very nice. Seems about 500 to drill and patch. Is that an appropriate amount?

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2020 7:07 am
by SafecrackinSammmy
larcklorn wrote:
SafecrackinSammmy wrote:Check savta.org for some safe techs in your area.

Looks like there is one in Fishers and one downtown. Its no guarantee, but they should be more versed in safes than a locksmith off the street.

A good safe tech even if he cant manipulate it open, can drill and repair the safe so that it can be used with no visible damage when done.


Thanks. I called the first one on the list and were very nice. Seems about 500 to drill and patch. Is that an appropriate amount?


Sounds a little high but not too bad. A good safe tech doing just a straight drill/repair job should be in and out in maybe two hours. Maybe check another local company just to get some scale.

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2020 7:21 am
by larcklorn
MartinHewitt wrote:Typical for any LG Group 2M and Group 1 is that turning the dial over around 0 is like you have to turn the dial uphill and then it is rolling downhill.


Probably my inexperience, but its hard to tell. When rolling past 0 I cath one of the contacts at 9, but overall it feels similar all the way around - not easier or harder.

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2020 8:19 am
by MartinHewitt
The hill is superobvious. It is so strong, that you need to be extra carefully if you want to dial a number in that area.

Re: Cannon Safe Assistance

PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2020 11:45 am
by larcklorn
MartinHewitt wrote:The hill is superobvious. It is so strong, that you need to be extra carefully if you want to dial a number in that area.


Your right - its mostly when coming from the right side at 2, 1, and 0 that its hits a place thats hard to keep a position at.