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Mosler Safe Company
A legacy of vault and safe security since 1874 β now part of the Diebold family
How to Open a Mosler Dial Lock
Mosler mechanical combination locks use the same industry-standard dialing procedure as S&G and LaGard dials.
Standard 3-Number Dialing Procedure
β οΈ Before You Start
- Turn the dial slowly and smoothly β Mosler dials can be more sensitive than modern locks
- If you go past a number, do NOT back up β start over from the beginning
- Don't force the handle β if it doesn't open, re-dial
- Vintage Mosler dials typically have numbers 0β99
Direction Reference
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LEFT (CCW)
Counter-clockwise
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RIGHT (CW)
Clockwise
3-Number Combination (4-3-2-1)
Example Combination: 30 - 60 - 90
- Clear the lock: Turn the dial LEFT (CCW) at least 4 full turns to clear the lock
- First number: Continue turning LEFT and stop on the 1st number (30) on the 4th time you reach it
- Second number: Turn the dial RIGHT (CW), passing the 2nd number twice, then stop on it the 3rd time (60)
- Third number: Turn the dial LEFT (CCW), passing the 3rd number once, then stop on it the 2nd time (90)
- Open: Turn RIGHT slowly until the bolt retracts, then turn the handle to open the safe
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Quick Memory Aid (4-3-2-1)
Left 4Γ to 1st β’ Right 3Γ to 2nd β’ Left 2Γ to 3rd β’ Right 1Γ to open
π‘ Be Precise
If you go past a number, do NOT back up. Start over from the beginning with 4 full left turns. Backing up will misalign the wheels.
4-Number Combination (5-4-3-2-1) β 4-Wheel Locks
Some older Mosler high-security safes use a 4-wheel pack with a 4-number combination:
Example Combination: 30 - 60 - 90 - 15
- Clear the lock: Turn the dial LEFT (CCW) at least 5 full turns to clear all 4 wheels
- First number: Continue turning LEFT and stop on the 1st number (30) on the 5th time you reach it
- Second number: Turn the dial RIGHT (CW), passing the 2nd number three times, then stop on it the 4th time (60)
- Third number: Turn the dial LEFT (CCW), passing the 3rd number twice, then stop on it the 3rd time (90)
- Fourth number: Turn the dial RIGHT (CW), passing the 4th number once, then stop on it the 2nd time (15)
- Open: Turn LEFT slowly until the bolt retracts, then turn the handle to open the safe
π‘ How Do I Know If I Have a 4-Wheel Lock?
If your combination has 4 numbers instead of 3, you have a 4-wheel lock. These are typically found on Mosler GSA-rated containers and high-security vault locks.
Mosler Lock Models
Mosler Group 2 Locks Standard Security
20-minute manipulation resistance β’ Commercial grade
Found on many vintage and mid-century Mosler safes, vault doors, and security containers:
- 302 Series β Standard combination lock, widely used on Mosler fire safes
- 402 Series β Heavy-duty commercial lock for vault applications
- Mosler-Sargent β Later production locks after Mosler partnered with S&G mechanisms
Mosler High-Security Locks High Security
UL Listed β’ Government spec β’ Manipulation resistant
Used on GSA-rated containers, bank vaults, and high-security applications:
- Mosler 1-3 β Early Group 1 lock for government containers
- GSA-rated locks β Found on Class 5 and Class 6 Mosler security containers
Changing the Combination
β οΈ Professional Service Required
- Mosler mechanical locks require a specific change key for each lock model
- Vintage Mosler change keys may be difficult to source β not all locksmiths carry them
- Incorrect procedure can lock you out permanently
- Always call a professional for Mosler combination changes
Mosler dial locks require a model-specific change key inserted through a change key hole on the back of the lock. Because Mosler safes are no longer manufactured and change keys can be difficult to find, we strongly recommend calling a qualified safe technician for any combination changes on Mosler locks.
Our Mosler Lock Services
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Combination Changes
Professional combo changes with correct Mosler change keys
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Safe Opening
Lost combination? We can open your Mosler safe without damage
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Lock Repair & Rebuild
Worn wheels, sticky dials, and vintage lock restoration
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Modern Lock Upgrade
Replace your Mosler dial with S&G or SecuRam electronic lock
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
| Wonβt open with correct combo | Dialing too fast or passing numbers | Slow down, start over, re-dial carefully |
| Dial feels gritty or stiff | Worn wheels, old lubricant, or dust | Needs professional cleaning & service |
| Dial spins freely | Broken drive cam or spindle | Professional repair required |
| Handle wonβt turn after dialing | Boltwork jam or relocker engaged | Do NOT force β call a safe technician |
| Forgot combination | N/A | Professional safe opening β call us |
Need Mosler Safe Service?
Professional combination changes, safe opening, vintage lock repair, and modern upgrades. Serving all of Brevard County.
π (321) 224-5625