Combination lock: design and installation of a mechanical combination lock

A combination lock is a sure way to secure protected property or premises from outside intrusion. Combination locks have become widespread; they are installed everywhere, have different sizes and modifications. The combination lock is characterized by a high degree of reliability, ease of use and low probability of breakdown. Electronic combination door locks have recently become extremely popular among various companies and municipal buildings. Read about how a combination lock works here.

Combination mechanical locks

All combination locks are programmable or not

The second classic type is combination mechanical locks. The first production models were manufactured in 1857 by the American company Sargent & Greenleef. To open such a lock, you need to dial the correct code combination, most often by repeatedly turning a special knob - the “dial”. Like key locks, mechanical combination locks are unpretentious to environmental operating conditions. In addition, there is no need to worry about the issue of storing the key. But instead, another reasonable question arises - how not to forget, not to lose and to prevent strangers from spying on the code combination.

A more complex lock design also results in a higher cost. Additionally, mechanical combination locks provide the longest content access times. And if you need to remove an organization’s seal from a safe 20 times a day, you should think about the advisability of choosing this type of lock - it is unlikely to help improve the efficiency of the work process.

All combination locks are programmable or not. Most combination mechanical locks are not programmable, i.e. with a permanent code. And if the owner forgets the factory code combination, it will be possible to restore it only upon request from the manufacturer, and this is a long and thorough procedure.

Safes equipped with combination mechanical locks are best suited for those with a good memory, if they need to access the contents from time to time and without fuss - for example, for storing a collection at home.

Malfunctions

Freezing

Latch locks freeze at low temperatures if dirt, moisture, or grease particles accumulate in them.

With clean, dry constipation, malfunctions do not occur even in severe frosts. In order for the mechanism to work well at any air temperature, it must be protected from direct exposure to rain and snow. In spring and autumn, the inside of the device should be wiped more often with a regular dry cloth.

Wear of the latch lock

After regular cleaning, which involves dismantling the main part and disassembling it, sometimes the lock stops completely fitting (dressing).
Such a breakdown indicates wear of the crossbar leash. The cause of wear is worn down dimensions as a result of constant use. The most suitable way out of this situation is to replace the constipation. This failure occurs in devices that have long expired the service life declared by the manufacturer.

You should think about replacement even when the opening and closing design stops working fully. In this case, you can try to disassemble the product and check the spring. A fired spring, which after installation has ceased to function, indicates the need to purchase a new mechanism.

Combination mechanical lock device

The castle consists of:

lock body.
Lock cover.
Response striker plate.
Overlay with button numbers.
Latch.
Launch head.
Lock buttons(8,9)

Operating principle of the lock:

When the door slams, the return spring in the lock is charged through the latch and the lock cage. The trigger head is in the locking bar and the latch is in the shifted position. When you press the code combination at the same time, the buttons move the desired code plates in the transverse direction and interact with the lock holder. When the required plates are shifted, the cage is released and the return spring retracts the lock head. When the buttons are released, the spring and the lock latch return to their original position.

The code combination on such a lock can be easily changed. To do this, you need to remove the back cover of the lock and unfold the plates that are responsible for the numbers we need. And turn the old code plates back.

The degree of protection of such locks against burglary is not great. Therefore, they are installed mainly in common areas, for example in the entrance.

Price

You can buy a lock from the Mettem company from 700 to 1500 rubles. From the Rigel company - from 1200 rubles.
The Belgian company Winsi loocinoks offers products for 12-14 thousand rubles. You can buy it from ATIS for 2000 rubles. From APERS - for 2000 rubles.
Electromechanical device for a gate Kirov Selmash for 1098 rubles, Rezident DL 208 with a code combination of 11 characters - for 4869 rubles.

The price depends on the type of device. A mechanical product from domestic manufacturers is inexpensive, but if there are wires for an electronic scoreboard, the prices are much higher. Expensive foreign products, but multifunctional, equipped with many degrees of protection, and will last a long time.

Coded electronic locks

Coded electronic locks appeared at the end of the 20th century, as a result of the development of microprocessor technologies. They are united with their mechanical predecessors by the principle of operation - opening is carried out by entering a code combination from the keyboard.

Like mechanical locks, electronic locks remove the issue of storing keys from the agenda and put the issue of remembering the code squarely on the agenda. But unlike mechanical code locks, forgetful owners of safes with electronic locks will save their nerves and time with the help of the Master-Lock function, which allows you to open the safe with a special master key even if it is impossible to enter the code combination.

Coded electronic locks are more technologically advanced than their mechanical counterparts, which is why their cost is even higher. Electronic locks are the most functional - all of them, without exception, are programmable and provide the owner with the ability to change the code at will. Moreover, this procedure is very, very simple and will not take much time.

Many electronic locks support multi-user mode - working with a master code and with user codes. This mode is very convenient if you need to provide access to the contents of the safe to several people. In addition, you can reduce the risk of losing the code - write the master code on paper and put it away securely, and use the user code from memory to open it.

In addition, many combination electronic locks support audit of closings and openings

If suddenly the user code is forgotten, it can be easily changed using the master code. For security reasons, it is recommended to change the user code once a year, because Frequently pressed keys are overwritten and the numbers included in the code combination become obvious.

In addition, many combination electronic locks support audit of closings and openings. Additional protection can be provided through an opening delay, the duration of which is set by the owner, as well as through code selection protection, which consists of blocking the keypad if an incorrect code is entered.

The weak point of electronic locks is the batteries that ensure the operation of the code panel - you have to monitor the charge level of the batteries and replace them in a timely manner. Coded electronic locks are sensitive to operating conditions and are recommended for use only in heated rooms with room temperature and humidity not exceeding 80%.

Device

Devices of this type are presented in two modifications: magnetic and push-button. In the first case, the door is opened using a magnetic card or key with a combination of symbols written on it, which plays the role of a code. The push-button model opens by typing a code. In addition, such a lock can be controlled remotely.

It is often used where there is an automated access system, as well as in intercoms. It can also be installed on interior doors.

A magnetic lock is recognized as the safest, as it is the most resistant to burglary. The operating mechanism in this case is based on the influence of an electromagnetic pulse that arrives at the control panel. But it was not without its drawbacks. When for some reason there is no electricity, the lock is turned off or blocked. To avoid this, you must ensure that the lock has constant power supply, or equip it with a manual opening mechanism.

Rules of care

Maintenance is simple - you need to carry out preventive measures in a timely manner, and then the design will not fail.

Option for a gate

Machine oil is used for maintenance. The mating part is lubricated with it. Frequency – once every 6 months or depending on the situation. Certain models may be susceptible to keys freezing in cold winter temperatures. To prevent this, you can use WD-40 lubricant.

Corrosion to code devices is almost not dangerous. Manufacturers coat locks with anti-corrosion compounds. Locking mechanisms are designed for outdoor use. The mechanism is initially designed to be resistant to atmospheric conditions and low temperatures.

Types and options

Biometric locks

Biometric safe locks are the youngest; their mass production began in the late 90s and now they are just beginning to appear on the safe market.

Biometric safe locks are the youngest; their mass production began in the late 90s and now they are just beginning to appear on the safe market. The operating principle is based on the technology of identifying the owner using a sensor and finger papillary patterns. Thus, the key to the safe is always with the owner and cannot be lost or forgotten. In terms of time to access content, biometric locks are the leaders, surpassing even key locks in their performance. You have to pay for high technology - biometric locks are not only the most convenient, but also the most expensive.

The more sensitive the sensor, the higher the secrecy of the lock, but at the same time, the higher the risk that the lock “will not recognize” the real owner. For example, dirty hands or cuts on fingers can cause unsuccessful identification. To get around this problem, manufacturers equip modern biometric locks with memory for several fingerprints - one fingerprint does not work, identification will take place using the second or third. Most biometric locks, like electronic code locks, support the above-mentioned Master-Lock function.

Like electronic code locks, biometric locks are powered by batteries and are also demanding in terms of operating conditions. From our point of view, the most interesting niche for biometric locks is gun safes. On the one hand, there is a minimum time of access to weapons, on the other, there is a minimum risk of access to weapons for household members, especially minors.

Recognized leaders in the production of locks are Kaba Mauer (Germany), Sargent & Greenleef (USA), Steinbach & Vollmann (Germany), Wittkopp (Germany), La Gard (USA) and many others. All modern safe locks provide high reliability at a relatively low cost.

Advantages of combination locks

Thanks to their system, such locks have a high degree of protection against unauthorized entry. But there is also a drawback to installing a combination lock, because the secret code can be accidentally found out by strangers, or it can be forgotten, so you need to adhere to security measures when using such a lock.

Such locks can be installed both on entrance doors and on safes or cases and suitcases, and according to their structural differences, they can be electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical. In addition to such locks, we recommend installing high-quality video surveillance.

Installing combination locks on a door follows the same principle as conventional locks, the only difference being that it requires special attention when installing the electrical wiring, as well as the unit for controlling the electrical circuit. Locks that have a new design can be opened without a key, remotely. To carry out a high-quality installation of a combination lock, it is necessary to invite an experienced technician, since this requires high qualifications. Therefore, it would be more reasonable to entrust the installation to our professionals, who will not only select the right place to attach the lock, but will also ensure the necessary level of security when using the closing mechanism.

Coded door locks that have a good locking device design are usually equipped with devices that, in the event of an emergency power outage, can provide autonomous power for electrical equipment. Such locks can be installed on any type of door, both wooden and metal. If during operation the combination lock breaks down, then do not despair and rush to buy a new locking device. Due to their design, such locks have a fairly high level of repairability, which will help make their service life quite long.

To reliably lock doors in residential and non-residential premises, you can use a combination lock on the Mettem entrance door, which can be installed equally well on both a metal and wooden door, and regardless of whether the door is left or right. The principle of operation of such a lock is quite simple; to open it, you need to use it simultaneously, that is, press simultaneously all the buttons that were used during encoding.

Only in this case will the lock automatically open. In order to open the lock from the inside, just move the lever to the side.

In order to increase the reliability and secrecy of such a lock, you need to use at least three buttons for coding. If you need to change the code on the lock, you will need to unscrew the screws and remove the lever with the spring block, and change the direction of the bevel of the levers in the required direction for those buttons that will be used to open the combination lock. If the lock, contrary to the recommendations, will be installed independently, then it is necessary to install only the combination lock instructions that are required to be attached.

What to do if you forgot the code

The problem of how to open a combination lock does not arise very rarely. It is common for push-button locks to lose paint from or around commonly used buttons over extended periods of use. Over time, the code becomes visible to the naked eye. Also, frequent pressing of the same buttons leads over time to their “sticking”. In this case, the code is selected using the “scientific poke” method, when all the buttons are pressed in a row, and the “necessary” ones “stick” a little.

The padlock code is selected by rotating the roller while simultaneously “unlocking” the pin. When the roller that is closest to the pin turns, you feel the moment when it “falls” into the groove. The remaining rollers are “unlocked” in the same way.

If it is assumed that the lock will be installed on the street, then close attention must be paid to the structural integrity of the lock body. If moisture gets inside at sub-zero temperatures, the lock will stop working.

Differences between mechanical and combination locks

You can easily set up a combination lock yourself, without the help of specialists

Combination locks appeared relatively recently, but have already become very popular because they are more reliable and simpler than conventional locking mechanisms. They are much more difficult to break into than conventional mechanical locks.

You can easily set up a combination lock yourself, without the help of specialists. This does not require any special skills or knowledge. It is enough to study the operating instructions for the lock.

The main advantage of such a device is that there is no need for a key. It is replaced by a special code - a set of numbers. Let's look at the main types of combination locks on the market, how to install them correctly and configure them yourself.

The two main groups of such devices are mortise and hinged. The former are used primarily on interior and entrance doors, and the latter on doors installed in premises used for industrial and household purposes. The difference between them is solely in the installation method. Depending on the method of controlling the lock mechanism, they can be electronic or mechanical.

Features of installing the locking mechanism

Depending on the complexity of the electrical installation work, you can install a combination lock yourself or entrust complex stages of work to a company that installs electronic locks. Self-installation is quite possible with rim locks. There is no need to invent anything here:

Attach the lock to the door.
Make a recess on the door frame for the bolt.
Insert batteries.
Install code.

In more complex systems, installing an electronic lock requires skills in electrical work and the use of special equipment. Therefore, it is better to entrust all the work to specialists:

They will correctly lay the power cables and control wires.
They can carry out hidden wiring.
Both the lock itself and the control system will be installed.
The final setup will be done.

Approximate connection diagram for an electronic lock.

Mechanism settings

Now that the electronic combination lock has been successfully installed, it needs to be configured. Everything is simple here. You must enter an opening code into the device's memory. When choosing a combination, you need to follow simple rules:

It is better not to use light combinations, such as 1234, 1111 and the like. Dates of birth, phone numbers and generally any personal data are also not suitable. These are the combinations that attackers try to use.
If a code is selected, it is better to remember it. There is no need to write it down anywhere.
It is also worth limiting the circle of initiates. Close relatives are the maximum who should know how to get into the house.

All these measures are designed to protect your house or apartment as much as possible from uninvited guests.

Selecting a combination lock

When purchasing such a lock, you must consult with the seller to clarify all its possible functions and installation options. When purchasing a combination lock, the price of which will be quite high, you should pay attention to the quality of the material from which it is made and its capabilities, the degree of secrecy, since it is not necessary that a high cost will guarantee high quality. Therefore, it is better to buy such locks from already well-established manufacturers.

This can guarantee not only reliable operation of the lock, but also its long-term use, as well as excellent protection against unauthorized entry into the premises by unwanted persons.

Also, you should not purchase combination locks in markets or stores that have not been able to establish themselves among consumers.

After all, for every buyer it is important not only the cost of the lock or its installation, but above all the safety of loved ones and property that it can provide. The purchase must be made from reputable suppliers who provide guarantees for their goods.

How to open a combination mechanical lock

This lock has a characteristic rotary handle with a dial (a metal ring with marked marks), with which the code combination is dialed. This is what he looks like.

Just in case, let me remind you how it works. To dial a four-digit code combination, you need to spin the dial back and forth 10 times: four times clockwise for the first digit, three times counterclockwise for the second, twice clockwise for the third, and once counterclockwise for the fourth. Such locks either provide the ability to change the code or not. In the second case, the code combination is set at the factory and never changes again.

You can find out the factory code of such a lock by the serial number by contacting the service department or directly to the factory. The serial number and code combination are indicated in the passport or operating instructions for the safe.

If you have a combination lock with a changeable code, then the problem is more serious. Try looking at the instructions, maybe you didn’t bother to change the preset combination. Then you can use it. If not, you will have to call an emergency opening service.

Step by step guide

When installing a lock, all calculations must be accurate, and the necessary tools must be available. You will need: tape measure, wire cutters, drill, drills, pencil, pliers, screwdriver bits.

Mark the measurements with a pencil where the device will be installed.
Drill holes according to the dimensions of the lock with a drill.
Attach it to the door.
Insert the bolt into the strike plate.
Connect the cable to the device.
Use a screwdriver to attach the handle to the lock itself.
Replace the cover.
Enter a code.
Check functionality.

Do not drill holes too close to the edge as this may cause cracks and splits. A gap must be left between the crossbar and the end part. The work must be carried out as accurately and accurately as possible.

If you forget the code, you can remove the cover from inside and reset the code. Take out the plates and turn them over in the opposite direction, this will be more convenient and reliable; you should program the lock according to a scheme convenient for you.

How to open a combination electronic lock

If the lock does not support the emergency opening function or the master key is lost (it was prudently locked in the safe), try dialing the factory master code specified in the instructions

A characteristic feature of these locks is a push-button keyboard for entering a code combination. Light and sound alarms simplify programming and operation of the lock. Regular batteries are used for power supply. This is what these castles look like.

Some models are equipped with an emergency opening function, which allows you to open the safe without a code using a special “master key”. In addition, there may be a button on the inside of the door to reset the current code.

Perhaps your lock supports this function, but you didn’t know. Check the instructions to see if this is true. If so, look for the master key.

If the lock does not support the emergency opening function or the master key is lost (it was prudently locked in the safe), try dialing the factory master code specified in the instructions - it is possible that you forgot to change it after purchasing the safe. Usually this is a primitive code, like 1-2-3-4-5-6. If the master code was nevertheless changed and subsequently lost, you will have to call the service - without the help of a specialist you will not be able to carefully open the safe.

If you have a cheap Chinese safe, then it’s not worth the candle. You can try to deal with it yourself, there is a very high probability that you will succeed.

Tips for code safe owners

Do not keep the operating instructions and the safe passport in the safe - you will really miss them when you forget the code combination. The master key also does not need to be stored in a safe.
do not throw away the documents on the purchase of the safe, they will be confirmation for the service department that you are the legal owner of the safe. They can help identify the safe.
If you are an “advanced” PC user, you can use password managers. For example, KeePass.
Find a decent organization for emergency opening, write down contacts in the phone book. This is guaranteed to help open any locked doors - safe, apartment, car.

Rules for setting up a combination lock yourself

In order for such a device to protect the premises as effectively as possible, the code on it must be changed at least once a month. This is not difficult to do, and it will take little time if you understand the principle of operation of the mechanism.

To set the code yourself, there is no need to dismantle the lock. All you need is a device that fits into the socket and acts directly on the secret device in the locking mechanism.

To change the coding, the door must be opened and the bolts pulled out completely. Next, you need to turn the old key clockwise, replace it with a new key and use it to return the bolts back inside. The fact that the installation of the new code was successful is indicated by the lock's reaction exclusively to the new key and code. When you are not completely confident in the success of the operation, it is better to use the help of a specialist who will tell you how to operate the lock.

Sources:

https://video-grup.ru/kodovye-zamki/
https://steelsafe.ru/item/pub-32.html
https://safe4you.ru/2017/09/kak-otkryt-sejf-esli-zabyl-kod.html
https://locksdoor.ru/ustrojstvo-kodovogo-mexanicheskogo-zamka/
https://optoring.ru/novosti/vidy-kodovyh-dvernyh-zamkov