[Nitrous]

I have a combination lock that is sealed at the back with a rolled metal edge.
I'd like to modify the mechanism, but in order to do that, I have to open the case. An easy way would be to simply put the lock in a chuck and turn the rolled edge off the back. The problem is sealing it back up again.

Anyone have 1) a better way to describe this and/or2) how to non destructively open and close this lock.

Thanks
Nitrous

[keebler303]

Grind or turn off the lip, open it up, then TIG it back together.

[Nitrous]

Grind or turn off the lip, open it up, then TIG it back together.

Was hoping for something a little less destructive. The metal is not terribly robust. I'm guessing it could be relied (if non destructively opened by rolling up the rim), with a simple die press.

Thanks for the ideas
Nitrous

[keebler303]

I've torn apart a bunch of master combo locks. Prying up the rim and them reseating it would be a hell of a chore.

Matt

[Nitrous]

I agree. Unless I can figure out a way of open it like a tire changer, that spins around the outside "lifting" the rim, I think I'll just be looking at it for a while.
Nitrous

[Nitrous]

Well, I think I've got a way to open (and close) the rolled edge seal on the lock.
I'm going to mount my lock in a three jaw chuck and use a brass round point tool to flair the edge back. I'll use the compound slide to get inside. Maybe use a bit of wax as a lubricant. I would close it the same way, but moving the slide (and tool) inward.

My only problem is getting a slow enough peed on my little Emco Maer Compact 5. Also, the shackle makes this a little symmetric, mass wise. Well, my other problem seems to be getting the lock chucked into my little 3-jaw universal. The dial won't fit into the throat of the chuck sufficiently to get a bite on the jaws. Any suggestion? I thought maybe I could use a piece of thick walled tubing, slit lengthwise. No heavy cutting is planned. Just some unrolling of light guge metal.

Does this sound reasonable to you experienced folks?

Nitrous

[keebler303]

You could machine an aluminum block to accept the round part of the lock and machine out a slot for the shackle. Then use set screws or something to hold it in there.

Assuming you have a 5C chuck you can machine the same into this guy and use the collet to hold the lock.

National Supply Source Lyndex 5C Emergency Collets - Large Diameter - Lyndex 5C Emergency Collets - Large Diameter Product Page

Matt

[Nitrous]

You could machine an aluminum block to accept the round part of the lock and machine out a slot for the shackle. Then use set screws or something to hold it in there.

Assuming you have a 5C chuck you can machine the same into this guy and use the collet to hold the lock.

National Supply Source Lyndex 5C Emergency Collets - Large Diameter - Lyndex 5C Emergency Collets - Large Diameter Product Page

Matt

Thanks Matt
I'm a little limited in my metal working capabilities. I'm going to see what a 1" piece of tubular aluminum will do as a poor mans collet.
The collet URL Would be nice for holding coins.

Nitrous

[BAMCNC.COM]

What You could do is machine an aluminum block to accept the round part of the lock, then machine out a slot for the shackle.

[Nitrous]

You could machine an aluminum block to accept the round part of the lock and machine out a slot for the shackle. Then use set screws or something to hold it in there.

Assuming you have a 5C chuck you can machine the same into this guy and use the collet to hold the lock.

National Supply Source Lyndex 5C Emergency Collets - Large Diameter - Lyndex 5C Emergency Collets - Large Diameter Product Page

Matt

That would be a great idea. My lathe is a little small for that and my milling capabilities are pretty limited.
Maybe I can come up with some derivative of this.

Thanks for the feedback
Nitrous