I’ve got a GSA compliant fireproof filing cabinet (1970’s style) where the handle just sheared off in the latched position. I have the combo and have been operating this lock for years – it’s always taken a bit of light wiggling to get the handle to crank from 6pm to 3pm (to unlock), but nothing crazy. While this might seem like a mechanical problem, I think it starts with some locksmithing so I figured I’d ask here:
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Does anyone have OEM instructions for how a Sargent & Greenleaf 6720 series is supposed to work? I want to understand how much play there is, where the clicks should be, etc, so I can listen as I enter the combo to see if anything is wrong (I have no others, so this is my only reference point).
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Does anyone have pictures of the mechanics for the handle from the inside? I think I need to drill and tap the handle with a reverse thread to get a good counterclockwise twist, but that going to be real tough. I’m hoping maybe I can somehow manipulate some of the lock better from the broken hole (remember I can enter the combo… which *should help* no?). Also I’ve already tried and failed, so I’m hoping pictures of the inside mechanics would jog my brain for more ideas.
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Perhaps I can get pointed in the right direction for replacement parts? I can’t think of a better community, sorry.
I’d prefer to handle this nondestructively – I’ll machine or buy a new handle/lock in the future and keep the general file cabinet (which is full of stuff I actually want!!).
Album showing the inside (but not the angles I need) and the broken handle:
