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S&G spline key questions

I am just fooling around right now for my own curiosity, but have a question about the S&G 8400 spline keys.

My 8410 and accessories are new, and I am a bit surprised that the spline key is merely finger snug. That is, I can push it down all the way (between the threaded rod and the cam) easily with my fingers. There is a barely perceptible slop, just guessing maybe a quarter of a tick either way.

This is quite different from my first practice lock, a used 8500 series (I believe) lock, and I had to tap the spline key with a small hammer to get it in. I say I think it is an 8500 series lock because it does not have a model number, just "manipulation proof", but the inertial bar that pulls the fence looks and operates exactly like the one in the 8500 docs.

I do not have the installation instructions for this lock, as S&G apparently thinks that it must be absurdly obvious, as the factory packaged unit only includes a one-page usage sheet, and they do not have the 8400 installation PDF on their web site, either.

So is this rather loose fit normal for the 8400 series? I don't think so, but then again the 8400 has a unique spline key, and maybe some slop is intentional. (I think it is obvious that the flag has to point outwards though, as the inner rod would have no clearance otherwise.)

If this is not normal, should I bend the spline key slightly to give it a tight fit, or would you recommend Locktite, or something else?

Also, S&G recommends that the spline key be replaced each time it is removed, and I won't squawk too much at a buck and a half each. But their minimum order of 50 is many times a lifetime supply for someone like me. Is there some other way to get these in reasonable quantities?

Many thanks for the information!

-Richard

Reply to
Richard Hodges
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The factory recommends replacing the spline key each time. If you bend it gently it will probably work, but it is not the recommended procedure. Do not use locktite or any other kind of glue.

Reply to
Roger Shoaf

Okay, I will stay away from the locktite. Maybe glyptal? J/K :-)

I understand that S&G recommends replacing the spline key with a new one each time. But do they have a "recommended procedure" when the brand new spline key does not fit tightly? That is the situation here, a brand new lock with a brand new spline key that I can push in (and pull out) with finger pressure. This just doesn't seem right.

Thanks for the information!

-Richard

Reply to
Richard Hodges

"just fooling around" inside a safe lock is a good way to lock the thing shut, and really put yourself in a bad spot.

Reply to
Stormin Mormon

Of course. There is NO safe involved here, by the way. That would not be "just fooling around", especially with a TL15 or TL30 that I hope to get some day.

But if this were in a safe, then I would be doubly concerned about making sure that the spline key is installed correctly, hence the question.

-Richard

Reply to
Richard Hodges

I think that I have found the answer to my question. I mentioned that the lock was brand new, and I meant that literally, as in never before used. That also means that the dial shaft has never been cut before.

Well, I just fitted the lock to its current home, trimming about 0.300 inch off the shaft and butterfly rod. And the spline key fits nice and snug now :-)

I think that the problem was that the uncut shaft end was slightly tapered, and perhaps the spline channel was not making full contact at the very end. Perhaps S&G figured that the installer would always trim something off the end (or an extender would be used)?

I don't need any spare spline keys at the moment, but it would still be interesting to know if there is a place I can buy them in quantities less than 50. That's a lot of spline keys...

-Richard

Reply to
Richard Hodges

I am reminded of the classic about the way they trained photo copier repairmen. They start by consulting the price list and then replace the most expensive part. If the machine still does not work, they replace the second most expensive part. This procedure is repeated untill they check to see if the machine is pluged in to a live electrial outlet.

Trust your instinct, but make your corrections gently.

Reply to
Roger Shoaf

You might try asking at one of your local locksmith shops.

Reply to
Roger Shoaf

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