Keeping documents, cash, jewellery, and other valuables in a safe is a smart move.
Not only are they convenient and easy to use – allowing you to add and remove items whenever you like – but they also protect your possessions against fire and natural disasters.
Safes have a key, electronic, biometric (fingerprint) or combination lock that enables you to safeguard your belongings from theft.
But what happens if your safe refuses to open? The trick here is not to panic and start by establishing what the issue is.
Let’s take a closer look at why you might not be able to get the safe open and what a locksmith can do to help.
3 common reasons your safe won’t open
1. You’ve forgotten the combination for your safe
If you can’t remember the code for your safe, or you’ve inherited it with no key or combination, you’ll struggle to open it.
There are several things you can do – like asking others if they have changed the combination or finding the serial number (usually located on the side or back of the safe) and contacting the manufacturer. They should be able to recover the combination for you.
2. The wiring has internal damage
Traditional safes are generally locked and unlocked using a key or combination. Electronic safes have internal wiring which can become damaged with use over time. The damage usually occurs within the wires that send signals from the keypad to the locking bolts.
When this happens, it’s worth checking if the keypad has become disconnected or the battery needs charging up or replacing. If the problem persists, you’ll need to phone a local locksmith.
3. It’s poorly maintained
If you’re adamant you’re using the right combination for the safe but the door is refusing to open, this suggests you have a problem with the lever or hinges. You could try prying the door and applying grease to the hinges – but it’s not recommended as it could potentially damage the safe to the extent where it cannot be repaired.
Alternatively, if the bolts are misaligned or not maintained properly, or if excessive pressure is applied to the safe, they can jam. If this is the case, you won’t be able to turn the dial on your combination safe.
How a locksmith can help you to regain access to your safe
If the safe combination has suddenly stopped working, you’ve forgotten it or lost your key, you may consider taking a DIY approach. However, it’s in your best interests to enlist the help of a professional.
Locksmiths have the required knowledge, skills and tools to open locked safes causing minimal damage and harm.
Below are two techniques that experienced locksmiths use to open safes:
- Drilling – a tiny hole can be drilled into the safe, allowing a small instrument to be passed inside to open the lock.
This is one of the quickest methods to open the safe and requires fewer repairs to render the safe usable again.
- Cutting – using a saw or torch, locksmiths will cut into the safe to allow you to reach in and take out your valuables.
Admittedly, this isn’t the cleanest or quietest technique, and it tends to require more time than drilling. Something else worth knowing is that, afterwards, you will no longer be able to use the safe to secure your belongings.
Need to hire a locksmith?
If you find yourself locked out of your safe, be sure to get in touch with your local locksmith.
Before you call for assistance, it’s helpful if you jot down the manufacturer, model number, lock size and tags mounted on the safe. This will make it easier for locksmiths to determine the extent of the issue and take the necessary action to resolve the problem.
Depending on the locksmith’s preferred technique and whether or not repairs are required, you may need to replace your safe. Luckily for you, eSafes provide a wide range of security safes – including key-locking, electronic, fingerprint and combination safes.
Be sure to browse their online collection and identify the most suitable one for your needs. You’ll also be pleased to know that they pride themselves on offering some of the most competitive prices around, allowing you to purchase high-security products without breaking the bank.