A safe that can be opened by entering a code is called a “combination safe.” A few types of these safes are available on the market, and each has unique features, advantages, and limitations.
People often use combination safes to keep valuable things safe, but forgetting the combination can be a nightmare.
If you’ve forgotten the combination to your safe, there’s no need to worry. There are a variety of fall-back options in the case of a lost code. And don’t forget, at 24/7 Locksmith Co., we are always available to help you access your protected personal items if these tips don’t work for you.
Types of Safes
There are many different kinds of safes on the market today that can be used for many different things. You can choose from various safes, including gun, fireproof, portable, and high-end safes. However, there are really only two types of safes available: dial safes and digital (electronic) safes.
Dial Safes
The standard method has been to use a dial safe, which has been around for centuries. Typical dial safes have a dial on the outside that can be turned in a specific sequence to open the safe’s door. Dial safes are more popular than digital safes because they do not require batteries or electricity.
That’s why they won’t have to worry about blackouts. Traditional dial safes are also more sturdy and last longer than their digital counterparts. A good dial safe will serve you well for many years to come and will remain useful even as technology evolves.
Digital Safes
The availability of digital safes has made them more popular among businesses than dial safes. Because the combination can be changed so easily, digital safes are ideal for use in the workplace. In addition to their commercial use, digital safes are also widely used in homes.
After a certain number of failed password attempts, the keypad on most digital safes will become inoperable for a set amount of time as a form of punishment. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. Safes are generally more trustworthy when equipped with a security lockout feature.
Unfortunately, this also means that you will be locked out of your safe if you press the wrong combination of keys continously. If you’re in a hurry and have to get into your safe, this is a real possibility that might have seemed remote at first.
Opening a Safe Without the Combination
Claimed methods to open a safe can be found all over the internet. Most of them, however, requires breaking into the safe, which should be an absolute last resort. The most effective methods for cracking both analog and digital safes are detailed below.
For a Dial-Safe
- First, you’ll need to track down the emergency key to the safe. When you purchased your safe, you probably also got a spare key. I hope you haven’t misplaced it, as you’ll need it to open the safe without the combination. Except for that, breaking into the safe by force is your only option.
- Get rid of the panel covering the safe’s dial. In most cases, the dial panel can be removed with minimal effort and by simply using your hands. Damage to the safe’s exterior is likely if you try to pry the panel from the dial with a fork or other similar tool.
- Once the dial panel has been removed, you can examine the sub-dial space. A tiny circular cutout ought to be visible there. In case of an emergency, use this keyhole. You might not immediately notice the emergency keyhole because it is usually painted the same color as the safe. Please keep in mind that the emergency keyhole could be anywhere on the device, not just under the dial. If your safe has a keyhole, it may be on the side of the dial.
- To unlock the safe, simply insert the emergency key into the emergency hole and turn it. Before taking the key out, put it back where it was. If you don’t do this, the safe may not lock, or the emergency key may not open when you need it.
If you don’t have an emergency key, it’s time to move to the “brute force option.” If you find yourself at this point, calling a skilled locksmith is a good idea.
For A Digital Safe
- You may or may not have an emergency key for your digital safe. If yours doesn’t, you may need to reset it by pressing the reset button. You’ll need to find the bolt holes in the safe before you can do anything else. These holes for the bolts are typically situated on the safe’s back. They might be located on the bottom if you’re working with a smaller safe.
- In order to see through the bolt holes in your safe, you will need to use a flashlight. Switch between the different bolt holes until you find one that reveals the safe’s interior keypad.
- The next step is to insert a rod through the corresponding bolt hole. Although an uncoiled wire hanger is ideal, anything that serves the purpose will do. A safe can be opened by inserting a rod and pressing the “reset” button on the safe’s interior keypad. In some cases, pressing the button for ten seconds or more is required.
- On the safe’s internal keypad, type in the new combination you want to use and then press the “set” button. When a new combination is entered, digital safes typically make a beeping sound. Maintain pressure on the “set” button; if no beep is heard immediately, you can safely assume your code has been set if ten seconds have passed with no noise.
- Take the rod out of the vault. Enter it on the exterior keypad to double-check that your new safe combination was set properly. If your safe still won’t open, grab your rod and try again.
The Brute Force Option
Numerous methods exist for breaking into a safe using only brute force. Drilling is used frequently. This is when we need to drill a tiny hole in the safe and pick the lock from the inside.
Only the oldest safes can be successfully drilled. These days, safes typically have locks that are impossible to pick from any position.
It’s possible that you’ll need a saw or blowtorch to open a modern safe. Although successful, this approach requires substantial time and effort to implement. In other words, you shouldn’t resort to it until you’ve tried everything else and are left with no other options for getting into your safe.
5 Possible Reasons Your Safe Won’t Open
A small home safe is a steel box that can be locked to protect your belongings. Keep your money, jewelry, and important documents secure, as the name suggests.
However, it can be unsettling to discover that you have lost the combination to your safe. You will probably be extremely worried and eager to hire a locksmith right away.
Investigate the following five explanations to figure out how to unlock it.
Dead batteries
It’s easy to lose your cool if your safe won’t open, only to learn that the batteries are dead. Checking the batteries in your keypad is also a good idea, as it has lights and likely makes noise when activated.
There’s a chance they still have some juice left, but it won’t be enough to finish the bolt work. As soon as you notice the batteries are dead, go ahead and replace them. Battery life can be significantly increased by purchasing name-brand products.
Lockout Mode or Time Delay
Keep in mind that if you repeatedly enter the wrong code, your home safe may go into penalized lockout mode. If the door still won’t open after that, wait ten to twenty minutes and try again.
It’s also possible that your safe has a time delay of around ten minutes. If that happens, there may be a short delay before you can re-enter your code.
Jammed Bolt Work
It’s possible that the lock on your safe is jammed. Even though you can hear the safe’s motor trying to retract the bolt, the safe may be stuck due to the jam.
So, here’s what you can do: You need to pound on the door a few times to loosen the bolts. Be careful not to touch the buttons or the grip. From there, you’ll need to enter the code by pulling the handle in the opposite direction from normal.
Disconnected or damaged wiring
Disconnected or damaged wiring is another possible cause. Get rid of the keypad and examine the wiring to see if it has come loose. In that case, you should link them or make a quick repair. They may be damaged if they appear to be whole but still aren’t functioning. Damage to the wires usually necessitates calling a repairman.
Deactivated Code
You might have forgotten to reactivate the safe’s code, which often happens to people who own safes. Because of that, the safe won’t open at all. Your best bet is to have someone test out his code and see if it functions as expected. Otherwise, you might want to call a locksmith.
What To Do If You Forgot The Combination To Your Safe?
If you have forgotten the combination to your safe, do not panic. There are several options available to you.
The first option is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith can help you access your safe with a new combination or even drill into it and remove the lock if needed.
A locksmith is someone who is trained in not only the art of safe cracking but also in how to install safes for clients. They will know what type of safe you have based on its size and shape, as well as any markings on its exterior.
Once they have this information, they will be able to determine its combination very quickly by using methods that won’t damage the inside of your safe or leave any evidence behind that would suggest someone else has been inside it before them.
Another option is to try opening the safe yourself. If you know what type of safe you have, there may be information online about how to open it. If not, call a locksmith, who can determine what kind of safe you have and help you open it.
Conclusion
While there are many different safe opening techniques, these should get you through most situations where you have a locked safe. We hope these tips have helped you open a safe without the combination. If you still find yourself stuck, we’re here to help.
Our locksmiths are trained to open nearly any safe, and we have the tools and experience to do it quickly and efficiently. 24/7 Locksmith Co. offers round-the-clock service in case of emergencies like these! We’re here when you need us most, and we’re always happy to help.
For more information, take a look at our services!
Related: Can A Locksmith Open A Safe
