In this blog post I will discuss the strategies for opening a safe if a lockout should be caused by one of the following: (1) lost user code, combination, or key, (2) damaged or faulty keypad, or (3) faulty lock.
If you are locked out of your safe because you have lost your user code, combination, or key you should contact your safe’s manufacturer. Sentry, for example, keeps a record of most (but not all) of its safe’s user codes, combinations, and keys. If you have a Sentry safe you will need to contact their customer service department and provide your safe’s model and serial numbers. You will also need to complete an identity verification process. The latter requires paying a small fee and submitting a completed notarized form proving ownership. This process typically takes 7-10 business days to complete.
If you are locked out of your safe because you have lost your user code, combination, or key, and you are not able to contact your safe’s manufacturer, you may need to call a locksmith and have him open it for you. If you have lost the user code, and you have an electronic lock, your locksmith may need to drill your safe open. If you have lost the combination, and you have a mechanical lock, your locksmith should be able to retrieve it by using a technique called scoping the changekey hole. If you have lost the key, your locksmith may be able to pick the lock. If the lock cannot be picked, he may need to drill it open.
If you are locked out of your safe because you have a faulty electronic lock you may have to call a locksmith. He can try connecting a JumpBox to the battery terminals in order to “jump start” the lock. If that does not work, he can try using a Spikemaster to spike the lock through the spindle hole. Finally, as a last resort, he can open your safe by drilling for the sidebar, solenoid, pawl, or other lock mechanism.
If you are locked out of your safe because you have a faulty mechanical lock (or other safe part) you may want to read my blog post “Why Won’t My Safe Open“. In the latter, I discuss the ten most common reasons for a safe lockout and the different opening strategies for each.
In summary, when locked out of your safe there are a few things that you can do on your own before calling a locksmith. The most important being contacting your safe’s manufacturer. That said, if you are forced to call a locksmith to open your safe, I recommend that you first read my blog post “Which Locksmith Company?” in order to learn the five necessary criteria that define a good locksmith.