What to do when you can’t open your safe
You keep your valuables in a secure place where no one can gain access to them. But what should you do if you can’t get your safe to open?
There are many different models of safes, each one functioning according to its own unique system. And the solutions for dealing with a safe that won’t open will vary depending on its particular opening mechanism.
Possible reasons why your safe won’t open
Nothing is immune to technical problems, and safes are no exception, no matter how well built they may be. Depending on the type of safe in question, there can be various reasons why you can’t get it open.
Here’s an overview of the most common causes.
The batteries are dead
All models of electronic safes emit visual and audio signals to warn the user when the batteries are getting low. The batteries may be on the outside (although this is inadvisable for reasons of security), but they’re usually located on the inside of the door.
Obviously, it’s ideal to replace the batteries before they run out. However, some manufacturers provide an emergency key as a backup solution for unlocking the safe.
The key broke off in the lock
Although this situation is rather uncommon, it’s possible for the key to break while it’s inside the lock of the safe. The solution is to approach the problem the same way you would if your house key broke off in the lock of your front door. First, carefully remove the key from the lock using a pair of scissors or some other pointy tool that will enable you to slide the key (or what’s left of it) out. If it’s too difficult for you to get it out, call a professional locksmith to lend you a hand.
How to reset the combination of your safe
Have you lost or forgotten your secret combination? Unfortunately, there’s little doubt that the manufacturer of your safe will refuse to give you the answer over the phone! This is another situation in which you will have to call on a qualified locksmith, who can recover your combination or create a new access code.
If your safe is equipped with an electronic lock, it’s possible to find the serial number of either the safe or the lock to see if there’s an override code. This code will allow you to reinitialize the electronic lock. By doing so, you will reactivate the default combination.
Forcing the safe open as a last resort
If all other efforts have failed and you still can’t get your safe open, a professional can help you open it by drilling. By knowing the model and serial number of the safe, the technician will be able to identify the safe’s drilling points. This will make it easier to force the safe open, considering that drilling in the wrong places could instantly trigger the emergency system.
However, you should be aware that drilling open a safe destroys the lock, so you will have to replace it.
Can’t open your safe? Call on the services of a professional locksmith.
It’s always a good idea to keep the installation guide that came with your safe. Likewise, you should store the emergency key in a secure location (away from the safe!), for example, in a remote room of the house or at your office.
If, despite all your efforts, you’re stuck with a safe that won’t open, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Serruriers Amherst Inc. for prompt assistance, seven days a week. It would be our pleasure to help you!
