How to open a safe   

A safe is an outstanding place to store your valuables in. Assuming you have anything of value or importance I'm talking about items like jewellry, cash and important documents. If you haven't got anything like this - get one anyway. It makes you look wealthy and important to your friends. Or a bit of a clown. Anyway, most of safes are designed to be fireproof and some are also waterproof. Nonetheless, if you put your valuables inside the safe, it follows that at some stage you're going to want to open it. Here’s how...

The easiest way to open a safe is by using the correct combination (This is called stating the bleeding obvious - editor). The combination code is usually included in the instruction manual that comes with the safe. Some safes also uses keys for added protection against unauthorized access by malicious people, and the keys can normally be found taped at the safe’s underside. (This is great stuff - editor)

Push the clamp upward and turn the dial clockwise until you reach the first code. You should hear a click once this happens.

Next rotate the dial counterclockwise until you hear the satisfying click of the second code.

Still pushing the clamp up, rotate clockwise to the third and final code. The click that comes next is the signal that you are successful. The clamp should come free at this point, and the safe opened.

If you've lost your key or code combination, call the manufacturer and ask for the combination or replacement for the key. The manufacturer should be able to give you the right key or combination based on the safe’s serial number. (You'll have to jump through admin hoops to get this of course. And quite rightly so. - editor) You can also seek the services of a locksmith to open your safe - but it won't be cheap.

However, there are still other ways to open a safe. Here are some of them...

Make a hole in the safe. You must determine the exact location of the locking mechanism so that you can drill a hole going into it. You need to have a drill with a diamond tipped bit in order to bore a hole through the solid housing. You can manipulate and unlock the door once you reach the locking mechanism.

Utilize a blow torch. A welding torch can generate tremendous amounts of heat and can cut through metal. This method is more effective on smaller safes. Use the welding torch to slash through the region around the lock. When the lock comes off completely from the safe, the door can be unlocked.

Learn the mechanism and tendencies of the lock. This method requires a great deal of skill and patience to master. If you have the time to spare, polish your listening skills and feel for the correct combination. No physical damage happens to the safe with this method, it involves a lot of trial and error though. (I advise leari=ning something more productive - like Mandarin Chinese).

Make use of dynamite. If the safe you are dealing with is a large one, and the options above did not work, then you can use explosives to open the safe. Place a small quantity of dynamite next to the lock and hinges. Get to a safe place and set the explosives off. The blast should destroy the hinges or loosen it at the least. You can then use a large crowbar to pry open the safe’s door. (Probably the most bizarre article we've had on the site - good luck with your safe breaking - editor)

Sounds like too much trouble? Call Serviceteam. We open safes in London.

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