Why Safes Stop Working and Why You Shouldn't Panic

Nearly all households and businesses should have some kind of safe. These secured locations protect valuables like cash and jewelry as well as sensitive things like customer information or hazardous materials and tools. But what if you put your valuables in a safe only to discover that you can't open it again? This may sound like a nightmare scenario for the layperson, but it's a manageable challenge for locksmiths.

Whether you're already a safe owner or have thought of becoming one, learn what you need to know about why a safe might stop working and what your locksmith will do about it.



Why Do Safes Stop Working?

Possibly the most common reason that most safe owners suddenly can't get into a safe is that they forgot the combination or lost the key. This might not even be your fault, since you may have inherited the safe with the home, need into the safe of a deceased relative, or just haven't used it in years. 

Safes may look simple, but they are complex equipment. That means it can break. The locking mechanism may stop working after being hit by a heavy object or simply through neglected maintenance. Perhaps the combination has slightly shifted over time. A key-based lock might have corrupted with exposure to debris and dirt. The bolts on the door may have jammed. Or the batteries could need replacing.

Finally, modern safes have safety features that can trip up owners. For instance, many electronic safes have a timed lockout process that kicks in automatically if you enter the wrong code multiple times. You may just need to wait to be allowed to try again, but sometimes you will need a professional locksmith. 

What Should You Not Do?

Safe owners may turn to a number of DIY tricks to try to get back into their safe. They might try to pry it open with a crowbar or some other tool. And if it's a small safe, some may even drop or bounce it to jimmy the door open. Unfortunately, whether or not you're successful, this will result in serious damage and possible injury. You may never be able to use the safe again, so avoid these draconian techniques. 

Adventurous safe owners may also try picking the lock like they've seen in movies. This may be helpful if you have the skills, but it's harder than it looks. Similarly, you might get advice to try a rare earth magnet. While this can work in some cases, such powerful magnets are dangerous and should not be used around most household devices (including medical devices). Take great care.

How Can a Locksmith Get In?

The best answer is to call a professional locksmith. They have tools and training specifically to reopen safes. How?

As mentioned, lock-picking can open safes if you've just forgotten the code or key. The locksmith knows how to listen for and identify the various noises inside the locking mechanism that indicate tumblers moving. Special lock-picking tools work on both combination and key locks. In fact, the locksmith may even be familiar with the model and know a few tricks in its design to help get you back in. 

If it's a mechanical problem, the locksmith may drill a small hole into the safe's door. By inserting a small device called a borescope, they can look around inside and see what the problem is. Combined with their training, they will evaluate the problem and find the right solution to reopen it. This careful method produces minor damage that is relatively easily repairable.

Where Can You Learn More?

Want to know more about how to get back into your safe quickly and safely? Have other safe questions? Learn more by visiting The Lock Shop. We'll help you learn everything you need to know to choose the right safe, maintain it, get back into it when necessary, and move on when it's time.