How many times have you tried getting something important out of your safe, only to realize you’ve been locked out? Chances are, way too many times!
While your first instinct may be to force it open, we’re here to strongly advise against it. Forcing it open can cause significant damage to your safe that requires costly repairs. Handling an emergency safe lockout without causing damage requires patience and a methodical approach.
Here’s how you can get into your safe while making sure it’s still intact and functional!
Steps to Handling a Safe Lockout Effectively
1. Resist the Urge to Force Entry!
When you find yourself in a safe lockout situation, it’s crucial to remain calm. The urge to use force, whether by prying, drilling, or hitting the safe, can be strong — especially if you’re in a hurry. However, this can cause more harm than good.
Applying force can damage the locking mechanism, the safe’s door, or even your valuables stored inside.
2. Assess the Situation
Before taking any action, take a moment to thoroughly assess the situation. Ask yourself what type of lock you’re dealing with — whether it’s a mechanical combination lock, a key lock, or an electronic keypad.
Common issues could include a dead battery in electronic locks, a jammed mechanical lock, or a misplaced key. Understanding the root of the problem can help you choose the right approach to unlock your safe without damage.
Also Read: How To Maintain Your High Security Safe?
3. Consult the Safe’s Manual
Manuals are frequently overlooked, but they’re your best friends when it comes to troubleshooting your safe. Most manuals cover specific instructions for resolving common lock issues and may provide solutions that don’t involve any physical force. It might also include information on override features or reset options that can help you regain access to your safe.
If you’ve lost or misplaced your manual, you can always search for the model number online.
4. Contact the Safe Manufacturer
If your manual doesn’t seem to be of much help, your next best bet is to get in touch with your safe’s manufacturer. Many manufacturers offer customer support specifically for lockout situations and can guide you through safe, non-damaging ways to unlock your safe. They may provide an override code, a replacement key, or additional troubleshooting steps.
You may need to verify your identity and provide proof of ownership before they can help you though.
5. Get Help From a Safe Locksmith
When all else fails, it’s a comforting thought to know you have a professional safe locksmith to fall back on. Safe locksmiths are trained to handle even the most challenging lockouts with precision, using specialized tools and techniques designed to preserve the integrity of your safe. They can often unlock a safe without leaving any trace of their work, keeping both the lock and the safe itself in perfect condition.
Before you hire a safe locksmith, make sure you do your research. Check for licenses, experience, insurance, reviews and anything else that can help determine their credibility.
Preventing Future Lockouts
Once you’ve successfully unlocked your safe, it’s time to start considering tips to prevent this from happening again.
Here’s how:
- Replace batteries regularly
- Keep spare keys around
- Set a combination you can remember easily
- Schedule regular maintenance checkups
- Keep the manual!
Handle Safe Lockouts the Safe Way!
Emergency safe lockout situations can happen to even the best of us, so it’s important to know how to go about it without resorting to forced entries. If you can’t seem to get back into your safe and access your valuables, consider reaching out to NY City Safe.
Our team of trustworthy locksmiths offer premium quality, damage-free safe opening services. Whether it’s a mounted safe or a gun safe, we have the expertise to handle any sort of safe. Get in touch with us today!
