Q&A for How to Crack a Safe

Safes are usually made from a metal like steel, often with both hard plate and more pliable steel in different areas because while hard steel can crack under stress, softer steel will bend and deform rather than break. Fire safes, as the name implies, are made to prevent fire damage rather than to stop burglars, so they will not be as burly, but will contain special insulation which prevents heat damage to the contents.

Yes, it has three wheels. Contact SAVTA for a local safe & vault technician.

There aren't really four numbers. The last number doesn't count. It is a stopping point or the point at which the bolt retracts. The process is 4, 3, 2, 1. That means AT LEAST four turns to the left, stopping on the first number the fourth time, three turns to the right stopping on the number the third time around, two turns to the left stopping on the number the second time you reach it, then turn the dial to the right until you feel the bolt in the lock retract.

Usually if you can prove that it's your safe (Notary public with a signature as well as proof of purchase), the company can provide you with the combination. There's also destructive ways to get into safes, notably an angle grinder. Or a professional locksmith can get into it for you by drilling at a precise point that will allow the latch to retract (this can be expensive). Contact your local locksmith after trying the aforementioned method. Most will not open it without you being there so that nothing can be claimed to be missing after opening it. If bolted down,they're going to need to come to you.

The only normal situation which would lock a dial in place is if the dial has a key lock installed. This key prevents the dial from spinning when it is locked. The dial lock is generally a wafer lock with very little security.

A water glass with the ring of the glass held to the safe door, and place your ear firmly against bottom of glass.

Turn safe dial 4 times left. Stop at zero and all wheels are parked at zero. Turn safe dial one time right, and your only turning the drive cam. Turn it a second time right and you are turning both the drive cam and third wheel, this is how you park only wheel 3 where you choose. Turn the dial a third time and you can park both wheels 2, 3, and drive cam where you choose.

Contact the manufacturer you bought the safe from. Make sure you have a serial number and model number. You could also do a search online for the manual.