Q&A for How to Open a Safe

Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise or anticlockwise) at least three times past 39; then stop at 39. Turn the dial to the right (clockwise) two times past 22; then stop at 22. Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) once past 39; then stop at 39. Open the lock.

Start by locating the combination. If you can't find it, check in the manufacturer's paperwork that comes with the safe. Turn the dial to the left past the 1st number 3 times, then stop on the number. Then, turn the dial to the right past the 2nd number 2 times, then stop on the number. Finally, turn the dial to the left past the 3rd number 1 time, then stop on the number. After that, slowly turn the dial to the right until it stops and the bolt retracts. When the dial stops you'll hear the safe unlock and you can open it up. Larger safes sometimes have a handle that you need to turn after you unlock it, so just turn it and pull the door open after you unlock it.

Unfortunately, if you forget your combination or you lose your key, the only way to get into your locked safe is to use a professional locksmith. Check online or in your local phone book to find a reliable locksmith. Call them to make sure that they offer safe-opening services and find out what the fees are. Schedule a house call, or take your safe in to the locksmith if it is small enough to transport yourself. Once the locksmith gets your safe open, they'll be able to reset the combination. Make sure you write it down! Keep the combination in a secure location so you don't lose it again and need to hire a locksmith in the future.

There could be a few possible reasons. Assuming you've entered the combination correctly or used the right key, you could have a jammed bolt. Listen closely to see if you hear the motor trying to retract the bolt. If you hear it struggling and you can't open the safe, that could be the issue. There also could be a problem with the wheel if your safe uses a combination wheel. Occasionally, digital safes can glitch and reset the passcode to the factory settings. Unfortunately, whatever the problem is, if you can't get into the safe, you'll likely need to have a locksmith break into it in order to open it up. Schedule a house call, or take your safe in to the locksmith if it is small enough to transport yourself. Once they get it open, they'll be able to tell you what the issue is and potentially repair it. They can also reset your combination, so make sure you write it down so you don't forget it.

See Open a Combination Lock .