locked safe!

[DrGonzo]

So, I did something wrong with the setting mechanism on my safe and have now locked it and can't get into it (nothing in it luckily).
It's a 3 dial combo but each dial goes up to 20 so impossible to work through the numbers.
Anyone know how to listen to the dials to see what number might be the correct one? It's not a dial code in the traditional sense but one where you pull it out and select a number:

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/259/img4235n.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/210/img4237m.jpg/

 

[skyboy]

You know the numbers so why are you saying it would be too hard to work through them? You are also hosting pictures that have been taken from inside the safe so how is it locked?

 

[Europlex]

Anyone know how to listen to the dials to see what number might be the correct one?

Oh dear, who's been watching too many 60's Ealing comedies then?

Not forgetting everything that comes out of LA LA land.

 

[AssociatedAlarms]

As you say not dials in the standard sense here, three choices.
Learn "manipulation"
Get a good drill.
Get in a BLI/MLA Locksmith. We tend to open things not pepper them with holes.

 

[AssociatedAlarms]

As you say not dials in the standard sense here, three choices.
Learn "manipulation"
Get a good drill.
Get in a BLI/MLA Locksmith. We tend to open things not pepper them with holes.

Oh yeah a 4th, about 729 combinations should keep you busy.

 

[cleggy]

if theres nothing in it scrap or bin it and get a new one
much cheaper

 

[AssociatedAlarms]

if theres nothing in it scrap or bin it and get a new one
much cheaper

Agreed, but if it is bolted and or screwed down correctly it could be costly removing it also. Especially if it is in the best location for one.
Reason being the damage you would cause getting it out. (Wall safe is a prime example).
It does look a tad old now and its insurance rating should be checked for being suited for purpose.

 

[bernardgreen]

If it has been used a lot and always the same combination used then maybe just maybe wear and tear may help you to find the combination.

If the digits click into place ( index) as the wheel is turned then the indexing on the digits of the combination may be more worn than the others. If that is the case then those digits will be less tightly held by the mechanism and the looseness may be detectable.

Also if it was left for a long time with the comination in place those digits may be faded or more dusty than the others.

Or find a pennyless person, a small weak pacifist one, and tell him if he can open it by going through all combinations he can have half of whats in it.

 

[AssociatedAlarms]

ROFL at that last one.

My best was a lost comm to a Sargent & Greenleaf Safe 3Wheel lock, took about 45 mins to manipulate if open and found it contained about 40 Rolex watches. I told the silly person that he was under insured and he had never mentioned this to me when I had sold the safe.

I bought it back at a fair price and got him the correct one with a heavy discount as he was and still is a good customer.

Another locksmith I know was allowed to keep= half of what was in a safe in an abandoned building after they could not trace the previous tenants. In exchange for no call out fee. A risky one as it could have been empty. There was just over 9 thousand in it. After 6 weeks at the Police station it was theirs to collect. ( 6 weeks being the time lost and found has before it gets either destroyed or returned to the owners, or indeed auctioned).

 

[DrGonzo]

If it has been used a lot and always the same combination used then maybe just maybe wear and tear may help you to find the combination.

If the digits click into place ( index) as the wheel is turned then the indexing on the digits of the combination may be more worn than the others. If that is the case then those digits will be less tightly held by the mechanism and the looseness may be detectable.

Also if it was left for a long time with the comination in place those digits may be faded or more dusty than the others.

Or find a pennyless person, a small weak pacifist one, and tell him if he can open it by going through all combinations he can have half of whats in it.

I think I managed to close it while the lever on the back was in the setting position. However, the latches still closed. If it was still in the "setting code" position then you'd expect it to open again.

The dials are lifted and then turned and then let go of to place it on the number. I'm not sure if this is the normal way to do it but it's the 1st time I tried this safe in a new house I moved into.

 

[AssociatedAlarms]

Pretty sure of the make.
Slam locks by any chance? Auto closing on slamming the door.

If you have left it as you say it will need a good locksmith, a drill and a repair kit. Expect a bill of £160 or there about/