Lost combinations
Lost Your Safe Combination?
Forgotten, never written down, lost with the paperwork, or known only by someone who has passed away. A lost combination is one of the most common reasons people call a safe specialist. Mike Schiavone opens the safe, repairs it correctly and sets a new combination, so you end up with a safe that works.
- SAVTA member
- ALOA member
- Owner-operated: you talk to Mike
- Mobile: Mike comes to you
Short answer: a safe with a lost combination can be opened and put back into service. On most safes the most time-efficient way in is to drill and repair. What matters is that the safe is repaired correctly afterward, with a lock that works and a new combination you know.
How Mike opens a safe with a lost combination
Mike's goal on every safe is to open it in the least destructive way possible, in a reasonable amount of time, and then put it back into service. On most safes that means drilling and then repairing the safe correctly. A correct repair is the difference between a safe that works for years and a safe that is ruined.
That's what happened for Keith. He had lost the combination to his safe, and Mike also rekeyed his house and made a key for his car:
Unbelievable locksmith! We had more than 1 problem and he fixed everything! Mike rekeyed our home, made a key for our Honda Accord, and opened our safe which we had lost the combination for! I called several locksmiths and most would just do cars. Others just rekey lock. Mike fixed all 3 at a wonderful price! I highly recommend!
Don't make it harder
- Don't cut the hinges. It will not open the door, because the bolts are on the other side, and it makes the opening more dangerous.
- Don't spray WD-40 or any lubricant into the dial, the keypad or the lock.
Inherited, used and antique safes
A lot of lost-combination calls are safes nobody has the paperwork for: a parent's safe, a safe that came with the house, or a used safe bought without the combination. With antique safes there is usually no manufacturer to call at all, because the companies are out of business or their records are gone. None of that stops Mike from opening the safe. See inherited and antique safes.
What to send when you call
- Clear photos of the whole safe door, plus a close-up of the handle and the dial or keypad. For antique safes, include the hinges and caster wheels.
- Photos above, below and on each side of the safe, so Mike can check the room he has to work.
- The brand, if you can see it on the door.
- Whether the safe is bolted down.
- What you've already tried.
Text the photos to (661) 927-7473 or email them to info@aspiresafeandlock.com.
After it opens
Once the safe is open and repaired, Mike sets a new combination. Write it down and store it somewhere other than in the safe. If the lock is worn or you'd rather have a keypad, this is the time to swap it. See safe combination changes and electronic safe locks. If you know the combination but the safe still won't open, start with what to check when a safe won't open.
Questions people ask
Can a locksmith open my safe if I lost the combination?
A safe and vault specialist can. Once it's open, the lock is repaired or replaced and set to a new combination, so you end up with a working safe and a combination you know.
Will drilling ruin my safe?
Not when it's done right. On most safes, drilling and then repairing the safe correctly is the most time-efficient way in. What makes the difference is the repair. A properly repaired safe goes back into service.
I inherited the safe. Can you still open it?
Yes. Inherited safes, safes left in a house and antique safes are regular calls. With antiques there is usually no manufacturer to call at all, because the companies are out of business or their records are gone. See inherited and antique safes.
Should I cut the hinges off?
No. Cutting the hinges will not open a safe door, because the bolts on the other side still hold it shut, and it makes the opening more dangerous.
How much does it cost to open a safe with a lost combination?
It depends on the safe and the lock. See how Mike prices a safe opening.
Tell Mike what's going on
Locked out right now? Call. It's the fastest way. For a safe that isn't an emergency, or for business and bank work, send the details below or text a photo of the safe and its lock to (661) 927-7473 or email it to info@aspiresafeandlock.com.
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (closed weekends and holidays). Emergency service is available 24 hours.