Drilling, repairs and maintenance
Safe Repair and Drilling in Philadelphia
One of the first questions people ask is whether their safe will have to be drilled. Sometimes drilling is the right call, and done properly it means a small, planned hole that gets repaired, not a destroyed safe. Mike also repairs handles, locks and bolt work, and services safes so they keep working.
- SAVTA member
- ALOA member
- Owner-operated: you talk to Mike
- Mobile: Mike comes to you
Short answer: drilling is a normal, legitimate way to open a safe, and on most safes it's the most time-efficient one. What makes the difference is the safe being repaired correctly afterward, so it goes back into service.
When is drilling the right call?
Mike's goal is to open any safe in the least destructive way possible and in a reasonable amount of time. On most safes, drilling and then repairing the safe correctly is the most time-efficient way in.
Mike's own work has included drilling a locked-out ATM in a convenience store.
Professional drilling vs. destroying the safe
People worry that drilling means a wrecked safe. It shouldn't. What makes the difference is a safe being repaired correctly. The cheapest safe openings usually come from people who cut safes open, and that's what leaves a safe ruined.
One Philadelphia example of the wrong way: a locked old York Safe & Lock safe at Old Pine's community center was opened destructively by firefighters after locksmith quotes came in too high. More on that on the inherited and antique safes page.
What gets repaired after a drill opening?
Once the safe is open, it's repaired correctly. The lock is repaired or replaced, often with a new lock and keypad, or a new dial lock if you prefer, and a new combination is set. See electronic safe locks.
Other safe repairs
Not every problem is a lockout. Mike's repair work includes:
- Wheel handle repairs
- New parts and service for business safes, so they're working good as new
- New locks and keypads on customer safes
His safe services also include lock upgrades and lost combinations or malfunctioning locks.
Preventative maintenance
Preventative maintenance is one of Mike's safe and vault services. He recommends it once a year, so a sluggish dial or a flaky keypad gets dealt with before it causes a lockout.
For banks and businesses with vault doors, time locks or safe deposit boxes, see bank and vault services. That includes time lock cleanings, repairs and replacements.
Repair or replace?
The goal is always the same: open it in the least destructive way possible and put it back into service. See how Mike prices safe work and text Mike a photo at (661) 927-7473 or email info@aspiresafeandlock.com for a better idea.
Questions people ask
Will a locksmith have to drill my safe?
Often, yes, and that's not a bad thing. On most safes, drilling and then repairing the safe correctly is the most time-efficient way in. What makes the difference is the repair.
Is a safe ruined after it's drilled?
Not when it's done properly. What makes the difference is the safe being repaired correctly so it goes back into service. The safes that get ruined are the ones cut open.
How much does a safe lock replacement cost after drilling?
It depends on the safe and the lock that has to go back in. See how Mike prices safe work.
Can you fix a broken safe handle?
Yes. Mike's past jobs include wheel handle repairs and Liberty handle replacements.
Is it worth fixing an old safe?
Usually, yes. Mechanical locks are built like tanks, which is why antique safes and bank vaults still work, and a well-built safe with a failed lock goes back into service once it's repaired. Mike can tell you what he sees once he's looked at it.
Do safes need maintenance?
Yes. Mike recommends preventive maintenance once a year, so a sluggish dial or a flaky keypad gets dealt with before it fails. Don't spray WD-40 or any lubricant into the lock in the meantime.
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.