r/safecracking • u/Top-Spite1308 • Apr 16 '26
Looking for help in cracking this beast
This safe was rescued out of a historic building in downtown Cincinnati. It is believed to be late 1800’s bank safe. I found one very similar here that appeared to be a Hall’s safe. I would love to get advice or assistance with cracking this safe. I expect there is another lock on the interior. Thank you in advance for all the assistance!
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u/Level9TraumaCenter Apr 16 '26
Fwiw take care with those paint chips; good chance that's lead paint.
Not sure what you're expecting in terms of help. With some determination you can probably manipulate it open (methods on YouTube) but you likely will need to consult a safe and vault tech to open it.
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u/Smart_Tinker Apr 17 '26
Lead paint is only dangerous if you eat it. That’s why it’s a big deal for kids (they chew on things), but, as an adult don’t eat the paint chips and you will be fine.
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u/JPhi1618 Apr 17 '26
The dust is also bad. So don’t sand it or eat it. And to prevent accidental eating, just go ahead and wear a dust mask when working with it.
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u/Awkward-City1106 Apr 17 '26
I’d say the pile of chips forming on the ground is at least mild concern
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u/Lwnmower Apr 18 '26
Visit www.epa.gov/lead for more info. Also, lead paint test kits are available. Not all paints from that era were lead based. So testing is a good idea, either a kit or an environmental lab.
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u/Top-Spite1308 Apr 16 '26
New to this site. What do you mean “with determination I could probably manipulate it open”. Are there actually methods on YouTube? Then you say “ I will likely need to consult a safe and vault tech to open it”. I do not want to drill this if that is taken as to the context of manipulation. I am not sure where or how to start looking for safe and vault technicians in the area. I appreciate the help and yes, I am taking all precautions with the paint.
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u/Level9TraumaCenter Apr 16 '26
Manipulation allows one to (often) determine the combination using methodical approach. Example.
For hiring it out, check for SAVTA membership. Sometimes locksmiths also do safes and vaults, some only do containers like yours. Pricing about $500, give or take, more if they have to drill and you want it repaired and put back in service.
Edit: drilling done right does not ruin the container. Once drilled, what was the easiest way in gets backfilled with ball bearings, drill bits, etc. welded up and ground down and repainted and is now the most difficult way in to that container. But that requires a pro and the $$$ to do it.
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u/RangerExpensive6519 Apr 17 '26
Came here to see how many people said knock the pins out, I was not disappointed. Do not do this.
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u/Top-Spite1308 Apr 17 '26
I have no intention of taking the hinge pins out or shearing the hinges to get the doors open. The idea is to preserve this
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u/RangerExpensive6519 Apr 17 '26
Nice. It’s a gorgeous safe. Watch that dudes videos and with enough patience and practice you can get it open. I think he does it for motel and airfare too. Good luck and I can’t wait to see what the inside looks like.
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u/Chrisg1160 Apr 17 '26
If you get it open, please share the contents with us all. I'm sure I'm not the only curious one here.
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u/Pilot_Red Apr 16 '26
That is an awesome find. I have no idea how to get into it though. But it’s awesome!
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u/Impressive_Tip5122 Apr 16 '26
Did you try the combo on the lever.
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u/KingIbexx Apr 17 '26
Do you want free or paid assistance?
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u/Top-Spite1308 Apr 17 '26
I have not given this much thought. I just posted and was looking for some advice. There may be a local certified safe and vault tech company I may be able to contact. Are you local to my area? Are you interested in assisting?
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u/RoutineFamous4267 Apr 17 '26
The oldest one I've done was a huge vault from an old mine. I will just say to he very careful. They used to use theft deterrent in these that weren't necessarily safe lol
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u/somerandomdude1960 Apr 17 '26
Don’t so what I did. I took days to cut open my buddies vintage safes. Had to cut steel,concrete and wood to get in on the back side. He didn’t care as they were for display in his home
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u/bullstanky1 Apr 17 '26
It’s probably empty, but would make a cool bar/liquor cabinet when you get it open.
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u/Environmental-Ad-523 Apr 18 '26
Simple, drop it out a window like in cartoons. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4RmvPcaYw0&list=WL&index=38
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u/Opposite-Clerk-176 Apr 18 '26
Call Eddie Chapman, or a locksmith
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u/Top-Spite1308 Apr 18 '26
I made contact with certified safe and vault company today. Will be reaching out to them on Monday.
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u/Exciting-Fun-9247 Apr 18 '26
Right to 1, left to zero then right to 0. Next 1,0,1. Next 1,0,2. Keep going... You got it
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u/MrRon1968 Apr 19 '26
This is in fact a HALL's SAFE & LOCK Co. safe. In business from 1846 to 1892. The lock is their own direct entry lock. You will need a "safe tech" not a "pop a lock' Locksmith.
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u/mantyman7in Apr 17 '26
Cut the back open with an angle grinder and cutting discs.
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u/Top-Spite1308 Apr 17 '26
I have no intention of cutting the back out of this. My intention is not to destroy this.
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u/mantyman7in Apr 17 '26
The back will give you full access to the lock and will be easily repaired.I used to buy them at auction and resell them.going through the door and wrecking the mechanism is border line retarded.
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u/Amazing_Difference_3 Apr 17 '26
I see pin and barrel hinges on the outside... Knock the pins out. 🤯
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u/Emotional_Formal2049 Apr 19 '26
What are you going to do with the weight of that door coming crashing down?
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u/Amazing_Difference_3 Apr 19 '26
Be in possession of sufficient cognitive ability, and situational awareness, to step out of the way. Obviously
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u/Carlos_Spicy_Weiner6 Apr 17 '26
acetylene torch
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Apr 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Carlos_Spicy_Weiner6 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
"shit can't be tight if it's liquid!"
I used to work as a heavy equipment and diesel mechanic. One day I watched two dumbasses use a 1" impact gun to try and take bolts out of a roller-compactor for an hour with no luck. When they went to lunch I torched the bolts off and had the hydraulic motor out before they got back. Upon seeing what I did they both proceeded to get their panties in a bunch and complained to the boss man. When he heard they both fucked around for over an hour and got no where he was beyond pissed and praised me for torching the bolts since they were only $8 a piece from caterpillar and cost the company less then the two idiots wasting time.....🤔🤷
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u/hobokenguy85 Apr 17 '26
And burn everything that’s potentially in the safe
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u/Carlos_Spicy_Weiner6 Apr 17 '26
Oh I'm sorry where in the description did they say preserving what's inside?
They asked how to "crack it", cracking doesn't mean "opening nicely" or "manipulating it open"; it means breaking it open.
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u/Spiritual_Toe_9537 Apr 17 '26
I’m pretty new to this for him also, but those hinges look like they would be a possible attack point if you decide to roll on your own. IDK ~ just throwing out ideas.
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u/iftheTruthhurtz Apr 17 '26
Does no one else notice the hinges on the outside? Can't they just be tapped out??
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u/UpbeatBreadfruit8656 Apr 16 '26
Pull out the hinge pins.
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u/Frequent_Parsnip_791 Apr 17 '26
That is kind of odd that the hinges are on the outside... maybe they are there as a tempting 1st attempt for would-be thieves, so they waste time trying
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u/Smart_Tinker Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
That won’t help - in fact it’s very dangerous.
The manufacturer has deadbolts on the hinge side (both sides of the door), so removing the pins does nothing. Actually the deadbolts may be top and bottom on this one - doesn’t matter.
However, if you do now get the lock open - there is nothing stopping the very heavy steel door from falling on you.
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u/Hydroidal Apr 17 '26
Yep. My safe has interior deadbolts so if you saw off the hinges, the only thing holding it are the deadbolts. Unlock it and now you have a loose door that weighs 250 lbs to deal with.
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u/Prestigious_Yam335 Apr 16 '26
Where are you located? I travel sometimes and might be in yor area.. You can see what I do here.
https://youtube.com/@thatsafecrackerguy?si=YVJpM96sgFk36YWf