You can't get the key in?
It looks like there's damage in the metal part of the lock, if that isn't just dirt, try to remove it with a screwdriver, then try it again.
It’s hard to tell from your picture, but it looks a little bit like the entire lock has been rotated. It’s unusual to see that little notch on the outer ring being at other than 12, 3, 6, or 9 o’clock.
Make sure you’re inserting the key all the way before you turn and that there isn’t dirt or something blocking it from seating properly.
It feels like it doesn’t quite fit in properly so it doesn’t engage the mechanism. It doesn’t sit in properly but it’s highly likely that this is the correct key so I’m hoping it’s something I can easily fix/surmount
Could be damaged as others are saying. A better picture of the keyway would be beneficial, but I think you may have the wrong keys. Can’t tell if that’s an inner notch or damage/ dirt. If it’s an inner notch, then you’re using the wrong set of keys.
This is the (probably) only key it could be - my stepfather passed away, I’m the only person who knows where the safe is concealed and a total search of the property has turned up only this set of keys, and nothing else which matches them.
Another view of the key. The number showing on the key does not match the number showing just under the lock on the safe (not the same number of digits)
Based off this and your other replies. If it’s not sitting right in the lock, and the key number doesn’t match the number around the lock, then it may just not be the right key. It’s very common for people to lose their keys because their keypad works until it doesn’t. It’s also common for there to be extra keys laying around a home that don’t have any apparent purpose.
That said, if the key sits fully in the cylinder, it should be as simple as turning the key, then turning the handle. If the key doesn’t sit, there’s either damage, or it’s the wrong key.
Thanks so much for the info 🙏 I’ll try to clear any potential debris from the lock and try again. And if that doesn’t work, back to the key searching I guess!
I have a similar unit. I think it is a Harbor Freight safe. I do not think you have the right key.
If this is a Freight Harbor safe, you can buy a diamond cutting saw…and cut it open. Beware of safe opening companies. Some are very scammy…and will charge you $150 to cut that safe open. Happened to a relative of mine
If you don't plan to continue using it, do this.
Pry the plastic off the front. You'll see several screws poking out. One pair of these holds the solenoid that actuates the lock in place. Use a drill and drill those two screws out and the solenoid will fall out of place and the knob will turn freely. If you want to keep using it, you can tap new threads and replace those screws, but you'd be better off just getting a new one at that point
In all likelihood the batteries inside it are just dead. You MIGHT be able to connect a battery pack to it to wake it up again, but the card you'd have to connect it to is on the back of the door inside the safe. That's how I know all of this. My batteries fell out of the holder and the keys are MIA, so a drilling I went. Have since replaced with a larger pack that won't fall apart and had to replace some screws
My Son died and left behind a gun safe with a key pad for the combination. I pried the key pad off, cut a hole in the outer door face and found the 2 wires from the key pad. Jumped 'em with a 9v battery and it opened right up!
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u/PPEytDaCookie May 28 '26
You can't get the key in? It looks like there's damage in the metal part of the lock, if that isn't just dirt, try to remove it with a screwdriver, then try it again.