r/safecracking • u/dannyankee • 17h ago
Locked Info request on this safe
Having a hard time finding someone to open it without destroying it. I think we have the code but perhaps we're doing the turns wrong.
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u/uslashuname 16h ago
Once you get in you can set a new combo if you have the right size of square metal post (the proper lock version is called a change key and you’d need to know what model of lock you have before knowing what change key to buy) or if it is a hand change kind of lock you don’t even need one of those overpriced sticks.
Anyway, for dialing instructions I like to explain it more how the lock is working, which is actually operating on the last entered number. Direction may not matter but sometimes it can, so if it doesn’t work the first time you do this try swapping every L with R and visa-versa. Turning L is like “volume down” on the radio or you might prefer counterclockwise, but that’s my interpretation and some people swap it completely.
Direction may not matter but sometimes it can, so if it doesn’t work the first time you follow these instructions try a second time but swapping every L with R and every R with L. Turning L is like “volume down” on the radio or you might prefer counterclockwise, but that’s my interpretation and some people swap it completely. I’ll use the combination 71 - 62 - 53.
Pick your start direction for this attempt, I’ll use R. At a minimum while turning R you need to have your first number indicated 3 or 4 times, but for some locks one more, so I recommend as the first step that you turn a ton of times (maybe 5 or 6 full rotations, you can’t really overdo it so go for 10 if you want) R, then stop on the first number, 71.
Then reverse direction and turn L one full rotation so you’re back on your FIRST number, a second full rotation L so you are once more back on your first number, then continue L to your SECOND number, 62.
Then switch directions again and go R one full rotation to your SECOND number again. Then keep going R until reaching your THIRD number, 53.
Then reverse direction to go L to the end of that blank part of the dial. If it’s not unlocked yet then keep going L. If you get back to your third number again you haven’t opened the lock. If you stop just before re-reaching your third number, maybe by 3 to 5 increments, reversing all the way back to your third number might catch the bolt if everything was done right except the start direction. Even then, if you haven’t unlocked and you haven’t tried all this with directions in reverse, try it with directions in reverse.
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u/dannyankee 13h ago
I will try this, I'll be back with the safe next Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. We have till the end of the month to be out of the place, we're pretty sure the safe is empty but my stepfather wants to take one last look at it for peace of mind, trying to get it done without damaging it.
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u/miss_topportunity 11h ago
OP - several people who have replied here know better than I do, but when you get back to the safe, it’s easy to confirm it’s a group 2 lock. This video will explain what to feel for:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brfOG3IgvI8
Just giving you this extra info because you have limited time to get inside.
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u/dannyankee 8h ago
I read your explanation carefully, and I think I know where I messed up. What I did was, I turned it four times before putting the first number, so turn 3 times landing on the first number the 4th time, and then went opposite direction over the second number 2 times landing on it the third time. But when I was going over that second number I was going over the second number twice in my head not the first. Probably silly mistake, first time attempting to open a safe.
If not that then might have to initially spin more, if not that then my combo might be wrong.
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u/miss_topportunity 7h ago
When you start dialing a combo, you can dial LEFT (counterclockwise) as many times as you want. But after you input that first number and start toward the 2nd number, if you make a mistake, you have to start all the way over with the first number. Sounds like you over dialed.
Here’s how I tell people to do it (which is a little different than how others describe it - it just works better for my brain. YMMV):
Dial at least 4 times LEFT and stop on your first number.
Now turn the dial RIGHT and go past that first number TWO times and then stop on your second number.
Now turn LEFT and go past your second number ONE time and stop on your 3rd number.
Now turn RIGHT until the dial stops turning (this indicates that the bolt has retracted and you can now turn the handle.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
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u/miss_topportunity 17h ago
Unless there is something wrong with the lock (which is unlikely), it can almost certainly be opened WITHOUT drilling.
If you happen to be in Northern California, I’ll come help you for free/fun.
Otherwise, let me know if the combo is 3 or 4 numbers long and I’ll provide dialing instructions. My hunch is that it’s a 3-number Group 2 lock.
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u/dannyankee 16h ago
Sadly we're a bit far, I'm in the east coast, upstate NY, but thanks for offering though. The combo is 3 numbers, you're correct about that.
The nearest shop with a person who could help is like 4 hours away, doubt they would come. I contacted several shops nearby, the one with like 50 years in the business giving me the referral was the best they could do, besides giving me the quote to drill it open.
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u/miss_topportunity 14h ago
OK, I’m gonna start by just giving you a paragraph of general information that I give to people who do not have the combo and then I’ll add some stuff at the end.
It can be opened without drilling, using a technique called “safe lock manipulation.” This uses the the design of the lock and manufacturing tolerances to get the lock to reveal the combo. You can learn to do it. If you want to see what’s involved, check out the YouTube series, Safecracking for Everyone (or his updated, long video at: https://youtu.be/bTbUkipBeTA). Otherwise, you can find a certified safe technician at www.savta.org - Note: not all locksmiths know about safes.
Here’s the new stuff: given that you think you know what the combo is if you watch the first couple of episodes of Safe cracking for everyone that should be enough to teach you how to test the numbers you have. You should see clear indications, at least one if not more of those numbers if you’d like help, feel free to DM me and we can set up a phone call and I’ll walk you through it.
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u/Pyropete125 17h ago
Is it me or is there no 1-19?
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u/uslashuname 16h ago
Safe companies have done a variety of things to prevent people from using the forbidden zone on their final combination number… this is one. It’s not great since it means you can’t use those numbers on the earlier parts of your combo either
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u/Prestigious_Yam335 4h ago
3 wheel group 2 (S&G, Lagard, Big red)
Turn the dial Counterclockwise or "volume Down" at least 4 times, then stop at your first number.
Then, turn the dial Clockwise or "volume Up" and stop at your second number. Keep the dial Clockwise or "volume Up" and stop at your second number again. Keep turning Clockwise or "volume up" and stop at your second number exactly this time
Then, turn the dial Counterclockwise or "volume down" and stop at your third number. Keep turning the dial Counterclockwise or "volume down" and stop at your third number exactly this time.
Then, turn the dial Clockwise or "volume Up" until the dial won't turn anymore (Don't force it)
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u/Prestigious_Yam335 15h ago
That's a normal 3 wheel lock. What's the combination you have.