Sentry 1170 Fireproof Lockbox - i can't pick it

by **theDR** » 16 Oct 2004 17:46

I am a rookie. I can pick your average padlock, doorlock, dead bolt, desk lock, file cabinet, etc. I had to move a lockbox I keep at home. It's a real heavy duty fireproof safty box you keep valuable documents in or smaller valuables. It's only about 1 ft tall / 1 ft deep. Just for kicks I tried to pick it because I wanted to know if such a box that is built for "security" would be cracked in 10 seconds or if they actually used a higher grade lock. I know next to nothing about lock technology, brands or buzz words. So excuse my very cryptic explanations.

This box has a cheap little key and it turns effortlessly; almost no resistance. I could not open it. I can hear the clicks and when I release my tension wrench I hear everything popping back into place as if I was getting somewhere. I finally gave up on it. What kind of lock is in such a box? It's a Sentry 1170 fireproof lockbox / plastic coated outside / ZERO other markings. The lock core says "C002x" (cannot make out last letter).

What kinda lock is this? And how does it open?

TheDR

by **TOWCH** » 16 Oct 2004 17:54

What does the key look like?

by **Buggs41** » 16 Oct 2004 18:41

This question sounds very similar to post a few weeks back.

Mom and Dad got a safe, and the writer wanted to know how to open it.

Hmmmmmm?

by **sevenply** » 16 Oct 2004 18:54

Buggs: when you mentioned that I new exactly what you were talking about, here is the post: viewtopic.php?t=4612

In that case it sounds like the safe had a combination lock.
I believe I know what this poster is referring to. Many of our customers use the same thing or something similar to store there backup tapes in. I haven't looked at these closely and don't even remember the brand though. So i'm not of much help.

by **CaptHook** » 16 Oct 2004 19:40

Im going to guess and say its a double sided wafer. Depending, Ive seen some that have 8-10 wafers (never counted them).
Not too tough, focus on light-medium light tension, rake the top a couple of times, rake the bottom, repeat.
Assuming it is the double wafer, each pass you make with the rake, you will feel it give little by little.
Chuck

by **theDR** » 16 Oct 2004 19:41

No I am not a kid trying to get into my parents lockbox so I can retrieve my "weed". (I read that old post someone referenced) I am 34 yrs old and I bought this lockbox about 8 yrs ago to store things for me and wife like passport, my Will, ss cards, birth certificate...not real "racy" stash is it? It has been buried in the back of a closet for years and incovenient to pick. Now that I need to move it I have a good opportunity to pick it without contorting my legs and arms.

To answer the person that at least asked a serious question, the key (1 and only key) is silver, about 1.5 inches, "C002B" stamped in one side, "SENTRY" on other side, fairly round on the non-business end of the key, the stem (or whatever you call it) is flat on one edge (like most keys), the ridged edge is straight with just one notch protruding near the middle, the stem you insert is only about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long. Resembles a file cabinet key or maybe a locking desk key and made of a light metal, not thick and heavy like some keys. I dunno what else can I tell you? Lockbox says SENTRY 1170 in silver letters on front. Key only turns 1/4 turn counter-clockwise to unlock and does not feel spring "assisted". Pins are on top of lock.

What type of lock cannot be picked the normal way? It is almost as if the pins will not stay down. Is that possible?

TheDR

by **CaptHook** » 16 Oct 2004 19:50

OK, so its single sided. Good, still gonna be a wafer lock. Make sure the handle that opens the door is pushed all the way in. Light tension and rake. Focus on what you are feeling, if you need to get a little heavier on the wrench.
Chuck

by **logosys** » 16 Oct 2004 19:50

Is it this safe?

http://www.instaoffice.com/Fire-Safe-Insulated-File-Folder-Size-File-12w-x-8-12d-x-10-38h.SEN1170.0.7.htm

by **TOWCH** » 16 Oct 2004 20:10

Sounds like all you really need is a half diamond and tension wrench. That type of wafer lock is crazy easy.

by **theDR** » 16 Oct 2004 22:14

YES! I saw the link to the picure posted by logosys. That pic makes it look wimpier than it seems in real life but yes that's the one. I can almost see it looking back at me in the picture mocking me.

Capthook: Thanks for the notes but it doesn't have a handle. Once the bolt is released the lid just lifts up.

So do you guys think it should be workable (pick-able)? If I can hear/feel pins seem to drop into place and release when I remove tension, does that indicate that it should function (and open) like all locks? I have tried and tried, it just won't pop. It is definately not the average file cabinet lock. It seems to have much more solidness than that.

Is there a type of lock out there that does not respond to the pins being pressed one by one?

TheDR

by **TOWCH** » 16 Oct 2004 22:36

You might be missing a wafer in the very back of the lock. That's the most common problem I have with wafers.

by **theDR** » 16 Oct 2004 23:45

Educate me please...what is a wafer ?

TheDR

by **TOWCH** » 16 Oct 2004 23:59

http://www.capricorn.org/~akira/home/lockpick/chapter9.html
Bottom of the page, "Disk Tumblers".

by **HeadHunterCEO** » 17 Oct 2004 9:05

impression it with a y13

by **Cobraclaw0011** » 4 Dec 2009 10:08

Its possible, just used a Nail clipper file and a thin wrench, oddly enough it worked.
Or I'm just lucky.

Sentry 1170 Fireproof Lockbox - i can't pick it

Sentry 1170 Fireproof Lockbox - i can't pick it

Re: Sentry 1170 Fireproof Lockbox - i can't pick it

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