Safe Box OPEN but NO dial combination - any hope?

[gotrance]

New member here. Hello everyone!
Question: I have an “opened” big ATM safe box (just the safe box not the electronics misc.). It is Dial type vault lock and was wondering if would be easy to know the combination, as I mentioned, the safe is open and there is access to the back of the Dial…. Is that something I could find out by my self? I really would like to be able to use this vault. Thank you for all/any suggestions/response
Happy holidays to all
Klinger

[grit1]

Discussion of safe and valut work isn't allowed on the open forum ... where did you come across an ATM? ~Grit.

[TOWCH]

Don't close it. Call various locksmiths asking for an estimate. That shouldn't be a very expensive job. Going with a locksmith will ensure that you don't get locked out which would make things much more expensive. It sounds like this lock hasn't been maintained in a long time and is due for some maintenance any way. He will also be able to teach you how to dial it properly.

[DrStu]

I know I probably will get this post deleted but, it is standard when we (Government/Military) take a safe/vault out of service to be transfered or scraped we lock it open and reset the combination to 50-25-50. This is the first combo I would try before I called in a Safe Tech. Like TOWCH said some safes open differently than others so if you don't know EXACTLY how to dial your safe I wouldn't even bother touching it.

[Chrispy]

Come on guys, this is hardly advanced forum information.

Take the back of the safe lock off (it unscrews and you should see the wheels and the bolt) and line up the gates in the wheels with the bolt drop point. The change key hole is now lined up with the hole in the back of the safe lock case. Screw the back case back on and insert your change key and dial up the new combination to the change index (the line to the left of the opening index line at 12 o'clock). Test your new combination three times before you close the door. HTH!

[Grudge]

Come on guys, this is hardly advanced forum information.

I think since gotrance is a 'one poster' the concern would be that he MIGHT be someone who has supervised access to an open safe but not the combination (which would allow access during "unauthorized times"). That is why I didn't post on this one, I was only thinking about it as explaining how to determine the combo without changing it. I think your change key advice is excellent, however. If he can change the combo with no one caring then he must be the actual owner. I will even add you can probably find a change key on eBay and detailed instructions for most common safe locks on Google.

No offense is intended gotrance, but the first possibility is real and no one knows you here.

[Chrispy]

I see your point Grudge. I suppose having everything stolen out of your safe by a trusted associate and then having to call a locksmith to drill your safe to get it open, only to find nothing in it, would be pretty fudged.

[TOWCH]

There are people who can manage to mess something like that up even with crystal clear instructions. I have no idea if he's one of them. Might as well get the lock checked out by someone who knows what they are doing rather than risk an expensive lockout. The lack of controversy with that advise while still being helpful before the thread get's locked is an added bonus.

[Chrispy]

Test your new combination three times before you close the door. HTH!

[gotrance]

Hi everyone
Thanks for all the information and suggestions
Grit1 = this safe box was left from previous tenancy (storing old paint) with a lot clear silicone over the dial to keep it from turning
I called few locksmith in my area and that is the way to go since I don’t know nothing about safe, thank you for the suggestion TOWCH! I will take to “ASAP Locksmith, Inc.” in Hallandale FL., by taking the vault they said it would be cheaper, around $100 (including maintenance) , not bad, I guess!!!

I learned and understand all yours concerning, this kind of information is very "delicate" ,
Thanks, Klinger

[TOWCH]

I'm glad everything worked out.