How do I open this safe when I have the combination?

[t]

I apologize if this is a stupid question, but I would like to ask if someone knows how to dial the combination on the safe that is pictured below.

The person who had the combination for this safe is unfortunately no longer with us but I believe that I have found a note with the combination, that looks something like this:

Code: Select all

left  right  left  right
12    34     56    78 (not the actual numbers)
4     3      2     1


I've tried entering the combination according to the instructions on this page: http://home.howstuffworks.com/inside-lock.htm, but I've had no success so far.

I have the key to the lock on the safe, but I'm not sure what it's purpose is. I've seen the safe beeing opened in the past and I don't think the key was used then.

I've tried to find some information about the manufacturer "Crown", but I havn't found anything yet.

[mbell]

http://www.sglocks.com/pdf/630-653.5_6731_etc_op.pdf

Visit this site and try the method detailed in the instructions (Assuming it's a S & G lock which it obviously may not be)

[t]

Thank you for your reply mbell. I tried those instructions now but unfortunately they don't seem to work on this lock.

[marso]

Make sure you spin the dial the opposite way to the first number before you try a combination. This will make sure the discs are parked. e.g. So if you are spinning 4 times left and stopping on the first number, prior to this make sure you spin more than 5 times to the right before you start.

Try spinning instead of 4 try 5 times etc..
Make sure you stop exactly on the number. So take as much time as you need.
Make sure you do nice even spins and do not jerk, try to spin as much as you can in a turn.
Try spinning in the opposite direction to what you think it should be. So instead of lrlr try rlrl.

This is a very rough guide so please take it as a grain of salt. I know there is alot of egg sucking and stuff that may not work, but I hope this gets you to think of trying different things.

If it does not work call the manufacturer or a safe tech.

Please keep us posted with how you go.

[t]

Marso, thanks for the advice. I'll try these new ideas, and get back to you and tell you how it went.

Contacting the manufacturer is not an option at the moment since I havn't been able to find any information about the manufacturer, but of course I could hire a locksmith if everything else fails.

[raimundo]

probably you should try the reverso, or the plus one or plus ten on each number, if that combination you have written down is the one for the safe. also the minus one, minus ten, No one should ever write a combination down without at least a little obfuscation.

[Chucklz]

Also, the combination may be

LRL Right to zero (the fourth number written down as to confuse others)
LRLR Left to zero

Can you give us the following information, it may be of use.

Number of divisions on the dial
Any text on or around the dial area, possibly indicating a manufacturer.
Any clearer pictuer fo the logo below the dial.
Also, on the ring surrounding the dial, I see one index, ie the red line. Is there another index a few numbers to the left? This index would probably be smaller and may not be immediately noticible.

[funboy79015]

Here is what I am thinking. It may require both the combination and the key to open the safe. The combination unlocks the bolts the keyed lock retracts the bolts.

Just a thought. I actually have very little knowledge about safes, so there is a good chance I am talking out of my backside.

[mbell]

Yes, often both the key and the combination are required, sometimes it is used as a "backup key" on very cheap safes.

If the hints others have given about correctly dialling the combination don't work or you, make sure that the key you have actually operates the lock/is the correct key for the lock.

[t]

Wow, thanks for all replies! I just came home from my training so I havn't done any more testing yet. I did however get a very interesting clue regarding the combination. I spoke with another family member and she told me that the note which I was previously looking at was in fact written by her from an original note that she knows is the combination. That note, which I'm now looking at, doesn't however show the order of the numbers in any clear way. It's just four numbers, randomly scattered around a page in a book, and her guesses about the order, and about left and right, were apparently not very well founded. This means there is a big chance that I've been trying the numbers in the wrong order and that I will probably have to try all combinations of these four numbers.

If the hints others have given about correctly dialling the combination don't work or you, make sure that the key you have actually operates the lock/is the correct key for the lock.

The key allows me to turn the lock 180 degrees so it does seem to work.

Number of divisions on the dial

I'm not sure what you mean but the dial is numbered from 0-99

Any text on or around the dial area, possibly indicating a manufacturer.

No, I can't find any text around the dial area. I did find two labels on the safe, but they don't seem to give any real clues. I'm guessing that the first one shows the model (KA-7) and serial number of the safe and the second one show that the safe has passed a japanese standard for firesafes, JIS S1037. http://www.safetyshop.com/legislation/standards/75.shtml

Any clearer pictuer fo the logo below the dial.

It's not a logo, it's a lock.

Also, on the ring surrounding the dial, I see one index, ie the red line. Is there another index a few numbers to the left? This index would probably be smaller and may not be immediately noticible.

No, I can't find another index.

[aviat]

T this is how the safe works,the safe has a 3 wheel combination wich is a open case,to open the safe put in the combination and then insert the key wich in turn throws the bolt into the disc's thus opening.
If your still stuck phone a locki these can be open in under 10 minute's,this is only a cheap safe and i woulden't put anything of great vaule in it, good luck