Cheap safe picked, need to make keys.

[ZackN]

I picked up two of these safes from the local thrift shop for a very cheap price because they didn't have keys and the e-lock didn't work.




They are the similar to one currently offered at a discount tool store... here.

I tired using a single pin method but had trouble and eventually switched to a rakeing method with this pick shown, I had it open (to my surprise) in under 1 minute. Here is the door propped open.


Here is what is inside one of them.
They both had the mounting hardware and a little piece of 'carpet' inside.



Door assembly with cover removed, key in lock position.




And with 'bolt' removed, key still in locked position.



Close up of electronics board. Solenoid in backround that retracts pin allowing bolt to slide past.



Another view of solenoid and how it catches the bolt. (key unlocked and turned, pushing down on ring in this picture)



Key mechanism that pushes down on ring connected to solenoid and pin that moves the pin down allowing the bolt to be retracted.



I want to make some new keys but the 'pins' in this lock are not pins at all. They are actually rectangles with windows that the key passes through, the windows are different heights that will require a different 'bitting' for the key. Ill take some pictures and post them this week.
Thanks all.

[mseifert]

The locks are wafer locks .. Chances are any locksmith can sell you a replacement lock .. Probably cheaper than trying to figure out the key and making a new one... Cant tell by the picture if there is a number printed on the lock sometimes you can get keys made based on that number

[ltdbjd]

I agree; a new lock is the way to go. It will be much cheaper than trying to have keys originated.

[ZackN]

Chances are any locksmith can sell you a replacement lock .. Probably cheaper than trying to figure out the key and making a new one... Cant tell by the picture if there is a number printed on the lock sometimes you can get keys made based on that number

I agree; a new lock is the way to go. It will be much cheaper than trying to have keys originated.

Thanks friends, ill have to check out my local locksmith then, hopefully the punk kid who helped me last time is no longer working there.
The lock is easy to get out, ill do that this evening. They should be able to get me a better quality lock as well right?
There are numbers on the locks, but hopefully I can get new locks, preferably keyed alike.

[mseifert]

Shows like a plan .. just dont put a $40 lock on a $30 safe

[Squelchtone]

This should really be in the Safe area, moving the thread there.

Squelchtone

[billdeserthills]

Chances are any locksmith can sell you a replacement lock .. Probably cheaper than trying to figure out the key and making a new one... Cant tell by the picture if there is a number printed on the lock sometimes you can get keys made based on that number

I agree; a new lock is the way to go. It will be much cheaper than trying to have keys originated.

Thanks friends, ill have to check out my local locksmith then, hopefully the punk kid who helped me last time is no longer working there.
The lock is easy to get out, ill do that this evening. They should be able to get me a better quality lock as well right?
There are numbers on the locks, but hopefully I can get new locks, preferably keyed alike.

You should take the old locks with you, many safe key locks use an odd/hard to find cam style
you might be better off having a key made to fit, or rekey them if that's cheaper

Nothing you do to upgrade these safes will keep out someone with a big screwdriver or a crowbar
You would be money ahead to get a key made as cheaply as possible and sell them & put that money towards a better safe,
if that is your ultimate goal-- those things aren't even fireproof, let alone burglary rated

[ZackN]

Squelchtone, thanks for moving the thread, I was going to focus on just the locks but it really is a safe.

Here are some pictures of the locks.
I agree that I don't want to spend lots of money rekeying or putting new locks on these and think it would be fun to try and make some keys for them myself.

Sorry for poor quality, it was hard to get pictures with my phone.








The key would go through the window. The side tang presses on a spring. Windows are different spacing up and down to give the 'bitting'.

[stratmando]

You could take lock to a Hardware store, try key keys til one fits, be sure its long enough, then file till all wafers are on the shear line. May even use a More secure Lock and Key?

[ZackN]

You could take lock to a Hardware store, try key keys til one fits, be sure its long enough, then file till all wafers are on the shear line. May even use a More secure Lock and Key?

I like this idea, it sounds easy and cheap.
As others have stated these are some pretty cheap and low quality safes, I'm not trying to make them anything better than they were or can be, just trying to have a little fun. I'll see if I can pick up some keys while I'm out and about today.

[MartinHewitt]

Is this one of the safes which can be opened with a little slap onto the top?