Wall safe

[archie]

I am looking for information on how to pick an old safe lock, it's a "MARKRIX" wall safe produced by a UK firm "John Elliot and sons" that company was established in London 1867, it is fixed into a wall of the old property where I live, I have no idea when it was last opened, the age of this building dates from 1922. It has a lever type keyhole.

[Chrispy]

My guess is it can most likely be opened in the same way as a standard lever lock. The fact that it is attached to a safe might warrant it's inclusion into the advancd section....

[TOWCH]

Do you have any prior experience with locks? Going from zero to safe locks really isn't practical if all you're looking to do is save the money to call a safe tech.

[archie]

Ok, figured the reply button! No experience at all, the tech I called up said to me, "dig it out of the wall and cut a hole out of the back , then tackle the lock itself from there", no I couldn't believe the reply either.
And yes there are no techies other than him around here, he got me into my apt once, through a Weiser knobset, easy stuff but it took him about an hour

[Chrispy]

the tech I called up said to me, "dig it out of the wall and cut a hole out of the back , then tackle the lock itself from there",

he got me into my apt once, through a Weiser knobset, easy stuff but it took him about an hour

Any lockies out there who want to make a killing? Go to Barbados.

[Varjeal]

If it took this "locksmith" an hour to get through a weiser lock *no matter what the condition* this person is no locksmith. (although I MIGHT cut 'em some slack since weiser may not be common there) I cannot imagine the condition a weiser might be in that would require an hour to either pick or bypass...and I'm quite serious.

In the case of your safe, don't take his word for it..."digging" a safe out of a wall is..hmmm...how do I say this politely....dumb.

Stretch your calling area and call a safe tech and tell them something like "I'd like to save some money so if your in the area, etc....."

Some may take offense to that, but you also might be able to get a deal and not pay the full rate either.

[acl]

Archie how much are you willing to pay to get this open i could do with a holiday?!
Andy

[raimundo]

Antique wall safe with lever lock, If your in no hurry, this could be an interesting project even for a beginner, You can direct all your learning at the project, make your own tools, etc. so much that when patience and diligent study finally pay off, there will be something missing in life not having to work out how to open it. I would start by researching the company that made it, looking up any locksmiths that claim to know the type, look for the key code on the lock, look in the nooks and crannies for the key, research the use of and possible rental of a short borescope. Count the tumblers, Fit a tensor, try to make a lever lifter, see what plastercine can tell you, possibly try some impressioning after making sure that you have the right warding files, (impatience and the wrong tools will make a muck of this job, but patience could make doing it a hobby) Also, become familiar with the keys that these type safes used, and troll the antique stores, ask questions, there may be an antique specialist around, who you could go to school on if he will answer questions.