The first thing that we think of when placing valuables in a safe is
that they are being protected from intruders. The last thing we think of is
that we ourselves would not be able to collect the goods when the appropriate time
came. The term “safe” can be misleading in that the contents are not truly safe
if they cannot be accessed at all.
When a safe is found to be jammed, it may be tempting to start bashing
away at it until it bends to your will. The situation is a bit more complicated
than picking an
average door lock because they are designed with the intent to hide the
locking mechanism in order to prevent tampering. Not only that, but all safes
are not created equally; they contain different types of locks and do not advertise
that information on the front plate. With that in mind, the preliminary step to
diagnosing the technical problem at hand is to ascertain the unique model
number or name associated with the brand that is owned. Serial numbers and
brand names are labeled on inconspicuous areas such as sides or the bottom.
Larger commercial safe manufacturers have websites with pertinent
information. There are lists of frequently asked questions about trouble
shooting and common safe malfunctions. There are digital copies of owner’s
manuals furnished online that offer the inner workings of the machine in
question and likely problems associated with different part failures. Diagrams help
in understanding special issues. Some even include email contact forms or
telephone hotlines for helping troubled customers. Before the problems get any
deeper, check if the device is still covered by warranty.
Opening safes is a theme that is well represented in popular culture.
From movies to video games, scenes of cat burglars and spies opening safes are
saturated in the collective consciousness. This isn’t as simple as movies make
it look. Norfolk,
VA locksmith professionals could potentially save safe owners hours of
frustration with one call. That being said, it is necessary to discern whether
or not the safe in question is electronically based. If the safe has lights, a
keypad, and a battery panel then it is of the electronic variety.
Electronic Safes
Electronic safes have a set of exclusive problems that come with the
territory. There is a second tier of security which is also a second chance for
systematic failure. There could be an issue with the wired components. If the
lights are no longer shining when the initiation sequence is activated, i.e.,
when a button is pushed, then either the power source is depleted or there is a
short in the circuitry. There should be an access panel to the battery housing
somewhere on the safe.
Next to consider for the inaccessible electronic safe is that when a
security code is punched incorrectly too many times, the system may trigger a
precautionary lock out that must be waited out, usually twenty-four hours.
These are designed to deter thieves and can also be activated after an attempt
to remotely unlock the item. As stated, if the wired parts are functioning
properly it could still be the lock itself.
To identify a problem that is occurring internally, stop and listen.
The sound made when the lock is refusing to give way can reveal the source. A
metallic ringing that reverberates tells that the faulty piece is one that is
made out of metal. Sounds that seem dulled in comparison reveal that a plastic
or non-metallic object is stuck. If the safe is opened and shut frequently, the
repeated stress can wear away at vital components, especially soft ones like
plastic.
One of the oldest and most common types of
locking mechanisms used by safe manufacturers is the combination wheel pack
design. They vary in the number of dials it takes to release the bolt. They
must be calibrated correctly or even the right combination will result in a
jam.
It goes to say that there are alternatives to actually fixing the
problem. Those alternatives involve blunt force. Using a hammer and chisel can
do the trick. If the chisel is inserted into a crevice around the insulation of
the front panel door, then enough hammer impacts may force the door open. Doing
this can irreparably damage the locking mechanism and require replacement of
the safe. This technique can also exacerbate the situation by causing further
interior misalignment. It is not recommended that one uses force to open their
safe. Not only could you damage the safe itself, but you could hurt yourself,
too.
Get in touch with an experience expert and
save money and damage!
Working professionals are out there that handle these situations daily
and can retrieve sealed valuables by much more reasonable means. Star
Norfolk Locksmith in Norfolk, Virginia has staff with the competence to
unlock safes and provide on-site repairs to prevent future issues. It is best
to contact a licensed lock and security provider, rather than taking matters
into your own hands. If the safe that cannot be opened or unlocked is at your
place of work, then you likely need to be able to open it immediately to make a
bank deposit. Luckily, there are locksmiths all over the place, to include in
Norfolk, Virginia, who make themselves available to help customers 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. You are generally able to take advantage of same day
service, which is incredibly helpful when you have a lock problem that can’t
wait. If the safe is in your home and doesn’t need to immediately be unlocked,
then perhaps you can set up an appointment that works with your hectic
schedule. Just remember that it is always best to have a licensed and insured expert
tackle the task, especially when it involves expensive components.
Call on a local locksmith if your safe is jammed at your commercial or
residential property.
Source: How to Deal With A Jammed Safe
