Expert: Mike Palmer - 10/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: I got a key and it also has a dial for combination,,its tricky to open I was told,,can't get it to open with key,,what am I doing wrong????

ANSWER: Creed,

I'm not sure what your "exact" problem is, you haven't been very specific.

Generally if a safe is "tricky" to open, it is because it needs service or attention.  Who ever told you this either has neglected to maintain the safe, or does not have the correct dialing/operating sequence.
I have never met a safe that was "tricky" to open, especially if it is operating correctly.

There are only three reasons that a safe lock will not open:
1. Incorrect dialing sequence,
2. Incorrect combination,
3. Mechanical problems.

Sounds like either you are doing something wrong or the safe needs maintenance.

I would recommend that you have maintenance done.  If you get the door open, don't close it.  If it is small enough you may be able to lift the door off of the hinges and take it to a local safe company.  If it is too large, you may need them to come to you.

Hope this helps,

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do I need key in unit before trying the conbination,,and should I try putting pressure on door handle ,,if so do I go clock wise or what,,key has a number on it,,so does safe,,is their a way to contact the company that made it with this info to get a accurate combination if the one I got is wrong,,the person who sold it to me said this is the correct combination,,but the safe was his dads,,this person is deceased now,,sorry to sound silly but I know nothing of how to use the combination,,do u start at zero,,the follow the combination as written,,in between each set of numbers do u count turn going by the last number being used or do u count turns after zero is reached.,,thanks for any help u can give me,,hope u can understand what I'm trying to say,,,

Answer
Usually the key will not operate until the correct code is dialled into the combination, so there is no need to apply pressure to the door handle.  

Mechanical combinations are entered by turning the dial one way for a set number of turns until the first number is reached, then the opposite way a set number of turns until the second number is reached, and so on.  However, the sequence of turns can vary from one combination lock to another so you need the operating instructions for this particular model.  I suggest you contact the manufacturer or local supplier and ask them to send instructions.  Then enter the code you have been given.  If it is correct and you have dialled it correctly, you will be able to insert and turn the key to open the safe.

Meanwhile, try this...

Starting as zero, turn the dial anti clockwise stopping when the first number reaches the 12 o'clock opening mark for the fourth time.  Now turn the dial clockwise until the second number reaches the opening mark for the third time.  Now turn the dial anti clockwise until the third number reaches the opening mark for the second time.  Finally, turn the dial clockwise.  If the code has been entered correctly the dial will only travel a short distance before it stops.  Now insert the key. Alternatively, leave the dial resting on the last number and insert the key.

Good luck.

Mike Palmer FSyI
Insurance Liaison Coordinator
Guardian Safes Limited