Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 4/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: This safe has been in our home since we purchased it. We tried many times to open it with the combination and instructions that were given to us.  We thought we might want to sell it.  A locksmith expressed an interest in purchasing it, and came out to look at it.  He opened the safe on the first try with the combination that we have.  The locksmith made a low offer and we decided to keep the safe, but we have not been able to open the safe since.  

Here is the 5 number combination:  L43-R14-L4-R32-L79

The instructions tell us to turn dial counterclockwise 5 times to number 43, etc.  Is there any trick to this?  Thank you. Jim.

ANSWER: Jim,

The biggest problem that people have is "counting the turns".  If you can't count correctly, the safe will not open.  The following is the correct dialing sequence based on the information that you have given:

5 times left to (43),
4 times right to (14),
3 times left to (4),
2 times right to (32),
1 time left, slowly to stop (should be around 79).

Note:  Left is counter clockwise, right is clockwise.  Do not count the dial revolutions, count the individual number as it arrives at the index mark (12 o'clock).  If you make a mistake, even by 1/2 number the lock may not open.  Dial accurately and smoothly.

For instance, for the first number, you would turn the dial Counter Clockwise (left) stopping the fifth time the number 43 arrives at the index mark.


You made mention that the locksmith offered you a "LOW" price.  You have to remember that he is in the business of selling safes and locks, not collecting them.  If he figures that he can sell your safe for $350, he would be foolish to offer more than $175.  Considering that he has to haul it away, and clean and service it before he sells it (so that it will have some kind of warranty for the next person), he would then need to subtract another hours worth of time from the purchase price.  If he works for $75 per hour, now his offer should only be $100.  This would be a fair price for him to offer you, not a "LOW" price.  Its not personal its business.

On the other hand if you are selling the safe to someone who wishes to collect it or display it, the full asking price of $350 would be an acceptable price.  In fact I recommend that you have three prices in mind when selling an older safe.  Asking price, price you want, and price you will take.  For instance if you want $350, you would ask $400, but be willing to take $300.  This gives you a little wiggle room and the buyer feels that they have potentially gotten a better deal.  Ultimately the price for the safe depends on your motivation to sell, and the buyers motivation to buy.

Andy

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

QUESTION: Andy:
Thanks again for your response - above - which did in fact work to open the safe.  Your advice re: pricing of this safe is also appreciated.
How fireproof or fire resistant would you say this safe is?  Safe to store important papers?  The walls seem to be about 7 inches thick.
Jim

Answer
Jim,

I would not recommend trusting any safe over 50 years old for protection of important documents, or valuables.  If your "papers" are just every day necessary papers, ok, but if they are important and difficult to replace then the answer is "no"!

Bite the bullet and buy a new safe that will give you the protection that you need.

I'll give you a couple of reasons for my statements.  First your safe was never tested to performance levels for any kind of standard.  Trusting your important documents to something that "appears" to give protection is not smart.

Second, over the years the insulation material in your safe has dried out and probably has extensive cracking.  Every crack is a means of heat penetration.

If your safe is in fact 1892 vintage, retire it, use it as a display safe.  I would suggest restoring the cabinetry to something useful for display purposes.  It is an antique!

I don't mean to seem pushy, but I'm serious - your important documents need protection from fire - get an appropriate safe that will provide adequate fire protection.

Andy