AboutTerry Andreasen (Andy) Expertise Safe and Vault related Questions;
Antique Safe Repair and Restoration;
With over 37 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer.
Current Project: Restoration of three, 36 ton steel vault doors and drop floors, in the old Federal Reserve Building, San Francisco.
Experience 37 years in the Safe & Vault Industry. Service Manager for one of the largest Safe & Vault companies on the West Coast. Graduate of Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing, Safe lock Manipulation and Safe Deposit Lock Courses. Graduate of Locksmith Institute.
Certified Instructor for the California Locksmith Association teaching Basic and Advanced Lock Servicing, Basic Safe opening and Repairing.
Factory Trained by AMSEC, LORD Safes, LeFebure, Mosler, KabaMas, LaGard and Sargent & Greenleaf
Organizations SafeCrackers International
Education/Credentials Graduate of Locksmith Institute 1972
Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing 1974
Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Manipulation 1975
Graduate Lockmasters Safe Deposit Lock Servicing 1985
Instructor Certified - California Locksmith Association - 1985
Awards and Honors Retired US Army, with many decorations and awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Op Iraqi Freedom.
Past/Present Clients Secret Service, FBI, Dept. of Homeland Defense, US Army, US Coast Guard, US Navy, US Marine Corps, Lawerence Livermore National Lab, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, various local banks, credit unions, state agencies, Jewelers, and many commercial and residential customers.
Service Area is Northern California (Fresno to Oregon and Western Nevada)
Question Hello,
We own an old "Bank of Montreal" near London, Ontario, and it has a huge 12x14ft, locked, J&J Taylor bank vault. When the bank moved they removed the tumblers and our local locksmith is unable to open it. We'd love to open it without having to damage the door, after all, it's a small piece of history and a great conversation starter. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you :)
Answer Beatrice,
If the tumblers (wheel pack) has been removed from the vault locks, you should be able to open it. Depending on the lock, you may have to rotate the dial, left or right until it stops, then the handle should be able to turn.
If the lock doesn't have a lever, then you may have to turn the handle as you are turning the dial.
Generally, Locksmiths do not have the training or knowledge for this type of service. You will need a safe technician from a safe company. You might try one of the following companies:
