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Question
I have opened this safe a few years ago. I am using the same numbers in the same combination and I am able to get to the point where the the dial stops. The door will not open. The safe has not moved since it was last opened.
Jeff,
Do you feel the dial engage the lock and stop, or do you feel it engage and then continue another 10-15 numbers before it stops?
If the dial comes to a complete stop, the lock is unlocked. The problem is somewhere else.
How far does the handle turn prior to unlocking the lock and compared to after the lock unlocks?
You may have something caught in the hinges or in the door jamb that is "binding" the bolt work. How tight is the handle? Is there any play in the handle at all? How tight is the door? Is there any play at all?
Try Pressing on the door to releave the pressure. While you continue to press in on the door, ensure the dial is turned all the way. It should stop around 80-90. Next try turning the handle.
If the handle turns but the door won't open, it may have a rusted or worn hinge. This could allow the door to "drag" on the threshold enough where you can't open it.
These are a number of the potential problems that can keep the door from opening. It requires a detailed inspection to determine exactly what is happening, or not happening!
I will need you to answer all of the above questions. In addition, look at the door(s) and the frame. There should be a slight gap that runs all the way around the door (or each door). This gap should remain parallel along each edge. Look at the top of the gap and compare it to the bottom of the same gap - are they the same width? If you have double doors, look at the top edge where they meet - do they line up with each other?
Let me know what you find out. If necessary send me pictures of these areas including the hinges, each corner of each door and the dial in the unlocked position.
send them to me at: andy@securitysafeusa.com
Andy
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | The safe had a very slight rust problem from not being used (came with the house). A little bit of rubber mallet persuasion around the edges and the door moved. Steel wool and a drop of a-1 did the job. Thank you. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Terry V. Andreasen (Andy)
Expertise
Safe and Vault related Questions; Antique Safe Repair and Restoration; With over 38 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer. Current Project: Restoration of two Tilton & McFarland safes from the 1860's. Will answer Safe & Vault related questions concerning age, value, restoration, moving, opening & repairing, parts, operation and history. Note: It is not my intention to teach you to open safes or to provide information which may aid in the unlawful opening of a safe. I will not give out drill points or information which I deem inappropriate.
Experience
38 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 and the
National Antique Safe Association
ClearStar
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
Factory trained by AMSEC, MAJOR, STAR, Johnson-Pacific, Kaba-MAS, Allied-Gary, ISM, Lord, Brown Safe, EXL, Mosler, Diebold.
Awards and Honors
2009 & 2010 - Listed in AllExperts Top 50 Experts. All Expert Categories - Safes & Security Containers, Locksmithing, Antique Safes.
Retired US Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), with 32 years of total service. With numerous awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
US Navy - 1971-1981
US Army Reserve 1984-2006
US Army Retired Reserve 2006-present
Past/Present Clients
US Secret Service, FBI, BATF, Local Law enforcment agencies, Diebold, Hamilton Pacific, Red Hawk Int., Chubb International, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Mechanics Bank, El Dorado Savings Bank, many Credit unions and smaller banks. McDonalds, Togos, BurgerKing, TacoBell, Carls Jr. FoodMaxx, SaveMart, Lucky's, Albertson's, Raley's, Safeway, NobHill, Bell Markets, PW Markets. Great America, Century Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, UA Cinemas, and many homeowners and small businesses.
Provide warranty service for lock and safe manufactures.
Service Area is Northern California (Fresno to Oregon and Western Nevada)
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