I've got an OLD safe/lockbox that I need to get into. I think it was made back in the 50's or 60's. I have the combination, but it's not working and my Google-foo isn't helping so far. Basically, I'm not interested in preserving it. It originally belonged to my FIL and got passed down to my oldest son who just died. From what I can tell my MIL, before she died 3 years ago, taught him how to open it. I know that it was never an easy or quick process simply because the lock is so finicky. I'm going see if I can drill through the lid and sides to figure out how thick it is. From the once or twice that I saw it when it was opened, I think I remember everything is deceptively thicker than it appears in the pictures.

I've tried locksmiths in the area, they're not interested. Anyone have any thoughts about an attack plan?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jbcummings,

Maybe if you posted a couple of pics/safe info our resident safe experts could help in some way. I know different locks can have completely different combination sequence methods.

Edit: looks like you got them added as I was typing

Six pounds of Tannerite

Are those external hinges? If so, perhaps you could sheer them off with bolt cutters and pry it open.

I just want to say my condolences for your son.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Six pounds of Tannerite

Uh, boss? He said "open it" not "orbit it".

'K?

A circular saw to the side or back.

Get an angle grinder with a cut off wheel and chop off those hinges if using a punch doesn't get the pins out. If cutting off the hinges doesn't work then cut down right in front of the lock to where the lock engages the box

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Six pounds of Tannerite

Uh, boss? He said "open it" not "orbit it".

'K?

I like 'sploshions.

Do it the Mythbusters way:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxgPX5-cmvc

Can't be too hard . Every time somebody posts a thread on a gun forum about it , there's always some dickhead that chimes in about how easy it is to get into any gun safe with a nail file and a set of chopsticks .

This should make short work of it if you don't care about destroying it. You can rent them.



You'd probably want to cut on the side with the door hinges, top or back to avoid the locking bolts.

Call Geraldo Rivera

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Six pounds of Tannerite

Uh, boss? He said "open it" not "orbit it".

'K?

Can't hurt to try

quote:

Originally posted by jbcummings:
Anyone have any thoughts about an attack plan?

Blow it up. Blow it up real good.

This was kinda a challenge for me in the past.

I bought a number of vintage floor safes where the owner had forgotten the combination. My success rate in opening was probably 50%.

There is a trick on some of the old commercial and heavy safes. There is a combination called a "shelf" or "storage" combination. This is a default combo like 25-50-25 or similar that the locksmiths use when storing or transporting safes. If you have an old safe that fits this bill, search online for the brand.

Also, it is worth checking the back, sides and bottom of the safe for the combo written in pencil. (We even tried blacklight). Found two safes with the combo written on the bottom.

The one that was a challenge was a 1895 Mosler safe that weighed probably 1,200 pounds. I tried everything and just couldn't get it open. I bought it for a $1 from a little NY village. The only gentleman who knew the combo passed away and they had no idea what was in it.

So I read/researched online as to where the fence fell inside the mechanism. I was moving and it was in rough shape so I didn't plan on keeping it.

I took a 90 degree cutting tool and cut only a small surgical section out, then reached inside and cut the fence. I was able to open it after that. This was the only safe I damaged in opening and I sold it for metal scrap.

Best reward I got from about 15 safes over the years was six ounce silver bars.

If it's an old one check the make and verify that it doesn't have any anti-theft surprises inside the door assembly.

(Always hoped I would find stacks of currency or a vintage Colt 2 1/2" barrel Python but no such luck)...

If that has a spring bolt (door can be closed with combo lock locked) then I can get you into it with little effort.

Any signs (rub marks or depressed area) on the side of the safes body where the door gap is near the dial?

turn 4 times to the left stopping on the first number, turn 3 times to the right stopping on the second number, turn 2 times to the left stopping on the third number, then turn right until it stops and open. Thats the way mine work, couldn't hurt to try before you get out the power tools.

quote:

Originally posted by Stlhead:
turn 4 times to the left stopping on the first number, turn 3 times to the right stopping on the second number, turn 2 times to the left stopping on the third number, then turn right until it stops and open. Thats the way mine work, couldn't hurt to try before you get out the power tools.

Definitely worth a shot, since you supposedly know the combo. I have an old Diebold safe from the mid-1900s that works this way. A little different from the typical way of opening a combo lock.