What to Do When Your Safe is Jammed

Are you having trouble opening your safe? Does it seem impossible to get inside your safe? Don’t panic! We understand that it can be very frustrating but when you panic, it only makes the situation appear worse than it is. When a safe is jammed, it usually happens when it is locked.

Time delay issues: If your safe has a time delay feature, this could be the problem right there. This means that after attempting to open it, you may have to wait up to 20 minutes before entering the code again. This might do the trick. 

Dead batteries: Yes, it could be something as simple as having dead batteries that need to be changed. Although you might have enough power going to the lock, there may not be enough going to the bolt. This means that your lock will still look normal, it will light up and beep. However, the issue may not be anything more than replacing the batteries. If you’re experiencing this problem more times than you can imagine, it might be due to your buying off-brand batteries. Off-brand batteries tend to lose power faster.

Code deactivated: Your code might need to be rest if the safe is jammed. A locksmith is usually able to handle this for you. In some cases, the locksmith might even show you how to reset the code on your own.

Damaged wiring: The wiring of your safe may need repairs if it is damaged. The wiring might need to be inspected.

Steps to take if wiring is damaged 

• If the wiring isn’t loose or cut, then go ahead and disconnect the wiring temporarily and remover the batteries. After about 20 seconds you can try again by reconnecting the wires and putting the batteries back inside.
• If you find that the wiring is damaged, you should contact one of our locksmiths.

Lockout mode: When your safe uses a combination and you have incorrectly entered the code too many times in a row, the safe will automatically go into lockout mode. Some safes use a beep to indicate the keypad is locked. Waiting up to 20 minutes or more might allow you to reenter the code and try again later. However, prior to attempting to do this, make sure you have the right code so that you won’t have to go through the same thing again.

Right Combination/ No Entry: If you have a combination lock with a three-wheel combination lock, you can do the following to gain access again:  

• Turn your dial toward the left four times until the first digit on your combination is aligned with the index opening. The fourth time around, make sure you stop on the right number.  
• Next, turn the dial to the right three times. Do this until the second digit aligns with the index opening. On the third time, make sure you land right on the number intended.  
• Now, you will need to turn the dial to the right and stop at 95 degrees. If it doesn’t stop, you will need to repeat it because it means you were off when you stopped on a number. Keep in mind the importance of stopping directly on the intended number to get the lock to open.  
• To lock it again, simply follow the aforementioned procedure but NOT stopping on any of the numbers that are a part of your combination.  

Are you still having a problem opening your safe? This might be time for you to find a qualified locksmith to assist you in opening your safe. We would strongly discourage you from drilling into the safe if you want to use it again. Drilling into the safe would mean that you would have to buy another safe. This isn’t necessary if you contact one of our locksmiths who are familiar with the way various safes operate. They are usually able to get you back inside your safe without a problem.