I need a safe cracker

[shinbone1]

Sorry, $675. labor, new lock and travel. I think the lock may have been over priced but I didn't check.

[sigstroker]

Ouch. Can it happen again to the new lock? Or is the newer one higher quality and won't wear out?

I never liked the idea of electronic locks but they sound like a better idea now.

[JDay]

Ouch. Can it happen again to the new lock? Or is the newer one higher quality and won't wear out?

I never liked the idea of electronic locks but they sound like a better idea now.

If you don't spin the dial hard it shouldn't happen. You're also supposed to have your lock serviced every year to ensure its clean, properly lubricated and in good working order.

[shinbone1]

The lock is an upgrade and supposed to be more robust. Swanson said it was due to a defect in the safe assembly that caused constant pressure on the lock bolt. This is in his opinion, what made the lock fail. I fully expect the safe maker to absorb the cost of the repair. The only other guy I could find that was confident he could circumvent the dual relockers, wanted $650+ parts and labor. He estimated $850-1000. Its my understanding that an electronic locks are even more prone to failure. Well, that's what the internets say anyway. Swanson said its about equal. For those in the market for a safe, he told me that for his money, he likes AmSec safes.

[JDay]

The lock is an upgrade and supposed to be more robust.

Believe that if you want, but there is zero difference between S&G and LaGard dial locks. The only exception to that is if you have one of the very first locks that LaGard made.

BTW, if there's an issue with the boltwork which caused the previous lock to fail and he only replaced the lock, it's going to fail again.

[shinbone1]

There is a difference. Have you had the two locks side by side and open? LaGard is almost entirely cast aluminum and the dial is very sloppy. Also, I could be one number each side of the combo and it would still open. The Sergent and Greenleaf is made of brass which self lubricates and is more durable, it has a Teflon bushing on the dail that makes for a nice tight fit and when dailing the combo, I need to be exact or it won't open. So yes, there is a difference. And more importantly, I'm happier with the new lock.

[sigstroker]

How many "spins" would it take to damage a dial? Do I have to worry about buying a safe that may have been taken to a gun show where a dozen monkeys walking by had spun the dial just to be an idiot?

[shinbone1]

I am no authority on safes by any means. My safe was opened a lot. I never leave it open even for a short while so it saw plenty of use. In addition to there being a defect. I imagine you should get countless turns. Especially if you maintain it as suggested above. Though if you plan to lubricate it, I would ask someone for guidance first. I think the wrong lubricant could get gummy in there and cause issues similar to mine. Also, as was mentioned above, spinning the dail aggressively, especially to the open position, can lead to premature failure.

[JDay]

How many "spins" would it take to damage a dial? Do I have to worry about buying a safe that may have been taken to a gun show where a dozen monkeys walking by had spun the dial just to be an idiot?

It's not the spins, it's the force used.

[sigstroker]

So one could do it?

[50BMGBOB]

What is the going rate to have a safe manipulated? I was given a large safe from work but no one knows the combination. The manager that did is long gone. It is suppose to be empty and had been opened 5 years ago but no one can find the combination. It is sitting in my garage no while I figure out how to get it open.

[shinbone1]

I was quoted from $150-650. The first guy was only going to charge $150 but he couldn't open it so he didn't charge me anything. The $650 guy is said to be one of the best in the Bay Area. I was told he actually teaches a manipulation corse. He was $650 wether he manipulated it or drilled it. Go to savta.com. Most licensed lock guys are on there. Call around. It's a national list so finding one in your area should be easy.

[JDay]

What is the going rate to have a safe manipulated? I was given a large safe from work but no one knows the combination. The manager that did is long gone. It is suppose to be empty and had been opened 5 years ago but no one can find the combination. It is sitting in my garage no while I figure out how to get it open.

If they have the mechanical device that runs through the combination dead zones it'll be fairly cheap.

[shinbone1]

Jim Dicker was the guy that tried first. He didn't get it open but he also didn't charge me a dime. Said if it did open it was going to be $150. He's in Vacaville and his number is 707 386 5303. I'd try him first.

[50BMGBOB]

Spent a little time reading up on the art of safe manipulation, pretty interesting and informative too. I am not in a hurry to get it open as it is my 4th safe so I don't need the space today. I thought myself lock picking when I was young so I think I am going to play with it a while and see if I can crack it. Always wanted to learn how anyways. Worst case, I'll call someone when I get tried of playing with it.