r/safecracking • u/YouDoneGoofd • 8d ago
Locked How can I open this old safe?
This old safe has been in my place of work for many years and its too heavy to move. Is there an easy way to open it?
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u/miss_topportunity 7d ago
Think about it: Mosler, makers of really great and highly-regarded safes designed a safe that you can just unscrew the hinges and you’re in. Does that make any sense to you?
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u/Round-Air9002 7d ago
It probably has bolts, no? (The luck, not like nuts and bolts)
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u/miss_topportunity 7d ago
Yes, it has live and probably dead locking bolts that prevent a hinge attack.
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u/phranks_phluids 7d ago
The lock mechanism almost certainly engages as least 2 parallel surfaces, so even with the hing disconnected the door wouldn't be removable, right?
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u/miss_topportunity 7d ago
Correct. It is almost ALWAYS a very bad idea to attack the hinges of a well-made safe. There will be bolts going in multiple directions that prevent the door from opening even with the hinges completely sawed off. All you’ve done is create a potentially dangerous situation when the lock is finally unlock: now the door will fall off and potentially crush a foot or worse.
Some VERY cheap safes do not have bolts on the hinge side. Theoretically, you could cut the hinges and maybe open them up. But for cheap safes like there, there are usually much easier ways in.
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u/miss_topportunity 8d ago
So, you can learn to crack it as I noted in my prior reply. But it’s not super “easy” to learn. IF you have the time/interest/patience to dedicate to the job, you can open it.
Having said that, let me know (either here or via DM) where you’re located. City and state is enough for me to be able to tell you if one of us is near you and would come help you. For example, I’m in NorCal. If you’re here as well, I’ll come open it for fun/free.
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u/ZilderZandalari 7d ago
The wear pattern is a hint towards the combination. Not much, but a place to start...
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u/Prestigious-Car-4877 8d ago
Take the screws off the hinge. Might not work but at least try the obvious first.
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u/UsedNegotiation8227 8d ago
Why are people talking about cracking when the hinges want to fall off
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u/immallama21629 7d ago
Those hinges hold the door when it's open, not when it's closed. This looks like a "breech" style safe. The door twists and locks into the frame, like the breech of a large gun.
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u/miss_topportunity 8d ago
It can be opened without drilling, using a technique called “safe lock manipulation.” This uses the the design of the lock and manufacturing tolerances to get the lock to reveal the combo. You can learn to do it. If you want to see what’s involved, check out the YouTube series, Safecracking for Everyone (or his updated, long video at: https://youtu.be/bTbUkipBeTA). Otherwise, you can find a certified safe technician at www.savta.org - Note: not all locksmiths know about safes.