Gun Safe Combination Lost!

[KHornet]

A friend of mine and I were slated to go to the range this morning. However, he can not remember the combination to his Gun Safe. And his better half doesn't remember the combination either. I suggested that when he does get the problem corrected by what ever means, he write the combination on a card and put it in his wallet next to his CC. Further suggested that it would be a very wise idea to have his better half keep a copy in her wallet as well. I guess this is what in the current vernacular would be called a "Bummer".

 

[Ian]

I've had CRS my whole life, and prepare accordingly. Spare keys to everything, combos, PINs, all get stashed in a very safe place. Now, if I could just remember where that place is.....

 

[Rick]

I had a similar problem and everyone told me that I forgot the combination. The numbers were the year my daughter was born, the year I was born and how old my dad was when he died. I didn't forget those numbers but still couldn't get in the safe, fortunately it was empty at the time but still . . . Hired a locksmith/safe cracker, he drilled a hole and put a bore scope inside and used the combination I gave him. He said the combination was correct and it all was lined up but the tumbler didn't fall into the slot so wouldn't unlock. I had him put an electronic lock on in place of the Sargent/Greenleaf mechanical lock and all has been good since. All this happened after a move which is why it was empty and I figured the lock must have taken an impact and messed it up. I had called the lock mfg first and their suggestion was . . . Good luck.

 

[Ian]

I was astonished when I discovered the expected lifespan of some of the big-name mechanical locks...the average person would probably need to replace them several times in their lifetime. I was also astonished at the maintenance/relubrication intervals, something like every 200 cycles you need to open up the works and do a full inspection, wear check, cleaning, and lube session. All the while the combination Master lock on the gate chain at work has gone through tens of thousands of cycles and lives in the dust of a caliche road and the worst the Texas elements can dish out, and the only times it hasn't worked was when it was covered in ice. I think I lubed it once, maybe my boss die did once or twice, since 1983.

 

[L1A1Rocker]

I had a similar problem and everyone told me that I forgot the combination. The numbers were the year my daughter was born, the year I was born and how old my dad was when he died. I didn't forget those numbers but still couldn't get in the safe, fortunately it was empty at the time but still . . . Hired a locksmith/safe cracker, he drilled a hole and put a bore scope inside and used the combination I gave him. He said the combination was correct and it all was lined up but the tumbler didn't fall into the slot so wouldn't unlock. I had him put an electronic lock on in place of the Sargent/Greenleaf mechanical lock and all has been good since. All this happened after a move which is why it was empty and I figured the lock must have taken an impact and messed it up. I had called the lock mfg first and their suggestion was . . . Good luck.

That went a different way I was expecting. S&G warns about a practice I see ALL too often. When closing the safe it is required to spin the lock, but some people have a habit of REALLY spinning that lock with a lot of force. Don't do this. It will (not if, will given enough time) cause the combination to slip a bit. Eventually it slips enough that the combination does not work. Typically the lock smith will try your combination but off by a few numbers and get it open.

This is what I was expecting to read was your issue. But yep, a hard hit can damage it. The locks are very precise things, just a bit wrong can cause a lock up.

 

[KHornet]

He found the combination after many hours of consternation and stress. I suggested that he write the number on a card and tape the card to his CC. He did just that. Also suggested he have the other half do the same but with her drivers lisc.

 

[Ian]

All's well that ends well!