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Safe - how to open?
I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the
closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC |
Safe - how to open?
On 5 Feb 2007 22:29:41 -0800, "MiamiCuse"
wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? A locksmith can *probably* open it and reset the combination for you. Those old safes were steel & concrete-- huge, heavy, and with a small compartment. [early ones were fireproof, but not waterproof- so your papers would not get singed, but would be waterlogged.] Jim |
Safe - how to open?
MiamiCuse wrote:
I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? I've seen 'em do it. They drill an itty-bitty hole (quarter-inch) in a special place and, with the aid of a teeny-weenie light and flexible tools poke around in the safe's innards. After getting it open, you can repair the hole. Probably take a couple of hours. You'll pay the rate you'd expect from a professional's on-location visit, I'd guess a couple hundred. Before you take steps, I'd get a firm commitment as to the ownership of the safe and its contents. |
Safe - how to open?
On 5 Feb 2007 22:29:41 -0800, "MiamiCuse"
wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Realize that the main purpose of a safe is to prevent what you are describing. There is certainly a way to do what you want, but it might be costly, and they might have to verify who owns the safe. A locksmith may have to destroy the mechanism, in order to open it. The safe manufacturer may charge a lot of money to open it. Greg |
Safe - how to open?
"Greg" wrote in message ... On 5 Feb 2007 22:29:41 -0800, "MiamiCuse" wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Realize that the main purpose of a safe is to prevent what you are describing. There is certainly a way to do what you want, but it might be costly, and they might have to verify who owns the safe. A locksmith may have to destroy the mechanism, in order to open it. The safe manufacturer may charge a lot of money to open it. My brother once bought an un-opened safe just a little smaller than yours. He took it to a locksmith who "cracked" it without damage. Call some locksmiths with the model of the safe and ask them if they can open it. Bob |
Safe - how to open?
MiamiCuse wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC Keep this in mind, All safes, whether they are bank vaulys or home can be opened with the right knowledge and tools. Yours is no exception. |
Safe - how to open?
"MiamiCuse" wrote in message
oups.com... I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC In addition to what the others have said, you might want to call the lawyer you used for your will (simply because it's a name you already have), and see if he/she can recommend anyone. I can't imagine this is the first time they would've heard of a situation like this. You might get two benefits from the phonecall: A bit of advice with regard to the legality of what you're doing, and the name of an experienced locksmith, as opposed to just picking a name out of the phone book. |
Safe - how to open?
On Feb 6, 12:29 am, "MiamiCuse" wrote:
I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC Are the hinges exposed? Maybe they can be cut and replaced later after combination is reset..Having a safe can actually draw thieves to Your house if people see it and start flappin thier gums..Will a heavy duty handcart help with moving it? |
Safe - how to open?
On Tue, 6 Feb 2007 07:15:55 -0600, "HeyBub"
wrote: MiamiCuse wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? I've seen 'em do it. They drill an itty-bitty hole (quarter-inch) in a special place and, with the aid of a teeny-weenie light and flexible tools poke around in the safe's innards. After getting it open, you can repair the hole. Probably take a couple of hours. You'll pay the rate you'd expect from a professional's on-location visit, I'd guess a couple hundred. Before you take steps, I'd get a firm commitment as to the ownership of the safe and its contents. Or you hire an OCD 12-year old to sit there for three days trying every possible combination. It's not like you're in a hurry. |
Safe - how to open?
MiamiCuse wrote:
I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC I'd say you should talk to your lawyer first. Even if the previous owner gave or gives you a release saying the safe and anything in it is yours to do with as you wish, there might just be stuff in it which was NOT his property in the first place. It's not inconceivable that if there is stuff in it belonging to others which is really valuable and word gets out you might have to deal with the rightful owners or their heirs. As others have already told you,professionals can open ANY safe. Money is a great lubricant and almost anything can be accomplished if you're willing to pour enough of it onto the problem. Depending on the quality and age of the safe that could mean anything from a hundred bucks to "OMG". Jeff -- Jeffry Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE) The speed of light is 1.8*10^12 furlongs per fortnight. |
Safe - how to open?
"MiamiCuse" wrote in
oups.com: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC contact the safe manufacturer with the model and serial number,perhaps fax a copy of the property's title. They may have the combo on file. there may still be valuables inside it. -- Jim Yanik jyanik at kua.net |
Safe - how to open?
"Jeff Wisnia" wrote in message
et... MiamiCuse wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC I'd say you should talk to your lawyer first. Even if the previous owner gave or gives you a release saying the safe and anything in it is yours to do with as you wish, there might just be stuff in it which was NOT his property in the first place. It's not inconceivable that if there is stuff in it belonging to others which is really valuable and word gets out you might have to deal with the rightful owners or their heirs. As others have already told you,professionals can open ANY safe. Money is a great lubricant and almost anything can be accomplished if you're willing to pour enough of it onto the problem. Depending on the quality and age of the safe that could mean anything from a hundred bucks to "OMG". Jeff Speaking of old folks saving stuff: A friend of mine used to be into buying and refinishing antique furniture. One day, he and his wife found a really nice dresser at an estate auction. They bought it for $150.00. As they were loading it into their pickup, they laid it on its back and heard something metallic sliding around. They stood it up again, pulled out the drawers, and under the bottom drawer was a lightweight metal box containing $4,000.00 in hundred dollar bills. They went home fast. |
Safe - how to open?
Speaking of old folks saving stuff: A friend of mine used to be into buying
and refinishing antique furniture. One day, he and his wife found a really nice dresser at an estate auction. They bought it for $150.00. As they were loading it into their pickup, they laid it on its back and heard something metallic sliding around. They stood it up again, pulled out the drawers, and under the bottom drawer was a lightweight metal box containing $4,000.00 in hundred dollar bills. They went home fast He's quite the humanitarian. I'd count your silverware after he leave your house the next time! |
Safe - how to open?
"Larry Bud" wrote in message
oups.com... Speaking of old folks saving stuff: A friend of mine used to be into buying and refinishing antique furniture. One day, he and his wife found a really nice dresser at an estate auction. They bought it for $150.00. As they were loading it into their pickup, they laid it on its back and heard something metallic sliding around. They stood it up again, pulled out the drawers, and under the bottom drawer was a lightweight metal box containing $4,000.00 in hundred dollar bills. They went home fast He's quite the humanitarian. I'd count your silverware after he leave your house the next time! You would've walked that metal box back to the auctioneer? |
Safe - how to open?
On 6 Feb 2007 09:22:36 -0800, "Larry Bud"
wrote: Speaking of old folks saving stuff: A friend of mine used to be into buying and refinishing antique furniture. One day, he and his wife found a really nice dresser at an estate auction. They bought it for $150.00. As they were loading it into their pickup, they laid it on its back and heard something metallic sliding around. They stood it up again, pulled out the drawers, and under the bottom drawer was a lightweight metal box containing $4,000.00 in hundred dollar bills. They went home fast He's quite the humanitarian. I'd count your silverware after he leave your house the next time! It wasn't especially NICE of them, but it was, as far as I know, perfectly legal. Going from that to petty theft is a bit of a leap. |
Safe - how to open?
google.com never fails!
I did a search of "safe cracking" (include quotes) and got lots of pages. I did not read them but saw something about "thermal imaging". Also may want to ask the previous owner what his birthday is and birthday's of people in his family. Some people use birthdays. Or he may remember that he did or did not use a birthday. Perhaps the safe came with a standard combination and all models would have this combination? (Then you would change it to what you wanted after purchase.) Maybe the safe is still set to the combination it came with? Also maybe the old guy remembers where he purchased the safe. If they are still in business, maybe they would have a record of the combination? BTW, if I found anything in the safe, I would return it to the old man. I have a fireproof safe in my house, but all I have in it is documents which I don't want to burn up in a fire. Nothing of any value. "MiamiCuse" wrote in message I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC |
Safe - how to open?
"Goedjn" wrote in message
... On 6 Feb 2007 09:22:36 -0800, "Larry Bud" wrote: Speaking of old folks saving stuff: A friend of mine used to be into buying and refinishing antique furniture. One day, he and his wife found a really nice dresser at an estate auction. They bought it for $150.00. As they were loading it into their pickup, they laid it on its back and heard something metallic sliding around. They stood it up again, pulled out the drawers, and under the bottom drawer was a lightweight metal box containing $4,000.00 in hundred dollar bills. They went home fast He's quite the humanitarian. I'd count your silverware after he leave your house the next time! It wasn't especially NICE of them, but it was, as far as I know, perfectly legal. Going from that to petty theft is a bit of a leap. Most auction goods are sold "as is". That's why you're supposed to inspect before bidding. |
Safe - how to open?
Bill wrote:
still in business, maybe they would have a record of the combination? BTW, if I found anything in the safe, I would return it to the old man. I'll second that thought. Last year I bought a barely used Lincoln automobile from a repair shop owner who was selling it for a customer of his, the son of an elderly gentleman who'd bought it new and passed away shortly thereafter. When I was putting my car papers in the glove compartment I discovered two things "hiding" inside it: A "Happy Birthday Dad" greeting card with an unused local restaurant gift certificate in it. A little leather bag containing a very beautiful and old looking rosary. I called the place which sold the car to me and got the name and address of the son, then mailed the items back to him that same day. The next day we got a call from his wife thanking us and reminding us that both she and her husband had worked for our family business some 15 years ago, then later they got hitched. (Small world, huh?) The happy ending was that the wife looked around and found the keyless door entry combination for the car and told it to me so I didn't have to pay a dealer to fiddle a new one into the car's computer. An Irish-Catholic guy I knew about 40 years ago said that his family called stuff you found and kept which you knew belonged to someone else "The Devil's host" and that hanging onto it would bring you continuous bad luck. I choose to believe he knew what he was saying. G Jeff -- Jeffry Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE) The speed of light is 1.8*10^12 furlongs per fortnight. |
Safe - how to open?
On Feb 6, 9:31 am, Charlie Morgan wrote:
On 6 Feb 2007 07:06:27 -0800, "Dean" wrote: On Feb 6, 12:29 am, "MiamiCuse" wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC Are the hinges exposed? Maybe they can be cut and replaced later after combination is reset..Having a safe can actually draw thieves to Your house if people see it and start flappin thier gums..Will a heavy duty handcart help with moving it? It would be a rarity to find a safe (other than a toy) that could be opened by cutting off external hinges. There are hardened steel pins in the edge of the door that slip into holes in the jam on the hinge side when the door is closed. CWM- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Oh well,,a career as a safecracker is'nt in My future anyway.It was just a thought. I spose there was a hint to the quality of the safe judging by the weight,,but,,how can I know the weight is'nt from something IN it?On the other hand it was a roundabout way to get to the info You gave..I'm sure the OP is glad for it.. Dean |
Safe - how to open?
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Safe - how to open?
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message ... "Larry Bud" wrote in message oups.com... Speaking of old folks saving stuff: A friend of mine used to be into buying and refinishing antique furniture. One day, he and his wife found a really nice dresser at an estate auction. They bought it for $150.00. As they were loading it into their pickup, they laid it on its back and heard something metallic sliding around. They stood it up again, pulled out the drawers, and under the bottom drawer was a lightweight metal box containing $4,000.00 in hundred dollar bills. They went home fast He's quite the humanitarian. I'd count your silverware after he leave your house the next time! You would've walked that metal box back to the auctioneer? No, I would have returned to the executor of the estate, or the attorney of record. Around here at least, many auctioneers ain't real honest. Yeah, keeping it was probably technically legal (although there is case law saying nobody should benefit from an obvious mistake), but it would have left me feeling scummy. aem sends... |
Safe - how to open?
On 5 Feb 2007 22:29:41 -0800, "MiamiCuse"
wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Contact savta.org and see if there's a good vault tech nearby. If so, call and describe the safe. Is there a handle separate from the dial? If so, try putting pressure on the handle (i.e. try to open the door) while turning the dial. See if pressure on the handle makes the dial harder to turn (even very slightly). If that is the case, the safe can probably be manipulated, or opened without damage. Depending on the mechanism, he might have to drill it, and that will cost plenty. Good luck. |
Safe - how to open?
MiamiCuse wrote:
I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Call a locksmith, or go to them with pictures. They may be able to get into it by drilling a small hole and looking around with a thing called a borescope. They then plug the hole and the safe is still, well, safe. Did you try the more obvious numbers, like 10-20-30, 20-40-60, the man's birthday, or his anniversary date? Or perhaps it was never changed from the somewhat standard 50-25-50 default combination. If you're in a big city, you might find a locksmith that has a device that clamps onto the dial and spins it continuously for many hours until it finds the right numbers. Such tools are expensive and not very common. |
Safe - how to open?
Jim Yanik wrote:
"MiamiCuse" wrote in oups.com: Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC contact the safe manufacturer with the model and serial number,perhaps fax a copy of the property's title. They may have the combo on file. Are you serious? Never mind the logistical problems of keeping such records, this is a huge security breach, and any company that does this doesn't deserve to be in business. |
Safe - how to open?
On Tue, 06 Feb 2007 14:04:50 -0500, Jeff Wisnia
wrote: Bill wrote: still in business, maybe they would have a record of the combination? BTW, if I found anything in the safe, I would return it to the old man. I'll second that thought. Last year I bought a barely used Lincoln automobile from a repair shop owner who was selling it for a customer of his, the son of an elderly gentleman who'd bought it new and passed away shortly thereafter. When I was putting my car papers in the glove compartment I discovered two things "hiding" inside it: A "Happy Birthday Dad" greeting card with an unused local restaurant gift certificate in it. A little leather bag containing a very beautiful and old looking rosary. I called the place which sold the car to me and got the name and address of the son, then mailed the items back to him that same day. The next day we got a call from his wife thanking us and reminding us that both she and her husband had worked for our family business some 15 years ago, then later they got hitched. (Small world, huh?) The happy ending was that the wife looked around and found the keyless door entry combination for the car and told it to me so I didn't have to pay a dealer to fiddle a new one into the car's computer. An Irish-Catholic guy I knew about 40 years ago said that his family called stuff you found and kept which you knew belonged to someone else "The Devil's host" and that hanging onto it would bring you continuous bad luck. I choose to believe he knew what he was saying. G Jeff Jeff, The happy ending of this story for me was reassurance that good people are still doing good things. Those items, while useless to you, probably mean the world to the surviving family. You probably didn't mean to..... but you touched my heart with that. I'll bet a year's salary that you did the same to the family. Thanks. |
Safe - how to open?
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Safe - how to open?
I bet you can't even get a wooden 1 3/4" door out of its opening
by removing the hinge pins unless you hurt the door or the jamb, unless it was hung very sloppily.. -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DanG A live Singing Valentine quartet, a sophisticated and elegant way to say I LOVE YOU! (local) http://www.singingvalentines.com/ (national) "Dean" wrote in message oups.com... On Feb 6, 12:29 am, "MiamiCuse" wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC Are the hinges exposed? Maybe they can be cut and replaced later after combination is reset..Having a safe can actually draw thieves to Your house if people see it and start flappin thier gums..Will a heavy duty handcart help with moving it? |
Safe - how to open?
Very interesting question. You buy a house. A day, or a week, or a year later you find a stash of cash in the attic. I would presume that the cash, ( and anything else you find ) is LEGALLY yours. Any exceptions ? rj |
Safe - how to open?
call the comapny that made the safe. They will tell you what information to
collect from the case, and can then give you a combination. If that doesn't work, call alocksmith. A good one should be able to get it open without damaging it. When you speak to them on the phone, give them as much info about hte safea s you can..... "Jack" wrote in message ups.com... MiamiCuse wrote: I just took possession of a property and there is a safe in one of the closets. The safe is about 36"x36"x24" deep. The previous owner was an elderly man and no longer remember the combinations. Me and a buddy tried to move it and it would not move an inch...we think it is at least 500 pounds in weight. Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC Keep this in mind, All safes, whether they are bank vaulys or home can be opened with the right knowledge and tools. Yours is no exception. |
Safe - how to open?
"Bob M." wrote in
: Jim Yanik wrote: "MiamiCuse" wrote in oups.com: Is there a way to get it opened? If I call a locksmith and they come open it does it mean they will break it in order to get it open or is there a way to open it and reset the combinations so it may be used? Thanks, MC contact the safe manufacturer with the model and serial number,perhaps fax a copy of the property's title. They may have the combo on file. Are you serious? Never mind the logistical problems of keeping such records, These days,keeping such records is easy,with modern computers. this is a huge security breach, Doubtful criminals would contact the manufacturer(and fax necessary documents),who might have a record of the theft and notify police. and any company that does this doesn't deserve to be in business. At least the company could recommend locksmiths who have the capability to open it. -- Jim Yanik jyanik at kua.net |
Safe - how to open?
On Feb 7, 5:42 am, "DanG" wrote:
I bet you can't even get a wooden 1 3/4" door out of its opening by removing the hinge pins unless you hurt the door or the jamb, unless it was hung very sloppily.. -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DanG Even well built doors ca'nt be too tight between the jamb or they wo'nt open without scraping,,but,,far as I can see,it's all moot.. Dean |
Safe - how to open?
Jim Yanik wrote:
contact the safe manufacturer with the model and serial number,perhaps fax a copy of the property's title. They may have the combo on file. Are you serious? Never mind the logistical problems of keeping such records, These days,keeping such records is easy,with modern computers. ...that can be hacked into, stolen or otherwise compromised. Still a very bad idea. At least the company could recommend locksmiths who have the capability to open it. No they wouldn't because they wouldn't know. If they gave you an answer at all, it would be "Look in the yellow pages under Locksmiths". |
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