How To Unlock A Safe Without A Key: Step-by-Step Guide

Losing our keys happens to the best of us.

Don’t panic.

If all your priced possessions are locked inside a safe, look at alternative ways to access them.

When you buy a safe, you want it to be fireproof to keep your important documents safe from fire.

You also want it to be accessible.

Your problem is when you misplace your key or forget the combination.

This post will discuss how to safely open your safe without a key.

Let’s look into some of the alternatives you can try.

Most digital safes allow you to unlock them manually if you can’t remember your code using paper clips or a screwdriver.

Earth Magnets is also effective or even bouncing or dropping your safe.

Let’s examine these various ways so you can unlock your safe before you know it.

Use a Nail File

You can use a nail file to pick your safe lock like the paper clip method.

Insert the pointy end of the nail file into the keyhole.

Wiggle the file around the keyhole while pressing the pins until you hear a clicking sound.

Turn the lock clockwise to unlock the safe and open it.

This process takes patience and time to accomplish.

Utilize the nail clipper with the curved tip as your lock pick.

Once you’re ready, slide the file from the base of the nail clipper.

Move the file until it is straight and hold it when it touches the clippers.

Slide the nail file counterclockwise or clockwise.

Hold the paper clip vertically and insert the curved end into the keyhole to push down the pins inside.

Use a Paper Clip

You can pick a safe lock with a paper click.

If there is no keyhole on the front, there should be a keyhole at the back.

This technique is ideal for digital safe.

The paper clip should work if you can’t remember your passcode and you have no override keys.

Straighten the paper clip first, then bend it to 90 degrees which resembles a Tension tool.

Bend the second paper clip to a 45-degree angle to resemble a picker with a needle-nosed gauge.

Insert the first paper clip from the bottom of the keyhole and the second click to the upper side.

Hold the paper clip with a tweezer and turn counterclockwise.

Gently rotate both clips until you hear a clicking sound.

This process is straightforward and achievable with patience and time.

Paper clips don’t cost anything like nail cutters, filers, and screwdrivers.

Use a Rare Earth Magnet

Many electronic safes created to keep firearms have solenoids.

This material controls the safe locking system mechanism.

This can be easily reset with a Neodymium Magnet.

You can easily purchase this magnet on Amazon or any hardware store.

Use the rare earth magnet with care.

Do not carry it anywhere near electronic devices, household items, or pacemakers.

Don’t put your fingers between the safe and the magnet, or you might hurt yourself.

If you’re using it to open a safe, place it inside a sock and attach it to the top left corner of the sentry safe.

Move the magnet to the right side and continue moving until you locate the solenoid.

Once you locate it, your safe will unlock.

This Neodymium Rare Earth Magnet is foolproof.

It is so powerful that you can even open a hotel room door with it.

If you are using a digital safe, put the magnet below the solenoid, and your safe will open.

Bounce or Drop

Many homeowners claim that safe bouncing will jolt the locking mechanism and realign it to unlock the safe.

You could try this at home if you have a keyed safe.

The success still depends on the locking bolts.

First off, cover the surface with a piece of cloth.

Clasp the backside with your left hand and the front with your right hand, two feet from the surface.

Try to drop your safe until the door unlocks.

Don’t drop the safe too high, or you will destroy it.

If it doesn’t open, use a hammer and gently smack the solenoid side to few times while opening the door.

Open a Stack-On Safe Without a Key

If you lost your stack-on safe, look for your backup key.

When you purchase a Stack-On safe. it comes with a backup key you can use just below the electronic keypad.

But, if you can’t find your backup key, request your manufacturer for a replacement key.

You may want to try these techniques:

Pry it Open

Take note that, Stack-On Safes are not airtight sealed.

There should be a prying space where you can thrust a strong rod to pry the locking area.

Take note that once you pry the lock open, you can no longer use the safe because the locking mechanism is broken.

Hammer it

You can repeatedly hammer the locking mechanism.

This will loosen and release the clasp that holds the locking bar together.

However, this method could potentially damage your safe.

Drill Through the Lock

Drilling through the lock is an effective option but could cause irreversible damage to the safe.

To release the door, simply drill through the lock.

Be sure to replace the broken lock if you continue using the safe.

Pick the Lock

You can pick the lock of your Stack-On Safe with a paper clip, nail file, or a picking tool.

Remember, you may damage your safe if you’re an amateur picker.

Open a Sentry Safe Without Combination

The Sentry Safe is a famous safe brand.

Many of them have keys or combinations for manual override.

You could request a replacement combination from your manufacturer if you forgot the code.

Just give them the serial number, model number, email address, and a $30 payment.

You should receive it within 10 business days.

If this option is not appealing to you, a rare earth magnet can trigger the solenoid to open your safe.

You can also try a flathead screwdriver by inserting it into the keyhole.

Turn it counterclockwise until the lock releases.

You can also try the paper clip technique.

For a Dial Safe

Look for the emergency key.

You should have this when you purchase the safe.

Without the combination, you can open your safe with the emergency key.

Or, you have to crack it open.

Detach the panel by coving the safe dial.

You will see a small rounded notch when you look below the dial.

This is your emergency keyhole where you can insert the emergency key.

Turn it until the safe opens.

Return the key to the original position before you remove it.

Open a Winchester Safe Without a Combination

Winchester Safe has an electronic locking system and requires combination access.

If you forgot your combination, there are a few things you can try to unlock.

Since these safes are built for maximum security and are made of robust materials, you can’t easily crack them open.

But, you can use the override key that comes with the purchase.

You can reprogram the code with it.

The buttons will ensure the safe is secure after using the key, so preset your combination for extra security.

Do not open the save using mallets, crowbars, or hammers.

Winchester safes are built to protect therefore cracking the lock is almost impossible.

Steel layers also make drilling impossible.

Unfortunately, if you lost both the override key and the combination, contact your manufacturer for a replacement.

Provide them with your safe’s serial number and model if you’re eligible for a free replacement.

Contact a safe locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is probably one of the safest ways to open a safe if you forgot your key combination.

If you tried other means and failed, contact an expert locksmith.

Locksmiths have versatile experience in handling all kinds of safe brands with sophisticated tools.

They will ensure you benefit from their technical expertise using bouncing and picking.

Locksmiths can also provide you with a new safe lock replacement through a precision key-cutting service.

It is expensive to hire a locksmith, but it is a good option.

Therefore, be prepared to pay to get your safe open.

When possible, try to open your safe by yourself.

While it takes time and effort to do it, it’s more cost-effective than calling a locksmith.

Conclusion

Don’t open your safe without keys because this will damage the locking mechanism.

There are universal keys that can open the safe sold in locksmith stores.

Now that you have ideas on cracking a safe without using a key, you can apply these methods quickly.

Remember that safes are burglar and fire-resistant.

Remember to use these hacks only during emergencies.

Choose the best method to open your safe without keys or combinations.

With trial and error, figure out the most suitable method for your circumstance.

Opening a safe is challenging but possible.

Remember, always call a professional locksmith if you need help.