Many people find themselves in need of safes and vaults to hold important and valuable items. It’s crucial to have access whenever you need to retrieve something that’s locked away. However, there may be situations when you’ll need to count on the expertise of a locksmith to help you get inside. 

When Should You Hire a Locksmith to Open a Safe or Vault?

1. Broken or Damaged Part 

Whether due to poor maintenance, previous break-in attempts, or accidents, safes and vaults can become so damaged they can’t be opened without professional intervention.

Bolts could be misaligned, the wiring could be faulty, or the locking mechanism might be distorted or knocked out of place. Attempting to open a container that’s damaged will often prove futile and may even make the situation worse.

2. Lost Keys or Forgotten Code 

It’s common for people to misplace the keys to their safe. They may also find themselves unable to remember the combination or code if they didn’t write it down or can’t locate where they stashed the combination.

Trying to force your way into the safe could result in damage to the device. If you can’t recover your lost key or forgotten combination, contact a local locksmith for help. They can also offer key replacement. 

3. Lockout Mode 

Modern electronic safes and vaults are often equipped with a lockout mode. This means they automatically lock themselves after too many attempts at entering the wrong combination. They will stay locked out even if you input the right information. While it’s good to know they won’t unlock for would-be thieves, only a locksmith could reopen them at this point. 

4. Outdated Combination 

If a safe or vault hasn’t been well-maintained, the combination might gradually shift over time. You can try adding or subtracting one number from each number of your combination to see if you can figure out the new combination. However, it will be quicker and less frustrating to call a locksmith. 

 
All your safes and vaults can be safely opened by a trusted locksmith from A-Okay Lock & Key Inc in St. Peters, MO. This company has more than 30 years of experience and promises efficient, reliable, and thorough solutions to every problem, delivered with a friendly attitude. They also offer 24-hour emergency service if you need urgent access to your valuables. To schedule a visit, call (636) 441-1190 or message them online.