Before you curse yourself for forgetting the code or losing the keys, let me tell you, this happens to thousands of gun safe owners around the globe, so relax! There are still multiple ways that you can try in order to retrieve your valuable guns and in this article we are going to tell you how to open a gun safe without the key. The steps are very simple and easy to perform and we have provided step-by-step procedures on how to perform them.
Before we Proceed !
Before we proceed with our main topic on how to open a gun safe without the key it is important to know that some of these ways can damage the locking mechanism of the gun safe.
Therefore, with such methods, you might have to repair or replace the locking mechanism later on. This step might be pocket pinching but there is no other option.
We have also featured some ways that will keep the locking mechanism safe while trying to break open the gun safe. It is recommended to start with those methods first.
Contact the Manufacturer
If you have realized that you have lost the key or password of your gun safe then before you take your hammer and break up the safe, it’s better to contact the manufacturer.
This would not only save your safe from getting damaged but also help in preserving the warranty of your gun safe in most cases.
If you have the proper serial number and model name of your gun safe then there are high chances that the manufacturer would provide you with a duplicate key.
Obviously, you have to pay for the transport and for the keys. If you find this method bit heavy on your pocket then you can proceed with other methods on the list.
Contact local locksmith
A locksmith is the second most proffered option for breaking the lock. Different type of gun safes has different types of the lock mechanism.
The ones which are having keypads and keyhole slots are a bit more difficult to operate. There are some specific locks such as deadbolt locks that require a locksmith who has experience with high-security safes.
A locksmith can either help you in making a duplicate key for your locked gun safe or he might help you break open the lock with his wide variety of tools.
A locksmith will drill a hole in the safe at exactly the right location. The location is usually a bit of a secret. Once the hole is drilled, the locksmith can insert a tool and open the safe.
Repair work then has to be done on the safe to fix the hole and camouflage it so no one else knows where to drill. It will cost money, but save lots of time and trouble.
Using lock jaw pliers
Lockjaw pliers are very strong and powerful and can be very effective in breaking open the safe.
All you have to do is, grab the complete outer portion of the lock on the safe door and press pliers tightly.
Once the pliers grab the lock perfectly, twist the pliers to right. Since the whole internal locking mechanism is attached to the outer protruding lock where the key is inserted, twisting the complete lock from the outside should open up the safe.
Using Knife/Screwdriver
One of the widely used methods to open the gun safe in an unethical way is with the help of a knife or a screwdriver.
You might be thinking that your gun safe is thief-proof but the reality is that with proper technique, a gun safe can be opened with the help of a knife/screwdriver. As a matter of fact, this method has pretty high success rates.
All you have to do is insert the pointed tip of the knife or flat side of the screwdriver inside the keyhole and then shake the knife. After a few continuous counterclockwise shakes, you will realize that the lock is slowly rotating.
With proper positioning of the knife/screwdriver, you can open the safe in not more than 15-20 seconds.
Making use of magnet
Most gun safes are equipped with a solenoid that regulates the locking mechanism. A magnet can be used to trigger the solenoid.
A solenoid is like a wire coil with an electric current flowing and which acts like a magnet. A strong earth magnet can be brought closer to the solenoid which may reset the safe’s lock.
The constituents of earth magnets include neodymium, iron, and boron which are present in form of allow. These magnets are permanent magnets and are widely available on online sites as well as in hardware stores.
All you have to do is grab the earth magnet with a fabric cloth or put it in socks before you try to unlock the safe. These magnets are capable of breaking bones so be careful.
Now what you have to do is locate the solenoid of the gun safe which the help of the magnet. You would find the solenoid on the backside of the locking mechanism.
Now, search for the metal part in the solenoid with the help of a magnet. If you hear the sound of a metal piece in a solenoid moving upwards due to the force of the magnet, your job is done.
Once you have opened the safe using magnet, reset the code of the lock mechanism. Also, it is important to store the magnet carefully as it can potentially damage electric appliances such as TV, remotes, mobile phones, laptop, etc.
Using a Paperclip
One of the old-school ways to pick a lock is by using a paperclip. You can spot a keyhole even on gun safes that are accessible through code.
This method can be time-consuming as well as tricky. You just have to straighten up the paperclip and insert it inside the keyhole.
Now slowly twist the paperclip to figure out the locking mechanism. You have to rotate the paperclip counter-clockwise with the help of tweezers until you hear a click sound.
Once you hear that click sound that means you have successfully opened the lock. Be careful with this method as it has the potential to damage the locking mechanism.
Using hammer
One of the easiest ways to open a safe is by using a hammer. However, this method only works in case your gun safe has a rotating knob.
All you have to do is hit the safe from the top and immediately turn the knob clockwise. Bang the top of the safe and rotate know clockwise. You have to repeat this step a few times till the safe opens up.
This happens due to the presence of a solenoid which is a little plunger that moves in and out.
The lock opens up when the magnetic current signals the solenoid to retract. So when we hit the safe with a hammer, the plunger bounces up and when the knob is rotated clockwise immediately as soon as the safe is hit, the lock opens up. However, you have to be really quick in rotating the knob.
The success rate of this method is high if you are hitting near the solenoid of the safe. The solenoid is present close to the rotating knob.
Using Coat hanger and Screwdriver
For this method, your target site would be the LEDs present on the safe. Sometimes these LEDs might be covered with plastic stickers or sometimes they are exposed.
If they are covered, just remove the plastic sticker to expose the LEDs.
Now what you have to do is insert the screwdriver inside the LED holes and push one of the LEDs out of the way. This will basically remove the circuit board from inside in order to create a path for inserting the coat hanger.
Now take a coat hanger and make it straight except for the top hanging U-shape part of the hanger. Insert the top U-shaped hanger part through the LED hole we just created.
Now you just have to press the solenoid pin with the help it and rotate the knob clockwise. This should open your gun safe.
Drilling Through The Safe
The last option to open your safe is drilling through it. Still calling a locksmith is recommended before this step. People have been using drilling as a method to break into the safe for a long time.
You can also consider drilling into the safe, in case you have lost the keys or forgotten the pin.
The drilling has to be done only into the locking mechanism part of the safe. This will ensure that only the locking mechanism gets damaged while the rest of the unit stays safe.
Locate the locking plate and drill on top of it. Keep on drilling until you see the screws getting unscrewed. Once the screws are out, you can easily open the safe door. In case you have an electric safe, make sure that you don’t destroy the wiring while drilling.
With the drilling method, your safe cannot be locked again as the screws are damaged. You can anytime buy a new one and lock the gun safe.
Conclusion
Here we come at the end of our article with the title “how to open a gun safe without the key”.We have discussed the most effective and widely used ways to open the gun safe. Make sure to follow these steps one by one and in order. Don’t directly start drilling the gun safe without trying more harmless methods. Your motive should be to open the gun safe with minimum damage to it. Also, before you start trying out these methods, make sure that you have proper safety measures and equipment. Thanks for visiting leanoutdoor.com.