Case Result: Opening a High-Security Safe With Unexpected Complications

This high security safe turned out to be more challenging than it first appeared.

Opening a High-Security Safe With Unexpected Complications

At a glance, it was equipped with a Sargent & Greenleaf 6730 dial combination lock, a well-known and reliable mechanical lock. Everything about it suggested a fairly routine opening using an auto dialer.

An auto dialer is essentially a specialized machine that connects to the safe’s dial and systematically tries combinations until it finds the correct one.

It’s a non-destructive method, which means it can often open the safe without drilling or causing damage. Another advantage is that it can run on its own, allowing work on other jobs while it operates.

However, auto dialers do have limitations. They can take a long time—sometimes up to 40 hours—and like any computerized system, they are not immune to technical issues.

The First Attempt

We started with the auto dialer as planned.

After about six hours of running, the system experienced a software failure and shut down. At that point, the customer decided not to restart the process. Instead, they chose to move forward with a more direct solution—opening the safe by drilling.

Additionally, the customer wanted to upgrade the lock to an AmSec ESL10 electronic keypad lock, so drilling made sense as part of the overall plan.

Moving to Drilling—and an Unexpected Risk

The next day, the drilling process began. This is where things became more complex.

During the initial drilling phase, it became clear that the safe was equipped with a glass relocker, a security feature installed by the manufacturer.

A glass relocker is designed to make forced entry significantly more difficult. If the glass plate inside the safe is broken—whether by impact or improper drilling—it triggers a secondary locking mechanism that can make the safe even harder to open.

While drilling, I came extremely close to hitting this glass plate. Using a scope to inspect the hole, I was able to actually see the glass—just barely avoiding contact. If it had shattered, it would have added considerable time and difficulty to the job.

Adjusting the Strategy

At this point, the situation required a change in approach.

With a glass relocker present, there are typically a few options:

• Try the auto dialer again
• Attempt manual manipulation (which can take hours)
• Drill from a different angle to avoid triggering the relocker

In this case, drilling from the side would have been ideal, but the safe was surrounded by cabinetry and bolted to the floor, making that option impractical.

That left top drilling as the best path forward.

Precision Work From the Top

Top drilling can be challenging, especially without detailed manufacturer data on the safe’s internal layout.

Three carefully placed holes were required:

• First hole: Revealed that the lock had been installed in an unexpected orientation—rotated 180 degrees from what is typical
• Second hole: Slightly off target, but useful for inserting a scope and improving visibility inside the safe
• Third hole: Successfully reached the correct location, allowing access to the locking mechanism

With the help of a scope, it was possible to clearly view the internal components and complete the opening process with precision.

What We Found Inside

After opening the safe, an important detail came to light.

Although the glass relocker plate was present, it had actually been disabled by a previous technician. This is a surprisingly common shortcut taken by less experienced individuals, but it significantly reduces the safe’s security.

However, there was no way to safely assume that beforehand. The presence of the glass plate required treating it as fully functional to avoid triggering additional locking mechanisms.

Repair and Upgrade

Once the safe was open, the focus shifted to restoring and improving it.

The work included:

• Replacing the compromised security setup with a proper relocker and hardplate system
• Filling all drilled holes with hardened steel and fire-resistant material
• Installing the new AmSec ESL10 electronic keypad lock

The result was a fully functional safe, restored to proper working condition and upgraded for easier use.

Final Outcome

Despite the unexpected challenges, the safe was opened successfully, repaired correctly, and upgraded to meet the customer’s needs.

This case highlights an important reality: even safes that appear straightforward can contain hidden complexities. Proper tools, experience, and careful decision-making are essential to avoid making a difficult situation worse.

Need Safe Opening or Safe Repair in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs Locksmith ApexAccess Security provides professional safe opening, repair, and upgrades for residential and commercial safes throughout Colorado Springs.

Whether you’re locked out, dealing with a malfunction, or looking to upgrade your safe’s security, experienced help is available – contact us now!