If you’ve ever owned a Sentry safe, you know they don’t come with easy access. The lock is one of the tamper-proof varieties that require a special key to open. Luckily, there are several ways to master the system and get into your safe without the key. Once you’re able to crack it open, however, there are still a few hoops to jump through before being able to remove the locking mechanism. If possible, it’s best to practice opening the lock on an earlier version of this model or another smaller safe before tackling your own Sentry unit. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to open a Sentry safe without a key!
How To Open A Sentry Safe Without A Key
Bypass The Combination Lock
First, let’s talk about the most obvious way to open a sentry safe without a key: try to bypass the combination lock. If the lock on your sentry safe is mechanical, and you have a little bit of time to work on it, it’s possible that you can simply mess with the tumblers in the lock until you stumble upon the right combination. This method works best on older safes that haven’t been properly maintained. Because the lock is mechanical, it might be missing parts or have worn-down cogs that are easier to manipulate than a newer lock would. If you have an old lock, the first thing you want to do is examine it. You want to see where the tumblers are as they move up and down as you spin the dial. Make note of how many tumblers there are and where they are positioned. Next, try spinning the dial and moving the tumblers up and down. If you happen to find the right combination, the lock will pop open. If you don’t, keep at it until you do!
Use A Dumpster Diving Trick
If you happen to know where the safe was manufactured, you can try to find the date of manufacture stamped on the inside of the safe. If you can find that information, you can contact the manufacturer and try to get the combination to the safe from them. This works best if you have a very old safe that may have been built before current security protocols were put in place. If you can find out the date of manufacture, there’s a good chance that the manufacturer or the original owner of the safe may still have the combination written down somewhere. But what if you can’t find the date of manufacture? It’s possible that you could try to use a dumpster diving trick to find the date of manufacture stamped on the outside of the safe. All you need to do is find a sentry safe that is in good condition and has the manufacturing stamp on the outside of it. If you can’t find a safe that you can get the combination from, you can try to find the safe’s unique serial number and trace it back to find the owner.
Use Software To Bypass The Lock
One way to open a sentry safe without a key is to simply use a computer program to override the safe’s digital access. This can be tricky, as some sentry safes have advanced security features that make it hard to hack the safe’s code. But if the safe is a little less high-tech, you might be able to crack the code easily. If the safe is a little older or lower-end, there is a chance that you can find software that can crack the code. Or, if the safe is connected to a computer, you can use a program like Wireshark to find the safe’s IP address and hack into it that way. If the safe has a Wi-Fi connection and you can log in, you can try to crack the code that way.
Use A Drill To Open The Safe
If none of the above techniques work, the last way to open a sentry safe without a key is to use a drill. This can be risky since you don’t want to crack the safe’s door open too far and break the inside. Depending on the type of sentry safe you have, you might be able to simply use a handheld drill to spin the locking bolts inside the safe’s door and pop it open. Other types of safes have a metal plate inside the door that can make this difficult. If the safe’s locking bolts are beneath a metal plate, you might have to make a hole in the door so you can get to the bolts. If you have to use a hole in the door to get to the bolts, you want to make the hole small enough that it won’t let the inside of the safe fall out. Wiggle the drill slowly as you push it through the door to prevent the safe from cracking.
Crack The Lock Using A Shimming Technique
If the safe is sturdy and the combination lock won’t budge, you might have to break the lock completely. To do this, you can use a shimming technique that involves placing a piece of metal inside the safe’s keyhole and slowly twisting it to break the lock open. You want to be careful when doing this because you don’t want to damage the safe or the items inside. You also don’t want to get caught, so make sure to do this in a place where no one will see you. Once you break the lock open, you can open the safe and take what’s inside. These are all ways to open a sentry safe without a key and get access to the items inside. Be careful when trying these techniques, and make sure to wear gloves so you don’t leave fingerprints!
Tips To Open A Sentry Safe Without A Key?
Have Someone Cut The Lock
The most drastic way to open a safe without the key is to have someone cut the lock off. This is a quick solution, but it will cost you more than other methods. Depending on the location of the safe, you can also risk having it stolen and sold for scrap metal. You can find a safe-cutting service in your area by searching online or asking your local locksmith for a recommendation. If you choose to go this route, you should check the credentials of the service to make sure you’re getting a trustworthy, licensed business.
Use A Bending Tool
You can use a bending tool to manipulate the metal inside the lock and open it without the key. These tools can be found at hardware stores and online. You place the tool inside the lock, apply pressure to the tool, then twist it. This may break the lock, or it may unlock it. You can also try using a pair of pliers to try to bend the lock back into place. You may be able to open the safe this way. As with other methods, you should be careful not to damage the safe, especially if it’s a valuable model. A SentrySafe safe is a good quality product, so you don’t want to break the lock or other parts of the safe while attempting to open it. Bending tools are designed to apply enough pressure to bend metal.
Try A Slim Jim
A slim jim is a type of device that may also be used to gain entry to a lock with a broken tumbler. It is a piece of metal in the shape of a bent paperclip. With this device, you insert it into the keyhole and use it to push the tumblers up and turn them at the same time. You may be able to open the safe using a slim jim if the tumblers are bent or broken. If not, this device may get stuck in the lock, making it impossible to remove without the key. A slim jim is inexpensive and can be found in many stores that sell locksmithing supplies. Make sure you get a metal one, as some are made of plastic. Be careful not to break this device while trying to open the safe.
Use An Electronic Pick
An electronic pick is a special device designed specifically to open locks. You can find an electronic pick at most hardware stores, or online. It consists of a metal cradle with a rotating wheel inside. You place the cradle inside the lock and turn the wheel until it hits the bent tumblers inside the lock. You then push a button on the cradle, and the wheel turns the tumblers back into place so you can open the safe without the key. Electronic picks may work for many SentrySafe locks that have bent tumblers. Electronic picks are inexpensive and can be found in most hardware stores. Be careful using this device, and don’t break the lock even further by applying too much pressure.
Conclusion
Opening a Sentry safe without a key isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With a little know-how and the right tools, you’ll be inside in no time! Honestly, if you’re reading this, we’re willing to bet that you’re safe is an older model, so there’s a good chance that someone has already cracked into it. If you’ve ever owned one of these, you’re probably familiar with the frustration that comes with trying to get the thing open when you need to. Luckily, the hacks above will help you out of a sticky situation and get that door open, no key required.
