When it comes to gun ownership, nothing is more important than your safety and that of those around you. Especially in family homes, the last thing you would want to happen is have a firearm fall into the wrong hands. Gun safes provide protection not only to the condition of your gun, but also from possible accidents in the home.
What are some ways to regain access to a gun safe you are locked out of? If you find yourself locked out of your gun safe, don’t be alarmed – this is actually a pretty common occurrence.
There are several ways to regain access to your gun safe when you get locked out. Knowing your options is critical so that you can maintain regular access to your firearms. Being locked out of your safe is not an option in crisis.
Safety is of the utmost importance when you own a gun, and every responsible gun owner keeps their weapon in a secure and locked safe. The methods to regain access will depend heavily on the type of safe you purchase, and the options on the market are endless. Here are 5 ways that you can open your safe after getting locked out.
5 Ways To Regain Access To a Locked Gun Safe
- Replace the Batteries In An Electronic Gun Safe
If you find yourself locked out of your electronic gun safe, you may want to replace the batteries in it to restore access to the locking mechanism altogether. Be sure to refer to the user manual that came with your safe to reference the type of battery needed.
Most issues with electronic keypad locks are attributed to either low power batteries or completely dead non-alkaline batteries.
To replace them, you’ll need to remove the cover to the battery cartridge and remove the old batteries. Once the new batteries have been installed, place the battery cover back in place.
A lot of keypad gun safes on the market today only require one or two 9 volt batteries, so changing them is relatively inexpensive and should be done regularly to avoid future lock outs.
Keep in mind, some safes will still remember the old key code even after the batteries have been changed.
If you have forgotten your access code altogether, it may be time to reset the keypad to its original factory settings. Just remember to document the new code somewhere that you can find it in the future.
- Reset the Keypad to Factory Settings
Depending on the type of safe you have, there may be different steps involved in resetting the keypad to its factory settings. You will want to refer to the user manual that came with your safe and walk through it step by step.
Make sure that when you do reset the code, you enter a unique code that would be difficult for others to guess. Just like a code to a debit or credit card, if it is easily identifiable it could be detrimental in the wrong hands.
On a lot of electronic lock safes, there is often a programming button located on the lock keypad.
This button should allow you to reset the lock and select a new access code. It could be helpful to write down the code somewhere in the event you forget it. Just be sure to not give this information out to anyone without authorization to use the firearm.
- Access Spare Key In a Manual Lock Safe
Manual lock safes can sometimes be a bit less expensive, which can raise their commercial appeal a bit.
With manual lock safes, you don’t need a code or fingerprint to access the contents, but you absolutely need to keep the key to the safe somewhere close by in case you need to access it.
Just like with a spare car key, the extra set won’t do you any good right next to the original. You’ll want to plan a contingency in place as soon as you purchase your gun safe. You just never know when you may misplace the hard copy key.
If you own a manual lock safe, you should also always have an extra key stowed away in a safe place. In the event that you misplace your original key, you’ll need to retrieve the spare key from either the safety deposit box or other designated holding place.
It’s always good to have an extra key on hand, so if you have indeed misplaced the original, you should reach out to a locksmith and have another backup made.
- Hire a Locksmith
There are several other scenarios that could take place that may also require you to reach out to a locksmith.
It could be anything from a missing key, malfunctioning locking mechanism or a forgotten combination code. Regardless, if you need to access the contents of your safe, it’s time to lean on the professionals.
If you end up losing all of the keys to your manual lock safe, or are unable to reset the electronic code, a professional locksmith can help you with opening the safe.
They have other alternative methods of accessing locking mechanisms that are not typically available to the public.
Sometimes, with combination lock gun safes, they are able to retrieve the original combination and open the safe without any damage. This requires special tools to enter the locking mechanism and retrieve the pieces to the complete code.
You’ll want to shop around and compare pricing for locksmiths in your area. You’ll find that some may be significantly more expensive than others.
Also be sure to ask about any hidden fees, like rush visits or after hours service. In some cases, that could skyrocket the price of reopening your gun safe.
- Open a Safe With a Stethoscope
As crazy at is may sound, older safes can also be reopened by using a stethoscope to listen to the lock. By listening to the internal workings of the lock, you can listen to the notches built into the dial.
Depending on the brand of the safe, you will typically have three to four pieces to the combination before the lock disengages.
Since most people don’t have a stethoscope on hand, this is certainly not the most widely used method to regain access to your combination gun safe. If all else fails, I’m sure you could order one online at a reasonable price.
If you do have a stethoscope on hand, you’ll need to place it up against the safe door near the locking mechanism. Once you do this, begin to turn the dial very slowly to the right until you hear a clicking sound.
Wherever the dial is at the point when you hear the click represents the first portion of your gun safe combination.
To retrieve the second portion of the combination, slowly turn the dial to the left until you hear the same clicking noise. This placement at this point represents the second portion of your gun safe combination.
Most combination gun safe codes consist of three numbers, so to find the final portion of the combination you’ll want to turn the dial to the right until you hear the final click and release of the lock.
At this point, the door should open and you can access the contents of your gun safe.
As with any combination code, remember to write down the retrieved code in a safe and secure location in case you forget it again in the future.
It’s also important to point out that there have been test studies done for safety standard inspections of various top brand gun safes where they have proven able to gain access to the safe by using a multiple of household items.
This is scary to think about, especially if you have young curious children in the home.
Potential Items Used to Break Into a Gun Safe:
Paperclips
Straws
Magnets
Safety Pins
If your children have regular access to the internet, you may want to house your safe in a place that is not easily reachable by children or young adults to avoid the potential of them breaking in and exploring its contents.
Let’s hope circumstances don’t put you in a situation that requires you to regain access to your gun safe, but if you find yourself there, the tips noted above could certainly come in handy.
As an owner of a firearm, you should be well versed in contingency plans for serious situations that may cross your path.
The Types Of Locks On Gun Safes
Depending on the brand and model of the gun safe you purchase, you may find a variety of types of locks on them. You’ll want to match your gun safe with the level of security and speed of entry access.
Though it’s not as in depth as purchasing a vehicle or a home, you need to find a gun safe that fits your needs and personal preferences.
For larger rifles or hunting firearms, you may not need a quick speed entry, but want a large secure fireproof safe with keypad entry.
But for home protection if you have a hidden gun safe or one kept in a bedroom you may want to go with a faster entry safe. The time it takes to gain access to your firearm may be what protects your family from harm.
Types of Locks on Gun Safes:
- Key Locks
- Mechanical Combination Locks
- Electronic Combination Locks
- Biometric Lock
- Time Locks
- Time Delay Combination Lock
Key locking safes are safes that only open with an actual hard copy key. There is usually no combination associated with these styles of gun safes. There are pros and cons to safes like these. It is critical when you own a gun safe with a key lock that the key is kept in a secure spot.
The spare key to the gun safe should be kept in a separate location at home, or better yet a safety deposit box at your local bank.
You’ll want to keep a spare so you can regain access to the safe in the event you lose the main key.
You may also find that some combination lock safes have a backup key entry. This is really handy in the event you have technical or mechanical issues with the combination and still need immediate access to your gun safe.
If your gun safe does have a back up key, be sure to follow the same guidance for standard key lock gun safes and secure the emergency key somewhere that people will not easily find it. If the key is in an obvious spot, it defeats the purpose of having a two point entry system.
There are also mechanical lock gun safes. These will typically have some style of dial on the front locking mechanism that require you to enter a combination to gain access to the gun safe.
When you purchase a mechanical gun safe, be sure to program the combination to a random code to avoid others guessing the combo. Make it something unique to you, but also something you can remember in times of stress or emergency so you can access the contents of your gun safe.
This stands true for electronic combination lock gun safes. You’ll often see this style of safe in hotel rooms, though it may not be reinforced with the same materials as a high quality gun safe. An electronic lock gun safe will require you to enter a 4 to 6 digit code to gain entry access.
Biometric lock gun safes are considered to be more secure, as they require a fingerprint scan from an authorized individual in order to open the safe.
When you purchase a biometric gun safe, you can program in multiple people that can gain entry access if needed. These safes run primarily off of batteries, so it’s critical to change the batteries frequently to avoid a lockout.
Time lock gun safes can be a bit of a double edged sword. This type of safe typically has a feature that delays the opening of the safe for a certain amount of time (to be determined upon programming) after entering the access code.
While this may be a lifesaver for family homes, it could be a serious drawback in the event you need immediate access to your weapon.
Be sure to do your homework on a time lock safe before moving forward with a purchase, just so you are certain that you’re buying the right type of gun for your overall security needs.
There may be other types of gun safes available on the market, but these are some of the common styles available from several top producers of today’s gun safes.
As with any product you purchase, there is always a chance there may be some less desirable issues that come along with owning a gun safe. Make sure you are aware of the common problems that pop up with gun safe locks.
Common Problems With Gun Safe Locks
As inconvenient as it may be to experience difficulties opening a gun safe, in all reality it is much easier to navigate solutions to open a safe lock than it is to deal with consequences of a weapon that is not secured safely in the home.
So long as you are aware of and educated on the potential issues you may encounter, any firearm owner should be confident that they can resolve common problems that may arise with their gun safe.
Potential problems will vary depending on the kind of gun safe you choose to purchase, but there are a few recurring issues that seem to surface with the more popular styles of gun safes. Before you purchase a gun safe for your home, do some research online and see what others have encountered.
Hands down, the biggest problem you will run into with a gun safe, regardless of the style, is not being able to open it.
Different types of locks bring different challenges to the table. With the technology today that we see integrated into gun safes, gun owners are faced with potential problems while gaining access to their weapons when needed.
Electronic gun safe locks are the most common and most secure in the industry right now. But as with any other product on the market, there are a few drawbacks to these. Here are a few of the potential problems you may run into with an electronic gun safe lock.
Potential Problems with Electronic Gun Safe Locks:
- Drained Battery
- Lock Out Mode
- Jammed Handle
- Safe Relocks Before Opening
If your electronic gun safe has a dead battery, obviously you will be unable to open the lock. When the battery is running low, you could potentially run into complications opening your safe lock. Even if it appears to be active, with a low battery it may not respond as it would normally.
Much like a car battery, you may still see lights or hear keypad tones, but the lock itself will remain engaged.
Replacing the battery should bring back full functionality to the locking mechanism, and you will be able to then reopen the safe with your personalized code. Ideally, you should replace the battery in your safe every six months to maintain proper working order on your safe.
Check your owner’s manual for the safe to confirm that you are using the correct kind of battery, and test the lock functionality every once in awhile to make sure that it is working properly.
This will save you the headache of having to break in to your gun safe or hire a locksmith to assist you in gaining access to the contents.
One safety mechanism built into safe locks is a lock out mode to prevent people without the correct code from accessing the safe.
With a safe lock mode, the lock will automatically freeze up after a certain amount of incorrect entries. Depending on the type of safe, you may be able to program the specific number of incorrect entries allowed.
For example, if an intruder attempts to enter in the code incorrectly after four or five times, the safe will lock up and not allow any code to be entered for a certain period of time.
It’s similar to our cell phone security where it locks up after several attempts in an effort to protect the contents of the gun safe.
Sometimes, the handle of the safe may also get jammed. As frustrating as this can be, it happens. It may be placement of the handle, or potentially something inside the gun safe stuck into the locking mechanism.
This is a fairly easy fix when trying to access the safe. If you find that after entering the correct safe code the door will not open, try finding the middle balance of the handle then re enter the code and try to open again.
If this does not resolve the issue after a few attempts, you may want to reach out to a locksmith for further assistance.
How To Avoid Getting Locked Out Of Your Gun Safe
After making the investment in a gun safe for your property, you want the comfort of knowing it will operate effectively when needed, just as you would expect your gun to fire when you pull the trigger.
When faced with conflict, it’s important to feel like are in control and can handle any situation that is thrown at you.
Everyone fears the potential of home intruders, which is one of the big reasons people choose to keep firearms in their home. Families want to be able to protect their children and their property, but it could be disastrous in the event you are locked out of your gun safe when you need it the most.
On the slim chance that you are locked out of your gun safe in an emergency, it could be the difference between saving your family or being robbed or even harmed by an intruder.
This would be tragic considering you have already taken all the steps to prepare for this scenario, only to be locked out due to gun safe complications
There are several ways that you can avoid being locked out of your gun safe. It really depends on the particular kind of safe you own. Knowing the type of safe you have can help when looking for ways to avoid a lock out. A responsible gun owner will be prepared for the unknown and unexpected situations. Here are a few tips to avoid getting locked out of your gun safe.
Tips to Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Gun Safe:
- Keep an extra key in a secure area
- Change the safe lock batteries often
- Test the functionality of the locking mechanism on a regular basis
If you have a safe with a manual key locking mechanism, it might be a good idea to put a backup key in a safety deposit box. This avoids having someone come across the extra key in a random drawer at home.
If you do not have access to a safety deposit box, make sure that the extra key is hidden well or even stored at a trusted friend or family member’s home.
As mentioned earlier with electronic gun safe locks, it is helpful to perform preventative maintenance on your gun safe lock regularly to make sure everything is in working order.
In addition, if you change the batteries on your gun safe often you reduce the possibility of it turning off completely. Regular attention to the safe is paramount.
No matter what kind of safe you have at home, you should get in the habit of checking your firearms and the gun safe regularly to ensure they are secure and ready when needed. Put a reminder on your calendar to check batteries and gun condition monthly so you don’t forget.
Owning a firearm is a serious responsibility, and there are a lot of factors to consider when moving forward with such a big purchase. If you are going to spend thousands of dollars on a home security investment, make it the best fit for you. Be sure to select a gun safe that fits all of your needs as well as your budget.
Being knowledgeable about not only the guns you own, but the gun safes that secure them is of the utmost importance. No one can put a price on your family’s safety, so make sure that you are comfortable with the setup in your home, and the individuals that have access to it.
And don’t be alarmed if you run into occasional issues opening your gun safe. No matter what brand or style you buy, you are not alone.
At some point, you’ll probably run into a complication with your gun safe. When you do, you’ll be prepared with 5 key ways to regain access to your gun safe, along with other helpful tips in navigating your gun safe security.