How to Open a Combination Safe Using Proven Techniques
Published Date: Sep 18, 2025
Losing the combination to your safe can feel like hitting a brick wall. Whether you’ve inherited a safe or forgotten the code to your own, knowing how to open a combination safe correctly is important. As locksmiths with years of hands-on experience, Sure Lock & Key has seen every possible lockout scenario. In this article, we’ll walk you through the real techniques locksmiths use to get the job done without leaving a scratch.
How to Open a Safe with a Combination You Know
Even if you know the numbers, turning the dial in the exact sequence can be trickier than it sounds. If you’re not sure how to open a safe with a combination, a single misstep can keep the lock from engaging. Most traditional mechanical safes follow a similar pattern, so let’s walk through a standard three-number sequence (for example, 40–20–60).
- Step 1: Clear the Lock. Turn the dial to the right (clockwise) four full turns. This resets the lock tumblers (the parts inside the lock that line up to release the bolt) and prepares them for the new code. Stop with the 0 aligned at the top indicator mark.
- Step 2: Dial the First Number. Continue turning right until your first number (40) lines up with the indicator. Hit the mark exactly — being even slightly off can prevent the lock from opening.
- Step 3: Dial the Second Number. Now, turn the dial to the left (counter-clockwise), passing your first number (40) once. Continue turning until you land exactly on your second number (20). Stop the moment it lines up — don’t circle past it again.
- Step 4: Dial the Third Number. Turn the dial back to the right (clockwise) until you reach your third number (60). You should not pass it. The dial should stop on the number.
- Step 5: Open the Door. After entering the last number, the lock should be disengaged. Turn the handle to open the safe door.
If the safe doesn’t open, try the sequence again, paying close attention to the direction and number of turns. Some safes have unique requirements, so if you continue to have issues, Sure Lock & Key’s safe locksmith services can resolve the problem without damaging your property.
How to Open a Combination Safe Without the Combination
If you’ve lost your safe combination and are wondering how to get into a locked safe, you might be tempted to try aggressive methods, but drilling or prying the safe open can cause serious damage, trigger built-in security measures, and even make the safe unusable. The best way to unlock a combination safe when you don’t have the combination is to call a professional.
A safe opening locksmith has the tools and expertise for professional safe opening without destroying the safe itself. For example, a skilled technician might use lock manipulation, a precise method where they feel and listen for the movement of the lock’s internal tumblers to discover the combination. Another technique involves a borescope — a small inspection camera that allows the locksmith to view the lock’s interior and determine the code.
By using these non-destructive methods, your safe remains fully functional and your valuables stay secure. For more information on these specialized techniques, you can read our detailed post on how to open a safe without a combination.
Your Next Steps for Safe Access
When you need to get into a locked safe, patience and precision will protect both your valuables and the safe itself. If you still have the combination, follow the dialing process carefully using the steps we’ve outlined for how to unlock a combination safe. If the code is lost, avoid damaging the lock mechanism — professional help is the safest route.
For more tips on dealing with different types of safe lockouts, check out our guide on how to open a safe without a key or code. With over 35 years of experience, Sure Lock & Key provides trusted locksmith services to help you get back into your safe quickly, safely, and without harm to your valuables.