Quck answer
Opening an old Sears safe can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be accomplished. Here are the steps to open an old Sears safe:
1. Gather the necessary tools: You will need a drill with various drill bits, a hammer, a pry bar, a flashlight, and a locksmith’s kit.
2. Inspect the safe: Look for any visible signs of damage or weak spots in the safe. This will help you determine the best approach for opening it.
3. Drill the lock: Start by drilling a small hole near the keyhole of the lock. Gradually increase the size of the hole until you can insert the locksmith’s kit.
4. Use the locksmith’s kit: Insert the tools from the locksmith’s kit into the hole and manipulate the lock mechanism until it unlocks.
5. Pry open the safe: Once the lock is unlocked, use the pry bar to slowly pry open the safe door.
6. Explore the contents: After opening the safe, carefully inspect its contents.
Remember, opening an old Sears safe should only be done if you have proper authorization or ownership of the safe. It is recommended to consult a professional locksmith if you are unsure or need assistance.
Safes with the Sears logo are highly sought after by collectors, especially considering what might be inside them. However, opening these safes can be a challenge. If you have the combination, then it should be relatively easy. If not, you may be able to recover it using the serial number and model number, although this is not guaranteed for older safes. As a last resort, you may need to enlist the help of an experienced locksmith, who will likely require proof of ownership before assisting you.
If You Know the Combination
Older combination safes operate similarly to the combination locks used in high school lockers, but with a different sequence. The combination consists of three numbers, and the steps are as follows:
- Set the dial to 0.
- Turn the dial clockwise four times, and then continue to the first number.
- Turn the dial counterclockwise twice past the second number, and stop on the third time.
- Turn the dial clockwise once past the third number, and stop on that number on the second turn.
- Turn the dial to 0, and the safe should open.
If this method doesn’t work, try reversing the directions. Begin with counterclockwise turns, then turn clockwise, and finally turn counterclockwise again before setting the dial to 0.
If You Know the Serial Number
The safe manufacturer keeps a record of the original combination and will provide it to the owner upon presentation of the model number, serial number, and proof of ownership. The model number and serial number can usually be found imprinted on the door or back of the safe. However, it may be difficult to obtain this information from Sears, as they may no longer keep track of their safe records.
If contacting the company proves unsuccessful, try reaching out to a local locksmith who may have access to a database containing the combination. Again, proof of ownership will be required. If there is a keyhole on the front of the safe, the locksmith may be able to create a key to open it. If not, breaking into the safe may be necessary.
Breaking into a Sears Safe
Some locksmiths specialize in safe cracking and can open a safe by listening to the clicks of the lock as the dial is turned. Since Sears safes are old and do not have electronic locking mechanisms, finding a skilled locksmith with the necessary expertise and proof of ownership is key.
However, not all locksmiths possess these skills and may resort to more traditional methods, such as brute force. The most efficient technique involves drilling through the lock mechanism, a task that should only be done by a skilled professional who knows where to drill. The locksmith may choose to drill directly through the lock pack, which will need to be replaced, or drill next to it and use a fiber optic cable to observe the movement of the drums as the dial is turned. In the latter case, the hole can be plugged with a steel bar cut flush to the metal, allowing the safe to be used again.
