What to do with gun safe??

[Remmy4477]

Have my fathers gun safe. It's a Walmart special, he bought it back in the early 90's, one of the bigger ones. Made by Homack I think.

Originaly it had two keys, there the round keys like the older soda machines use. Well when my father passed I inherited it but for what ever reason my evil brother had the second key and refused to give it too me.

The key I have, dad carried it since new and needless to say it is so worn down it won't work in the locks anymore. Locksmiths want almost more then the safes worth to cut a new key, and then there's still the issue of the other key still floating around out there. Have looked into getting replacement locks but again cost more than the safe itself!

The safes been sitting for 6 Years now and only being used for powder storage, firearms are hidden all over the house and wife says time to lock most of them up! Which I agree with.

So any ideas as to how to get around the lock issue? Could just put a clasp and lock on it but how good would that be? With me it's more of a sentimental piece than anything but I need a useable safe! Yes I know, cheap Walmart safe!!,

[JimB..]

The obvious answer is to buy a decent safe. If no space for a second then install a new lock and use it since it has sentimental value in excess of its market value.

[buckwheatpaul]

Can the locks be replaced. My old safe uses 2 key set up and there is a set screw in the inside that holds the lock mechanisms in position. Also take pictures and take them to a real lock smith.....good luck on the project.....if you can do that then I would still suggest a good gun safe and use the old safe for ammunition and reloading components.

[Houndog]

First off, a "cheap Walmart gun safe" is far better than no gun safe! If the key is too worn to use, get the model and serial number off the safe and the numbers off the lock IF they are stamped and see if Homack has a service center so you can buy a new key or a locksmith can make one so you can see what's actually inside the safe. As far as changing locks, Your local hardware or home improvement store should have keyed cabinet locks that can be made to work in your gun cabinet.

[Sasquatch-1]

You should be able to remove the locks form the inside without much problem. Then look around and find new ones. you should only have to replace the part that goes through the door.

Or just keep using it for a powder cabinet and get a decent safe. I suggest you do a little Youtube surfing first and see how easy it is to defeat most of what are called safes now days. If you just want something to keep kids out of the guns the Homack and Stackon are fine.

[frkelly74]

You will want to re-key it anyway due to your ''evil brother'' holding a key. If it costs too much call him and tell him to come and get his safe out of your way and get yourself a better one. Life is too short to quibble, and this might be a good opportunity to mend fences.

[dverna]

You will want to re-key it anyway due to your ''evil brother'' holding a key. If it costs too much call him and tell him to come and get his safe out of your way and get yourself a better one. Life is too short to quibble, and this might be a good opportunity to mend fences.

Excellent advice

[cheese1566]

Big hasp and padlock.

i had one of these and two smaller pistol ones. I keep the small ones but sold the big one. Mine were just heavy sheet metal you can drill through. Unlike my big Liberty that would be a little different.

my old Homaks used the soda machine keys. They had a number stamped on them you could give the company for a replacement.

might luck out here and see if a member has an extra.

[BigMagShooter]

put your feelings aside.
think of the greater need for security for your family.
tell brother to come get his empty safe since he has the only working key.
invest in a good gunsafe.

[country gent]

If you can get it open one more time with the key you have replacing the lock shouldnt be a problem. Its when they arnt opened that becomes the issue since all the mechanics are on the inside. What could be done is buy a couple replacement tool box locks Keyed the same) and install one above and nelow the original lock then have a working key made for the original lock. Evil brothers key is now not useable to open the safe alone. Also any good burglars have 3 locks to pick not one.

[kingstrider]

put your feelings aside.
think of the greater need for security for your family.
tell brother to come get his empty safe since he has the only working key.
invest in a good gunsafe.

I could not have said it better. Investing in home security is not something you do after a burglary or fire.

[smoked turkey]

I like the idea of mending fences. Security is very important, but very close to it is getting along with family. I would try once or twice to mend the brother relationship while using the safe for storage of tools and things that are more valuable than just putting them in a drawer. Reloading equipment is certainly in that class. It seems to me that the safe is yours to do with as you like since your dad gave it to you. If you are overly generous you can offer your brother his half of the current value of the safe and call it done if he accepts. If after a suitable time I would change the lock and let the wayward brother know that since he does not want to settle the issue, that you will use it as a keepsake from your dad. I would also be shopping for a more secure safe for my guns as security for those is essential.

[PB234]

Homak was a Chicago area firm that closed its Chicago area doors many years ago. I think I saw the band name continued on products made in China which probably means the people that owned it sold it. My recollection is I saw the name on tool boxes being sold at COSTCO. Tool boxes were their main business prior to making gun boxes. I use the term gun box as opposed to safe as their product might keep your kids from the firearms but a thief would get int the box pronto.

If their records were maintained and transferred when production was moved and the company probably sold then the new ownership might be able to send a key if you can get the serial number. I doubt if you will be able to get a key.

If the goal is to keep the guns away from visiting small children the Homak Box is probably good enough. If the goal is to make them secure against thieves it is not a great choice. If there is any concern about protecting the guns from fire forget about the Homak Box. Storing powder in a Homak Box is probably not a safe thing to do at all. Storing powder in a closed metal box - YIKES.

[Fordcragar]

Replace the locks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/262249563602?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover %252F1%252F711-117182-37290-0%252F2%253Fmtid%253D1588%2526kwid%253D1%2526crlp% 253D53601919689_324272%2526itemid%253D262249563602 %2526targetid%253D186358934409%2526rpc%253D0.29%25 26rpc_upld_id%253D94434%2526device%253Dt%2526mpre% 253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Ful k%25252Fitm%25252Flike%25252F262249563602%25253Flp id%25253D82%252526chn%25253Dps%2526adtype%253Dpla% 2526googleloc%253D9033294%2526poi%253D9033255%2526 campaignid%253D239125209%2526adgroupid%253D1497842 8809%2526rlsatarget%253Daud-263688855795%253Apla-186358934409%2526gclid%253DCjwKEAiA94nCBRDxismumrL 83icSJAAeeETQK_DvV5C2B6Ygw5ftuFHKrJxV8Qv5f-6Nb2rWzFZBHxoCx-3w_wcB%2526srcrot%253D711-117182-37290-0%2526rvr_id%253D1133734209140&ul_noapp=true

[runfiverun]

I'd get a new key.
then put the hasp on too, that would be the brother deterrent.
if you could get just a key blank or find a different round key like for a soda machine you could file your own key.

if your key has some depth left you can just deepen the pins on yours too.

[Echo]

You will want to re-key it anyway due to your ''evil brother'' holding a key. If it costs too much call him and tell him to come and get his safe out of your way and get yourself a better one. Life is too short to quibble, and this might be a good opportunity to mend fences.
Plus One...

[1911sw45]

this guy on ebay will cut a new key with your key code.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOMAK-Keys-Cut-To-Code-Number-Ace-II-Chicago-Locks-HMC-Series-Keys-FAST-POST/131759051157?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3D1bc9ec2441604455a86 6898b372c1570%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%2 6sd%3D262249563602

[Plate plinker]

I'd get a new key.
then put the hasp on too, that would be the brother deterrent.
if you could get just a key blank or find a different round key like for a soda machine you could file your own key.

if your key has some depth left you can just deepen the pins on yours too.

Oh wise one you are right again.
I once had a locksmith tell me a lock I had was not meant to be opened up well......challenge accepted. I removed and opened the lock hand cut a new key and replaced the lock in original form. Locksmiths often think they are the only people who can work on locks. bah humbug. Just cut a new key yourself it aint rocket science.

[leadman]

I used to cut car keys with a file until a key machine was bought where I worked. One of the round keys like the OP has would be a real challenge.
If it was mine I would make up some parts to slide a bar into from top to bottom and then lock it with a padlock. Would take some work but better than no lock. Or buy a set of padlock and some hasps and install them. Three or 4 would be good so it would take some time to open and help prevent just bending the door with only one lock on it.

[country gent]

If you decide on the heavy hasp get one thats big eough to cover the original lock also then the hasp and padlock secures the original lock meaning one has to be defeated before the other.

[OS OK]

The safes ((BOMB))been sitting for 6 Years now and only being used for powder storage,

It's been sitting there too long as it is loaded with powder...as soon as your father started storing powder in it...it was no longer a safe.

Check into proper powder storage, federal/local fire marshal and they'll give you the scoop on that...it is definitely not a strong lockable enclosure you seek.
This short, 'unscientific', 'undocumented', 'un-everything' link...Controlled Gunpowder Explosions: Powder Storage Safety (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtBzZ1yGCNg) ...will show you only the basic idea of powder burning in the open and then enclosed...burning in something that cannot expel the gasses rapidly enough...yep, it will blow up, the better it is sealed, the stronger the enclosure...the better it blows.
Having your powder in a strong enclosure will not save it from getting burned in a house fire...what it does do is put unsuspecting fire fighters at mortal risk. You'd be best served 're-thinking' this part.

As far as dealing with that 'evil brother'...well, I don't think you need any advice from me on that old issue...it'll just get everybody's panties in a twist!

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

You will want to re-key it anyway due to your ''evil brother'' holding a key. If it costs too much call him and tell him to come and get his safe out of your way and get yourself a better one. Life is too short to quibble, and this might be a good opportunity to mend fences.


put your feelings aside.
think of the greater need for security for your family.
tell brother to come get his empty safe since he has the only working key.
invest in a good gunsafe.

These were my initial thoughts as I read the OP...Life is too short to feud with family.
Find a different sentimental item of your Dad's to hold as precious.
Buy a good Safe...or have one "built-in", if you plan to live out your days in the current house..


edited: ...also, I'm with OS OK, look into proper powder storage

[Tackleberry41]

I still have one of the metal 'gun lockers' vs being an actual safe. Its just sheet metal. Its upstairs in the garage with the overflow cheap stuff in it. Being just sheet metal, its ever so easy to go buy 2 of the heavy duty hasps, drill some holes and just use some big locks. Yes its not really that hard to get into given some time and some tools. But is better than nothing. Do like I do keep the cheap junk in it, where if somebody did go to all the trouble to get in, they are in for a big let down when none of its worth pawning.

[white eagle]

those locks are easy to replace and you would have a new set of keys

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I still have one of the metal 'gun lockers' vs being an actual safe. Its just sheet metal. Its upstairs in the garage with the overflow cheap stuff in it. Being just sheet metal, its ever so easy to go buy 2 of the heavy duty hasps, drill some holes and just use some big locks. Yes its not really that hard to get into given some time and some tools. But is better than nothing. Do like I do keep the cheap junk in it, where if somebody did go to all the trouble to get in, they are in for a big let down when none of its worth pawning.

"they are in for a big let down when none of its worth pawning"

LOL, theives are stealing tide...I think that'd be happy with the cheap guns, LOL

http://www.aei.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Tide.jpg

[Bookworm]

Oddly enough, Tide is as good as cash in some places. So too is Similac, and diabetes test strips.

I've seen ads on Craigslist that offer to trade for any of those things in lieu of cash.

Strange times.....

[NavyVet1959]

Oddly enough, Tide is as good as cash in some places. So too is Similac, and diabetes test strips.

I've seen ads on Craigslist that offer to trade for any of those things in lieu of cash.

Strange times.....

I would not be surprised if certain people are buying certain items on their EBT cards solely for the purpose of selling them so that they can buy things that they cannot buy on the EBT cards.

[NavyVet1959]

If the key that you have has a number on it, it's entirely possible that you can take that number to a locksmith and he can create a key from just the number. Having a key cut from the number is a lot better than making a copy of a key.

Homack does offer a key cutting service though.
http://www.homak.com/HTML/Key%20Orders%20Page%20-%20Security.html

If what you have is something like this:

http://www.homak.com/Images/Product%20Images/Security%20Cabinets/6Gun-SecurityCabinet.png

Then you have a "security cabinet", not a "safe". Better than *nothing*, but for any type of minimal security with it, you should bolt it to the wall and floor and put it inside of a small closet so that there would not be much room to work on it.

[Tackleberry41]

"they are in for a big let down when none of its worth pawning"

LOL, theives are stealing tide...I think that'd be happy with the cheap guns, LOL

http://www.aei.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Tide.jpg

Well I think they would be rather upset with a cut down Nepalese Martini, that they cant buy ammo for. Or that old 20ga bolt gun I was given. Or some old CVA kit rifle. Stuff a pawn shop would just roll their eyes at.

[smokeywolf]

You may have to weigh which has greater value to you. The sentimental value of your dad's safe or the material (and perhaps sentimental) value of your firearms. If your priority is the guns, that safe isn't going to hold up against a motivated crook with a refrigerator dolly and or a wrecking bar. With a cheap cordless grinder a hasp can be removed in a minute or two.

If you decide to get a new safe, how much you can or want to spend must be influenced by how hard it would be to replace its contents.
One more consideration; do you have kids who will be inheriting Dad's (your) safe? I got along with a cheap safe for many years and was constantly worried about fire and theft; just couldn't afford what I wanted. Recently took delivery of a quality safe that will hopefully be passed down for many generations.

[DCM]

I would highly recommend that you get a better safe with a combination lock.

I would also get a new key made by the code or have a Real locksmith deal with the existing one or just use a pry bar to remove the contents, straighten it out the best you can and use it as a storage locker. Just my .02

[JimB..]

Having a discussion on the internet is a lot like being sober in a room full of drunks, except that each of the participants thinks that they are the sober one.

[nvbirdman]

I bought a used Stack-on cabinet once that only had one key. I wanted a duplicate key, so I wrote Stack-on with (I guess) the serial number of the key. I had to get my request notarized before they would even look at it, and then I sent it in with a check for the cost of the new key. To my surprise, they said that number key was no longer available so they sent me a whole new lock with two keys. Stack-on gets an a+ rating from me.

[MaryB]

I use a "security cabinet" as a gun safe. It is bolted through the floor to a steel plate in the crawlspace, and through the wall to a 3x5 foot piece of 1/4 inch steel plate that is buried behind the furnace so access to remove nuts is impossible. It has decent door gaps that you can't easily get a pry bar in so that would leave cutting it. I modified the locking bars s they are also twice the original size and doubled the number... it was a freebie sitting on the curb so I snagged it. It will stop the smash and grab thief and with an alarm blaring they are not going to stick around long! Being free spending $100 on mods was well worth it! Working at a casino I had access to locks we no longer could use because someone lost a key set so I put on a high security magnetic lock.

[NavyVet1959]

Having a discussion on the internet is a lot like being sober in a room full of drunks, except that each of the participants thinks that they are the sober one.

Shut up and pass me another beer!

:)

[6bg6ga]

If the key that you have has a number on it, it's entirely possible that you can take that number to a locksmith and he can create a key from just the number. Having a key cut from the number is a lot better than making a copy of a key.

Homack does offer a key cutting service though.
http://www.homak.com/HTML/Key%20Orders%20Page%20-%20Security.html

If what you have is something like this:

http://www.homak.com/Images/Product%20Images/Security%20Cabinets/6Gun-SecurityCabinet.png

Then you have a "security cabinet", not a "safe". Better than *nothing*, but for any type of minimal security with it, you should bolt it to the wall and floor and put it inside of a small closet so that there would not be much room to work on it.

So far this is the only correct logical answer. Get the damn thing another key instead of doing something stupid like putting a $3.00 hasp on it. If you don't end up keeping the safe at least the safe will have value once again with a key that works the factory installed lock. Someone will always want to purchase it.

[Sasquatch-1]

Quick check on Ebay. 2 Locks and 2 keys under $50.00



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Homak-Protex-Gun-Jewelry-Safe-Replacement-Locks-Keys-HMC-Locks-keys-Safes-New-/262249563602?hash=item3d0f4ac5d2:g:4gcAAOSwL7VWnD8 T

[6bg6ga]

FIX IT!!! Any safe is better than none at all. Keep in mind the safe can always be modified if you wish to keep it.

[imashooter2]

Navyvet1959 posted the link I was going to. Homak will solve your problem cheap enough. I wouldn't worry about the other key unless you think your brother is so evil that he would break into your house to steal your guns.

You should Google picking a tubular lock with a Bic pen. I'm not a snob, I have a couple of Homak cabinets, but I'm under no illusion as to how secure they really are. They'll keep the grandkids out or a junkie in a quick smash and grab type burglary, but that's it.

[Remmy4477]

Thanks for all the advice and info everyone.
As far as the brother situation, let's just say he'd make Jerry Springer blush! He's not blood but that's another story in it's self. He's on top of the "trespassers will be shot" list. He has his hands full with the law and mafia types so I'm quite certain were not on the Christmas visit list! Still felt safer replacing the locks than having a new key made, just in case of a visit!

The safe, well after a link to eBay I went and bought a set of locks there so mamma will be happy with stuff put away. New grandchildren is the reason! I never thought of looking there for the locks! After a talk with a locksmith and a few unanswered emails I was beginning to think it was a lost cause for replacements!

Powder, will get that squared away from the boom factor!!! My Bad!!!

Again thanks to all that chimed in!!

[MaryB]

As I mentioned in my post, anchor it at least through the wall if possible. If it takes more than 10 minutes to get it free the thieves will skip it. Being an electronics technician I pity anyone breaking in my safe without disabling the security system first. Switches in the interior turn on an LED light and arm the high pressure sprayer loaded with skunk pee and marker dye. 8 nozzles face out the front. 15 seconds to disarm it if you didn't switch it off before opening and to disarm requires a key. That key switch is embedded in hard epoxy so not going to just disconnect the wires(also buried in the epoxy) that then go inside the door frame. Also triggers an alarm in that room that is 130DB plus an alarm outside the house. Fun to tinker and I tested with plain water to get a good spray coverage...

[Sasquatch-1]

That's just wrong. Just a warning. I ran over dead skunks twice. Each time the car spent the next month sitting outside until it wore off. May want to find something a little less lingering then skunk piss.



Being an electronics technician I pity anyone breaking in my safe without disabling the security system first. Switches in the interior turn on an LED light and arm the high pressure sprayer loaded with skunk pee and marker dye. 8 nozzles face out the front. 15 seconds to disarm it if you didn't switch it off before opening and to disarm requires a key. That key switch is embedded in hard epoxy so not going to just disconnect the wires(also buried in the epoxy) that then go inside the door frame. Also triggers an alarm in that room that is 130DB plus an alarm outside the house. Fun to tinker and I tested with plain water to get a good spray coverage...

[OS OK]

Sasquatches smell to high heaven...wanna donate anything to her elixir?

[Sasquatch-1]

Hey, it's tough when your shower is an icy waterfall in the wilderness of N. Dakota.


Sasquatches smell to high heaven...wanna donate anything to her elixir?

[6bg6ga]

In the event that your alarm does go off Mary the law will probably try to find some way to consider your alarm some type of trap and as such deem it illegal.

[mold maker]

As I mentioned in my post, anchor it at least through the wall if possible. If it takes more than 10 minutes to get it free the thieves will skip it. Being an electronics technician I pity anyone breaking in my safe without disabling the security system first. Switches in the interior turn on an LED light and arm the high pressure sprayer loaded with skunk pee and marker dye. 8 nozzles face out the front. 15 seconds to disarm it if you didn't switch it off before opening and to disarm requires a key. That key switch is embedded in hard epoxy so not going to just disconnect the wires(also buried in the epoxy) that then go inside the door frame. Also triggers an alarm in that room that is 130DB plus an alarm outside the house. Fun to tinker and I tested with plain water to get a good spray coverage...


Ha Ha Ha
What ya wanna bet, you're the first to set it off???

[richhodg66]

I have one of the older Homack safes and needed a new key a while back (been several years now), seems like I got in touch with the company with some info off the safe, I think there is a serial number or something and had to provide some infor to verify identity but got a new key fairly painlessly.

[JimB..]

As I mentioned in my post, anchor it at least through the wall if possible. If it takes more than 10 minutes to get it free the thieves will skip it. Being an electronics technician I pity anyone breaking in my safe without disabling the security system first. Switches in the interior turn on an LED light and arm the high pressure sprayer loaded with skunk pee and marker dye. 8 nozzles face out the front. 15 seconds to disarm it if you didn't switch it off before opening and to disarm requires a key. That key switch is embedded in hard epoxy so not going to just disconnect the wires(also buried in the epoxy) that then go inside the door frame. Also triggers an alarm in that room that is 130DB plus an alarm outside the house. Fun to tinker and I tested with plain water to get a good spray coverage...

Hey there evil genius,

I've wondered if the electronic lock will accommodate a second code to trigger an external alarm, do you know?

My thinking is to write that code on a post it note that also says "darling, see you in a few days, please memorize this and then destroy. All my love!" Then stick it on the upper corner of the safe.

What bad guy wouldn't try it thinking themselves lucky?

Not as fun as skunk spray, but I'm not excited about that cleanup.

Jim

[smokeywolf]

Be an interesting case. While it's legal to mark a perpetrator with die, why wouldn't it also be legal to mark them with a easily identifiable smell? Probably have to show some evidence of an effort to direct sprays at the lower body in order to show intent not to do physical harm to some worthless oxygen waster.

[imashooter2]

Be an interesting case. While it's legal to mark a perpetrator with die, why wouldn't it also be legal to mark them with a easily identifiable smell? Probably have to show some evidence of an effort to direct sprays at the lower body in order to show intent not to do physical harm some worthless oxygen waster.

I bet the stink washes off the thief a lot easier than Mary's home.

[MaryB]

Nope not a trap, that would involve physical harm, this is just smelly marker dye and I have a concoction that neutralizes it really well. And it can't smell any worse than when the skunk fought the neighbors cat under my front porch...


In the event that your alarm does go off Mary the law will probably try to find some way to consider your alarm some type of trap and as such deem it illegal.

[MaryB]

Nope I know better, 3 keys to open the safe and it is done in order, disarm, then both locks.


Ha Ha Ha
What ya wanna bet, you're the first to set it off???

[Butler Ford]

HOMAK-Keys Cut To Code Number



http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOMAK-Keys-Cut-To-Code-Number-Ace-II-Chicago-Locks-HMC-Series-Keys-FAST-POST/131759051157?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3D35bc31030dec40478a2 34a8d5af64f20%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%2 6sd%3D262249563602

[NavyVet1959]

I bet the stink washes off the thief a lot easier than Mary's home.

I prefer 12-gauge shells filled with cayenne pepper powder for the first active layer. Doesn't work on Cajuns though. :)

[Ural Driver]

If all else fails.......epoxy the factory keyhole and weld one of these on the outside. When secured with a puck lock, they work like a champ.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Hidden-Shackle-Lock-Trailer-Padlock-Hasp-Keyed-Alike-/390296720966?hash=item5adf7f5646:m:m73Mi36KXBCap6F l_Ce8_Hw&vxp=mtr

[Plate plinker]

In the event that your alarm does go off Mary the law will probably try to find some way to consider your alarm some type of trap and as such deem it illegal.

I think she is willing to take that risk.

[MaryB]

We have had meth heads doing smash and grabs. They chained onto a guys safe and ripped it out of his garage taking part of the wall and floor with. That pair got caught because they broke the chain twice and took out the back window of the truck. Left chain pieces with tail gate paint at the scene that matched the dents in their truck tailgate at the window shop when the alert went out. But there is at least one other pair working the area, mostly farms but my house sits alone at the edge of town and I do leave now and then to run to town. If some meth heads get skunk pee to the face so be it. They can't chain to mine easily(would require 50 feet + of chain plus working on wet grass...) so it would be a try and pry it open...

[smokeywolf]

The guys who delivered my new safe told me not to call them if I ever need the safe moved. It weighs more than my Bridgeport mill.

[NavyVet1959]

The guys who delivered my new safe told me not to call them if I ever need the save moved. It weighs more than my Bridgeport mill.

I've moved a safe that was nearly that heavy and I could do it without any help, but that is without any stairs -- just a single step to get into the house. It's a slow process if you are wanting to do it without damaging anything else. I doubt that the crooks would be concerned with damaging other things though. You just need a bunch of rollers (PVC or steel pipe pieces, or even *golf balls*). For climbing over a step, you need blocks and roller of different diameters. Just take your time and don't get in a hurry, or you'll probably hurt yourself. Once you get the safe to where you want it, bolt it down to the concrete slab. If you put it in a small room or closet also, that gives the crooks less room to work. It's difficult to use a 6-ft pry bar when you have to do it from inside a small closet.

[skeettx]

Pleased to hear about the successful fix, well done
Mike

[44man]

I did locksmith work too and had a way to figure nix pix locks to make a key. They CAN'T be picked right away. There is no way to get all pins right at once. I could open vending machines eventually. Ademco locks were different but still depended on pin depth. Made my own keys to match pin depth. I could also open every combination lock in the shortest time and get the numbers.
The best was picking a lock at a home the woman left her kid in without the key. She was frantic and was looking for a window to break. I got the door open.
Don't believe the TV stuff, it takes time and knowledge to open locks. 182214
You think I can only shoot. You will NEVER, EVER open that lock but I did.

[Soundguy]

Sounds like a gun cabinet, not a safe. In any case, look at the lock/ key number and order from homak.. They used to be 3-5$.

Want a little more safety, put a hasp lock on it.

Want alot more safety? Keep it and use as a Li security locking cabinet ( new 5$ key ) and then get a fire rated cabinet.

[NavyVet1959]

Want alot more safety? Keep it and use as a Li security locking cabinet ( new 5$ key ) and then get a fire rated cabinet.

Or make it so that it is impossible to open and set it up as a "Trojan safe" that the thieves can find and hide your *real* safe. :)

[scarry scarney]

Not to burst anyone's bubble, but there are special lock picks made just to defeat those cylinder type locks.

[NavyVet1959]

Not to burst anyone's bubble, but there are special lock picks made just to defeat those cylinder type locks.

A thief is only going to spend the time to pick a lock if he knows he has the time to pick it and he doesn't want his entry to be discovered. Otherwise, he'll just use a crowbar on the unit. This type of unit will not resist a crowbar for very long if the attacker has any sort of room to work on it.

My Harley has one of the tubular locks for the ignition. I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't stop someone who knew what they were doing from picking it and driving it off.

[mold maker]

Any lock is just an inconvenience to a thief. An unlocked gun if well hidden is safer.
You can't trust the fire rating figures as they aren't apples to apples.
Spend whatever it takes to give you piece of mind and hope you never encounter a determined thief, with time to breach the objective, or a devastating fire.