Safes are essential in protecting valuable documents, money, and jewelry from theft and loss. However, sometimes you might forget the safe combination or lose the key to your safe. In such cases, drilling a safe can be the only option to gain access.
But drilling a safe is not as easy as drilling a regular object; it can damage the safe and your valuables if done wrong. In this post, we will guide you through the steps on how to drill a safe like a pro without damaging the safe or its contents.
Can You Drill a Safe?
The idea of drilling open a safe might seem like something straight out of an action movie, but is it actually possible? The truth is, with the right tools and expertise, it can be done. However, drilling a safe is not only difficult, it’s also dangerous and should only be attempted by trained professionals.
Safes are designed to resist tampering and intrusion, with various layers of security measures in place to protect their contents. So while drilling may be an option in certain situations, it should always be seen as a last resort. It’s important to remember that the integrity of the safe may also be compromised by the drilling process, potentially causing irreversible damage to the safe and its contents.
Why Should You Drill a Safe?
A safe is supposed to provide the ultimate protection for our most precious possessions, right? That’s why we buy them in the first place, after all. But what if you forget the combination or lose the key? Suddenly, that fortress of security can become a real headache.
That’s where drilling a safe comes in. While it may seem like a drastic solution, drilling a safe can be a much simpler and faster process than figuring out a combination or tracking down a lost key. Plus, with the right tools and know-how, your safe can be back in use in no time. So, why should you drill a safe? Because when it comes to safeguarding your valuables, you never want to be left with a locked box and no way in.
7 Steps to Follow on How to Drill a Safe
Step 1: Gather Materials
Before you start drilling, you must ensure you have the right tools. You will need an electric drill, drill bits, lubricant, a hammer, a wrench, and a flashlight. Ensure you select the appropriate drill bit and the wrench that securely fits onto the safe’s spindle.
Step 2: Locate the Safe’s Weak Point
Once you have all the necessary tools, locate the safe’s weak point. This is the spot where you can drill a hole, which can help you unlock the safe without damaging the locking mechanism. However, finding the weak point requires experience and knowledge of the different safe models. If you don’t have any experience dealing with safes, it’s advisable to call a professional to identify the weak point.
Step 3: Apply Lubricant
After identifying the safe’s weak point, apply lubricant to ease the drilling process. Use the flashlight to ensure that you apply the lubricant evenly and directly onto the drilling spot.
Step 4: Drill the Safe
Once you apply the lubricant, insert the drill bit into the electric drill, and begin drilling carefully. Start at a low speed to allow the drill bit to carve through the safe’s metal. Apply pressure gradually to avoid damaging the locking mechanism or your valuables.
Step 5: Check for Access
When you reach the center of the safe, turn off the drill and remove the drill bit. Insert a thin screwdriver or rod into the drilled hole to detect if there is any access inside. If yes, use a hammer and gently tap around the area until you create an opening large enough to insert your hand.
Step 6: Open the Safe
Once you gain access to the safe, use your hand to move the locking mechanism out of position, then turn the handle and open the door. If this step doesn’t work, an additional lock may need to be removed before you can open it.
Step 7: Clean Up
Finally, once you have opened the safe, use a damp cloth to clean the area from any dust or debris created by drilling. If necessary, apply lubricant around the locking mechanism and drill a hole to keep it in good.
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to drill a safe. Always be cautious when drilling, and contact a professional locksmith if the situation becomes too complicated.
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Drill a Safe
- You first need to figure out where you want to drill the hole. You need to make sure that the location is safe and that there are no underground utilities that the drilling could damage.
- Once you have selected the location, you need to determine the size of the hole you need to drill. The size will be determined by the type of equipment you are using and the depth of the hole.
- The next thing you need to do is select the type of drill bit you need. There are many different types of drill bits available, and each one is designed for a specific type of material.
- After you have selected the drill bit, you need to determine the speed at which you will be drilling. The speed will be determined by the type of material you are drilling and the depth of the hole.
- Finally, you need to ensure you have all of the safety equipment you need before starting to drill. This includes eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask.
Benefits of Drilling a Safe
As we all know, safeguarding our valuables is of utmost importance. However, we often underestimate the value of securing important documents and other personal items. This is where a drill safe comes into play. A drill safe offers a level of security that regular safes do not, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking for the utmost protection.
The benefits of having a drill safe are extensive, including the ability to withstand physical attacks and intrusions, to provide fire protection, and to offer easy yet secure access. A drill safe is an investment in your personal security, providing you with peace of mind that your valuables are safe from harm.
Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or simply looking for a secure place to store your personal belongings, a drill safe is a must-have for any serious security-conscious individual.
5 Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Drill a Safe
1. Not Wearing the Right Safety Gear
One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to drill a safe is not wearing the right safety gear. It’s important to wear gloves, a dust mask, and safety goggles when drilling to protect yourself from flying debris.
2. Not Using the Right Drill Bit
Another common mistake is not using the right drill bit. You’ll need to use a carbide-tipped drill bit that’s specifically designed for drilling through metal.
3. Drilling Too Quickly
If you drill too quickly, you run the risk of overheating the drill bit and damaging the safe. It’s important to go slowly and keep the drill bit cool by occasionally dipping it in water.
4. Not Having a Stable Surface
Another mistake people make is not having a stable surface to work on. Clamping the safe down before drilling is important to prevent it from moving around.
5. Not Measuring Twice
Before drilling, it’s important to measure twice to ensure that you’re drilling in the right spot. Once you’ve drilled into the safe, there’s no going back, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Is It Possible to Drill Into a Digital Safe without Damaging Its Internal Components?
When it comes to digital safes, one question that often arises is whether drilling into them without damaging their internal components is possible. While it may be tempting to attempt this method when locked out of your safe, it is crucial to understand the risks involved.
Drilling into a digital safe can cause irreversible damage to its circuit board and internal components, rendering it unusable. It can also be a time-consuming and messy process that may require professional help to repair.
If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot access your safe, consider other alternatives, such as contacting the manufacturer or a locksmith for assistance before attempting to drill. It may save you from costly repairs or replacing the safe altogether.
Conclusion
Drilling a safe can be daunting, but if you follow these steps, the process will be less complicated. It’s worth noting that drilling a safe can damage the safe, and you could lose your valuables. Therefore, calling a professional is always advisable if you don’t have experience handling safes.
Remember that prevention is better than cure, and it’s crucial to store your safe key in a secure place and keep it away from children’s reach. Thanks for reading our post about how to drill a safe.
