How to Open a Gun Safe Without the Key: 6 Easy Ways to Know

If you have lost the key, or if your gun safe won’t open for some reasons, then you might be asking – “How to open a gun safe without the key?” 

You can use a paper clip, or a nail file to open it. Also, you can try to open it or drill a hole in your gun safe to open it. When a gun safe won’t open right away after purchase as opposed to years later, there are distinct problems. You require safe lockout services if your safe is damaged or you forgot the combination.

Without further ado, let’s see different methods to open a gun safe without the key.

6 Ways to Open a Gun Safe Without the Key

There are plenty of ways to open a gun safe when you don’t find the key or forgot the password. Among them, we have listed the best 6 methods to open a gun safe. 

1. Open a Gun Safe Using a Paperclip

You can use paper clips to open gun safes. When you forget the password, a manual bypass keyhole should be present on the back of digital safes that can be accessed with a paper clip.

  • To open your gun safe using a paperclip, start by flattening it and inserting it through the keyhole.
  • Use a second paper clip or a tiny screwdriver beneath the first one to anchor and twist the lock.
  • Put the first paper clip in the locking mechanism and gently pry it open.
  • When you hear a clicking noise, you will be successful.
  • Afterward, you should be able to spin the lock to open the gun safe.

2. Open a Gun Safe Using a Nail File

You can open a gun safe with a nail file the same way you open it with a paperclip. However, the method will require a lot of time and patience to finish.

  • The pointed tip of the nail file should go inside the keyhole.
  • Squeeze the pins to force the rolling file further into the keyhole until you detect a “click.”
  • When you hear a clicking sound, turn the nail file clockwise. This will flip the lock and open the safe. 

3. Open a Gun Safe by Resetting the Password (For Combination Locks)

Yes there is an option to reset the password of a gun safe. This method is very effective since there is no chance of damaging any component of the safe. However, it will be applicable if you have a digital safe, which has a combination lock.

  • Inspect the rear panel of the safe’s electrical components for tiny holes or openings. You can spot them using a flashlight.
  • Grab a wire coat hanger, and put it through the safe’s hole.
  • Ideally, there will be a reset button on the inner keypad. Try pressing it with the wire coat hanger. Simplify the process with the aid of the flashlight.
  • After the reset button is pressed, you will able to a new combination using the front keypad. 
  • By clicking the “Set” button next to the “Reset” button, you may confirm the new combination code.   

4. Open a Gun Safe By Prying It

You can try to pry your gun safe open. For this method, you must have a pry bar, though a narrow rod can also do the job. 

Gun safes are not totally impermeable. Thus, there ought to be adequate space to get the locking mechanism open.

  • Insert a pry bar into the gap between the body and the door of the safe.
  • Apply force when pulling the safe door with the pry bar toward your direction.
  • The safe will be unlocked if you have managed to pry it open.

Be Advised

This approach is not appropriate since the locking mechanism will be compromised once the gun safe has been pried open and the safe will no longer serve its original purpose.

5. Open a Gun Safe By Drilling a Hole Into It

Drilling may be an option when you can no longer remember the combination code or lost the key. There are a lot of disadvantages to drilling, one of which is that the safe could be ruined. Because of this, this approach should only be used when all other possibilities have been exhausted.

  • If you want to see the lock inside the gun safe, drill a small hole there.
  • Once the drilling is finished, you can use your finger to unlock the gun safe’s latch.

6. Schedule a Meeting With a Locksmith

Please call a reputable locksmith expert if you have tried to open a gun safe without a key but failed. Bypass the inconvenience of trying to unlock a locked gun safe. You might profit from the expertise of a technician or the professionals of a seasoned locksmith because they are flexible in handling various makes and models of safes. All in all, calling a licensed locksmith is likely the best course of action for opening a gun safe without a key.

Final Words

We assume you have found some of the best solutions to open a gun safe without the key. Aside from the above methods, there are other methods like using a knife, or a screwdriver to open the safe. Additionally, you may unlock the gun lock by smashing or hammering it. These may open the gun safe, but none of them are suggested. Why? Because they have the potential to entirely destroy the safe or render it useless.   

Rifat Ahmed

Welcome to Guns Corner! I'm Rifat Ahmed, an avid firearms enthusiast and the author of this blog. Here, I'll be sharing my passion for guns, exploring their history, technology, and responsible ownership. Join me in unlocking the world of firearms together!

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