Yes, a qualified locksmith can open most safes without damaging them, even if you have lost the combination, the key, or the electronic keypad has failed. Locksmiths use manipulation, decoding, and specialist tools to open safes non-destructively. Drilling is used only as a last resort and the locksmith can repair the safe afterwards.
Overview
Safe services encompass opening, combination changes, lock upgrades, installation, and relocation. Whether you have inherited a locked safe, forgotten your combination, had an electronic keypad fail, or need a new safe installed for your home or business, a licensed locksmith with safe expertise can help. Australian locksmiths work with all major safe brands including CMI, Chubb, Dominator, Burg Wächter, and Yale. Proper safe installation is also critical — a safe must be anchored correctly to the floor or wall to comply with insurance requirements and prevent theft of the entire unit. For businesses, safe services also include regular combination changes and time-lock servicing.
When you need this service
- ✓Forgotten or lost the combination to your home or office safe
- ✓Electronic safe keypad has malfunctioned or batteries have died with no override
- ✓Inherited or purchased a property with a locked safe of unknown combination
- ✓Need a new safe installed and anchored for home valuables or business cash
- ✓Changing the combination after staff changes or a security breach
- ✓Relocating a safe to a new premises and need professional removal and re-installation
How it works
- 1
Safe Identification
The locksmith identifies the safe brand, model, and lock type (combination dial, electronic keypad, key lock, or multi-lock). This determines the most appropriate opening method.
- 2
Non-Destructive Opening
Using manipulation, decoding, or specialist bypass tools, the locksmith opens the safe without damage wherever possible. For high-security safes, controlled drilling with repair may be required.
- 3
Servicing & Combination Reset
Once open, the locksmith services the lock mechanism, replaces batteries for electronic locks, and sets a new combination or key as required. Any drill points are repaired and re-hardened.
- 4
Installation & Anchoring (for new safes)
For new safe installations, the locksmith positions the safe, anchors it to the floor or wall using approved fixings, and ensures it meets your insurance policy's requirements for safe ratings and installation standards.
How much does it cost?
Safe opening costs in Australia typically range from $200 to $500 depending on the safe type and complexity. Simple electronic safe lockouts (e.g. dead batteries with no override) cost $100 to $200. Combination dial manipulation runs $200 to $400. Drilling and repair of high-security safes can cost $400 to $800 or more. New safe installation including anchoring costs $150 to $400 for labour, plus the cost of the safe itself ($200 to $5,000+ depending on size and rating). Combination changes on existing safes cost $100 to $250. Prices in capital cities tend to be higher, and emergency safe opening after hours attracts the standard callout premium.
Australian regulations
Safe servicing locksmiths in Australia must hold a valid security licence under state legislation — Class 2F in NSW (Security Industry Act 1997), Private Security Licence in Victoria (Private Security Act 2004), or equivalent in other states. Safe installations for insurance purposes should comply with the insurer's specified safe rating (e.g. AS/NZS 3809 for safes and strongrooms). Many insurers require safes to be bolted down by a professional and will request proof of installation. The Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) offers safe technician accreditation, and MLAA-accredited safe technicians have demonstrated competency in safe opening and servicing.