Updated November 2026. Written by the Watchdog Locksmiths team in Greenford, West London. Our locksmiths are DBS-checked and our work carries a 12-month guarantee on parts and labour.
Key takeaways
- Do not force, drill or hammer a safe yourself: many safes have a relocker that fires if the lock is attacked, which can make the safe harder and dearer to open.
- Check the easy things first: spare keys, the original paperwork and key code, and the batteries in an electronic keypad.
- A locksmith can often open a safe without destroying it. Drilling is a last resort and usually damages the safe.
- On our 2026 price list, opening the lock of a small safe is £149.99. Larger safes are priced after we see a photo.
A safe is designed to keep people out, so when you lose the key or forget the code it can feel like the safe is winning. In most cases it is not a disaster. This guide explains the types of safe, the checks you can do first and how a locksmith opens a safe.
Types of safe and common problems
| Type of safe | Common problem | First thing to check |
|---|---|---|
| Key lock | Key lost or broken | Spare key, paperwork, key code card from the manufacturer |
| Combination dial | Forgotten or mis-set combination | Where you recorded the combination; recent changes |
| Electronic keypad | Forgotten code or flat batteries | Replace batteries first; look for an emergency override key |
| Digital with biometrics | Reader fails, battery flat | Batteries and the manufacturer’s emergency override |
Things you can try before calling a locksmith
- Replace the batteries in an electronic safe. A flat battery often looks like a forgotten code.
- Look for an emergency override key, usually hidden behind a cover on the keypad.
- Check your paperwork for a key code, a combination card or a serial number. Many manufacturers can help with a replacement if you can prove ownership.
- Do not guess codes too many times. Some safes lock out for a period after repeated wrong entries.
Why you should not force a safe open
Many safes have a relocker, a hardened plate inside the door that fires if someone drills or forces the lock. Once it fires, the safe is much harder and dearer to open and the contents may be damaged. Hitting a safe, prising the door or drilling at random can also make the lock jam.
How a locksmith opens a safe
- Non-destructive opening. Decoding, manipulating or picking the lock so the safe opens and can still be used.
- Controlled drilling. Drilling at a precise point to release the lock. It usually leaves the safe damaged and needs repair.
- Replacing the lock. Once the safe is open, the lock can be replaced or the code reset.
Proof of ownership
A responsible locksmith will ask for proof that the safe is yours before opening it: ID, a receipt, paperwork or confirmation that the property belongs to you. That protects you as much as us, and a locksmith who does not ask is a warning sign. See how to spot a rogue locksmith.
What does safe opening cost?
Our 2026 price list shows lock opening on a small safe at £149.99. Larger safes are priced on application: send us a photo on WhatsApp with the make and model if you know them, and we will quote. See the price list, our safe locksmith service and our price guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a locksmith open any safe?
Not every safe can be opened non-destructively. Many can, and for the rest controlled drilling is possible. We tell you what is likely before we start.
Will opening the safe damage what is inside?
Careful opening should not. We take particular care with fire safes and with safes that hold documents or electronics.
How long does safe opening take?
It depends on the safe. A simple key lock or a small safe can take under an hour. Higher-security safes take longer.
Can you fit a new lock or reset the code afterwards?
Yes. Once open, the lock can be replaced or the code reset, and we can advise whether a different safe would suit you better.
Locked out of your safe?
Contact Watchdog Locksmiths or send us a photo on WhatsApp and we will give you a clear quote before any work starts.
