I can only have one gun

[Ryder]

Until I get my darn gun locker fixed. The key quit working on me and I am limited to my carry piece. Not being able to get to my long guns is the pits!

Did a little research and found out that the end on these circular tumbler keys are a load bearing surface. They are said to be tougher locks to pick but the down side is the keys wear out fast. Got out my magnifying glass and sure enough the end of the key is not square anymore.

If you're using these circular keys it might be wise to get a copy made on some sort of a regular basis. How often depends on how often you use it I suppose but my safe is only several years old and I don't believe I used the key all that much. Anywhere from a couple times a day to a couple times a month... Usually the later.

The real kicker to all this is that I've been planning to get a better safe and have been doing some heavy duty browsing on the subject recently. I think the thing got jealous!

So in answer to all these "if you can only have one gun what would it be" threads. I now have an answer. XD9SC :banghead:

 

[Chipperman]

I've heard that the end of a pen will do just fine.

If you can get it fixed without ruining the lock, that's better though.
Good luck with it.

 

[Rabid Rabbit]

Ryder, Chipperman is correct those circular locks can be opened with a bic pen by cutting four slots about an inch long at the tip of the shaft and twisting the shaft. Do a search for Kryptonite locks about two months ago, it was a hot topic back then.

 

[victory]

i tried a pen, it's a myth, at least on my cabinet.

 

[Ryder]

I recall that thread and considered trying that but came to the conclusion it's better to leave it locked until I can get a new key made. If it's open for me then it is open for everybody.

 

[Sunray]

Think drill. Then new locks. A couple of hasps, welded on, and a pair of combination locks won't be too expensive.

 

[sfhogman]

When you have the locksmith make you new key, have him sketch the face of the lock and the write down the depth numbers of each pin so you can have keys cut to code in the future. Makes life much simpler.
I have never liked tubular locks.

Jef

 

[LiquidTension]

Depending on what type of safe you have, it may be cheaper to replace the safe than to get a locksmith out to fix the one you have. If you have one of the Stack-On variety, new ones can be had for around $100. A locksmith will run you a good portion of that, probably more if he has to open the safe without damaging it and then make you a key to fit it. Obviously, a nicer safe is worth the money for a locksmith. If you have a cheaper one and want to get it open, a dremmel with a small bit will work perfectly. Just drill out the pins in the lock, and *poof*...safe open.