I'm a dimwit (safe problems, longish)

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JamisJockey

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I'm a complete idiot.
:banghead:
I bought a cheap $35 pistol size safe from Harbor freight last year. It's got an electronic keypad, and has a keylock backup (you have to tear the panel off to get to it). Mine was a display model, I got a few bucks off...no key. Well, I decided to replace the batteries. Turns out that regular AA batteries from any of the normal battery companies won't work (no-name Japanese batteries came in it), so I havent been locking the damn thing. Well, yesterday, our babysitter comes over to watch the little one...and instinctively I lock the safe....
:cuss:
Now that you're all laughing at my expense...does anyone think a locksmith will be willing to open it for me?
I'm going to call some in a few minutes, and see what I can find out...thought I'd provide some comic relief leading into the weekend.
:fire:
 
AA batteries should work. The Japanese use a different name for the size, but the batteries should be the same. As long as the physical dimensions are the same and they are 1.5V, you shouldn't have any problem.

Brad
 
If it's only a $35 safe it shouldn't be too hard to bust open. Are the hinges exposed? Grind off the hinges or just cut into the safe if you can do it without damaging the contents.
 
AA batteries should work.
Click to expand...

You would think. However, after I took out the old batteries, I couldn't get any new ones in. yes, I am 100% sure they are AA batteries. The size difference is ridiculously small, maybe 2mm.

Are the hinges exposed?
Click to expand...

I think they are, I'll go check. Looks like I'm breaking out the dremel today :D
 
Before you start grinding, maybe you could temporarily (maybe with the help of a friend and/or electrical tape) connect a couple of batteries to the normal terminals with wires. You would do this just long enough to get the box open. Once the gun is in your hands you will know what to do with the box.

Tim
 
It sounds like they are camera batteries, if they're shorter than 'regular' AA batteries. Go to your local Radio Shack/S-Mart or national chain pharmacy with one and I bet you will find the equivalent replacement in the camera/hearing aid/specialty battery section.

Regards,
Rabbit.
 
I suggest you remove your guns from that piece of junk by whatever means are necessisary, and buy a new safe.
 
Preacherman says:

Well, a $35 safe can't be too heavy... why not buy a tactical sling for it, and carry all your guns at once? :D
Click to expand...

Keyboard, please!!:D :D

Sawdust
 
$35 safe or not, at least you are keeping your guns secure. Good on you.

When you get it open, might I suggest about 5 rounds of 00Buck? Fill it with water first, for that fresh clean feeling.

Peace out,
Calhoun
 
Hey...it's easy to jab somebody that doesn't have something that is "up to our standards"

at least you keep the guns locked up and away from the kids

our gun shop has some smaller safes that are pretty heavy (ok, real heavy) for one person to carry and big enough for hanguns. Runs less than $200 IIRC.
 
Dremel tool, definitely.

I bouight a cheap Simplex-lock handgun safe for my car. After a year, it would no longer open.

Dremel solved the problem.

My new, more expensive, Simplex-lock handgun safe is better built, and isn't rusting.
 
Batteries and safes - don't mix.
Hence the reason I don't do these or recommend this type.
Even the BIG safes, with the keypad can be defeated with a 9 volt battery.
Now the big safes I used had 3 - 5 mechanical time locks.

I recently just inspected a neat idea for vehicle , home and office. Young ladies dad is pretty handy with metal and welding. He used the o-l-d style heavy fuse boxes with the internal hinge and really deep cover that fits tight. You will NOT get a prybar in there and cannot lift off.

He modified by welding a heavy homemade hasp [ for lack of a better term] using steel pipe welded to lid and body and a marine type keyed lock is used. NO way to get bolt cutters or a saw in/on or around this thing.

One is bolted under the seat, hidden but accessible, the other two are in "furniture" at home and office. Using a Brownell's bake on finish or spray finish these look great and won't rust.

Oh he made the same dealie in a larger idea for the long guns. for her. After all there is electrical, TR closets, and such at home and office. A metal detector if used by a thief is going to register same as the 'puter and cabling would anyway. ;)

If she has to leave CCW in vehicle because of courthouse or somesuch, she does not attract attention by going to trunk for instance.

If she works late by herself she is definitely not "alone".
 
First, GOOD JOB KEEPING THOSE WEAPONS SECURE!

I can not support enough that you not only had a safe but used it when others who should not have access were in the area.

As for your problem....
A picture is worth a thousand words...
sawzall.jpg
Thats called a sawzall and it is an exceptional tool for breaking into cheap safes ....

I made a similar error once upon a time... thought that it was gonna take me all night to bust into a cheap document style safe I had..

That tool and a crowbar made the job take 10 minutes at the MOST...

Guess who went out and did some looking at REAL safes the next week.

When you replace it do not skimp. Get something that is resistant enough to keep you, your sawzall, a set of punches, a standard torch, and a crowbar out.

However, if affordability is an issue, at least get SOMETHING.

Good luck,
Charles
 
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