Key + Dial safe question

[Wanderling]

I have a relatively small (1.2 cu ft) safe that has both a key and a dial. The key looks sort of like a computer cable key, it's round bar with grooves.

When I am on vacation the safe is locked with both the key and the dial (the key doesn't override the dial, they act independently).

When I am in and out of the house, however, I only use the key - there are some papers and checks in the safe which I have to access every now and then, dialing combo every time is a PITA. We only have 2 keys for it, one is always on my keychain, another locked in a drawer at work.

The question - is it a bad idea ? Would it be easy for someone who doesn't have access to the key to open the safe if I don't use combo dial ?

 

[a1abdj]

It depends on who makes the safe.

It sounds like a Sentry, which is a great fire rated box, but not so great when it comes to security. Many of these safes are easily opened with a screwdriver, hammer, or tire tool.

 

[billdeserthills]

If someone in your house has a picking tool for the round keyway (Ace) it can be picked sometimes in a minute or less--or more...I doubt you need to get too worried about it

 

[rbernie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr_54FXnJCQ

http://www.ehow.com/how_6701137_unlock-sentry-safe-1100-key.html

 

[billdeserthills]

Sentry will be the first to tell you that their fire safes are only constructed to keep your papers safe during a fire.