3 Easy Steps to Open a Sentry Safe Using Key and Combination

Over time, the Sentry safes have become very popular due to their high level of security. However, there might be times when you need to open your safe but have forgotten the code or lost the key. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to open a Sentry safe with the key and combination without causing any damage to the safe. In this article, we will delve into some of these methods. Before you begin, it’s important to note that tampering with a safe without authorization can be considered a crime. Therefore, only attempt to open a safe if you are the rightful owner or have obtained permission from the owner.

The first method involves using the key to open the safe. If you have the key, insert it into the keyhole and turn it clockwise. You should hear a click as the lock disengages. Once the lock is open, you can pull the door open. If the key does not turn smoothly, do not force it. This could damage the lock and make it more difficult to open the safe. Instead, try lubricating the lock with a graphite pencil or lock lubricant. If the key still does not turn, you may need to contact a locksmith for assistance.

If you do not have the key, you can try opening the safe using the combination. The combination is a series of numbers that you enter into the safe’s keypad to unlock it. To enter the combination, start by pressing the reset button on the keypad. This will clear any previous entries. Then, enter the combination using the keypad. Once you have entered the correct combination, press the enter button. The safe should now be unlocked. If you have forgotten the combination, you can try to reset it. To do this, you will need to contact the manufacturer of the safe. They will be able to provide you with instructions on how to reset the combination.

Locate the Keyhole and Combination Dial

Identifying the Keyhole

Sentry safes typically feature a keyhole that is located on the front panel of the safe. It is usually a small, circular hole that is recessed into the metal. To locate the keyhole, carefully examine the front panel of the safe. Look for any small holes or depressions that might indicate the presence of the keyhole. If you are unable to locate the keyhole visually, you can use a flashlight or a magnifier to enhance your visibility.

Once you have identified the keyhole, insert the Sentry safe key and turn it counterclockwise. If the key fits snugly and turns smoothly, you have successfully located the correct keyhole. If the key does not fit or turns with difficulty, it is recommended to consult the safe’s manual or contact Sentry Safe customer support for assistance.

Here is a table summarizing the keyhole identification process:

Step	Description
1	Examine the front panel of the safe for a small, circular hole.
2	Use a flashlight or magnifier if necessary to enhance visibility.
3	Insert the Sentry safe key and turn it counterclockwise.

Insert the Key and Rotate

Step 1: Insert the Key

Locate the keyhole on the front of the safe. It may be concealed by a small plastic flap or cover. Use the correct key for the safe. If you don’t have the original key, you can purchase a replacement key from the manufacturer.

Step 2: Rotate the Key

Once the key is inserted, turn it clockwise about 90 degrees. This will disengage the locking mechanism and allow you to open the safe door. If the key does not turn easily, try wiggling it slightly while rotating it. If it still does not turn, check to ensure that you have the correct key and that it is inserted fully into the keyhole.

Key Rotation	Action
90 degrees clockwise	Disengages locking mechanism
Additional key rotations	May be necessary to fully open door

Step 3: Open the Door

Once the key has been rotated, pull the safe door towards you to open it. The door may be heavy, so use caution when opening it. If the door does not open easily, try pushing or pulling it slightly while rotating the key further.

Pull Down the Bolt (If Applicable)

If your Sentry Safe is equipped with a bolt-style locking mechanism, you’ll need to pull down the bolt before you can open the safe. To do this, insert the key into the keyhole and turn it clockwise. This should release the bolt, allowing you to pull it down. Once the bolt is down, you can open the safe door.

Additional Tips for Pulling Down the Bolt:

* If the bolt is stuck, try wiggling the key while turning it. This can help to loosen the bolt and make it easier to pull down.
* If you’re still having trouble pulling down the bolt, you may need to apply some force. However, be careful not to damage the safe or the key.
* Once the bolt is down, be sure to keep it in the down position until you’re ready to close the safe again. This will prevent the safe from being accidentally locked.

Turn the Handle to Open the Door

Once you have successfully entered the combination and heard the lock click, it’s time to turn the handle and open the door. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Grip the handle firmly with your dominant hand.
2. Pull the handle towards you slightly while simultaneously twisting it clockwise.
3. Continue pulling and twisting until the door opens smoothly.
4. If the door resists opening, try applying more force or checking if the handle is fully engaged in the lock.
5. To ensure proper engagement, make sure the handle is fully inserted into the lock mechanism,

and the handle is parallel to the door’s surface.
6. Once the door is ajar, pull it open completely and access the contents of your safe.

Opening the Sentry Safe with Key

1. Locate the keyhole on the front of the safe.
2. Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it clockwise to unlock the safe.
3. Pull down on the door handle to open the safe.

Opening the Sentry Safe with Combination

1. Locate the combination dial on the front of the safe.
2. Enter the combination by turning the dial the following number of clicks clockwise:


First number	Clicks clockwise
Second number	Clicks clockwise
Third number	Click clockwise

3. Pull down on the door handle to open the safe.

Resetting the Combination (Optional)

1. If you have forgotten the combination or want to change it, you can reset it using the following steps:
2. Open the safe using the key.
3. Locate the reset button on the inside of the safe door. It is usually a small, black button.
4. Press and hold the reset button while turning the combination dial to the new combination.
5. Release the reset button and turn the dial back to the 0 position.
6. Close the safe door and lock it with the key. The new combination is now set.

Using the Override Key (If Available)

Many Sentry safes come equipped with an override key that provides an alternative means of opening the safe in case you forget the combination. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use the override key:

Locate the Override Keyhole

The override keyhole is typically concealed behind a small, removable access panel. This panel is usually located on the side or bottom of the safe.
Insert the Override Key

Insert the override key into the keyhole and turn it clockwise. You should feel a slight resistance as you turn the key.
Pull the Door Open

Once the key is turned, pull the safe door open. The door should open smoothly without any additional effort.
Replace the Override Key

After opening the safe, remove the override key and replace the access panel. This will prevent unauthorized access to the override keyhole.
Change the Combination

If you lost your original combination, you can use the override key to gain access to the safe and then reset the combination to a new one.
Store the Override Key Securely

The override key is a valuable tool that should be kept in a safe and secure location. Keep it separate from the safe’s regular combination and remember to store it in a place that’s not easily accessible to others.
Caution:

Lost override keys cannot be replaced by Sentry. Therefore, it’s crucial to store the override key securely and avoid losing it.

Unlocking with Key and Combination

To open a Sentry safe using both the key and combination, follow these steps:

Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it 90 degrees clockwise.
Enter the combination using the dial. Turn the dial clockwise to the first number, then counterclockwise to the second number, and finally clockwise again to the third number.
Pull down on the handle to open the safe.

Troubleshooting: Key and Combination Not Working

If you are unable to open your Sentry safe using the key and combination, there are a few possible reasons:

Incorrect Combination

Make sure that you are entering the correct combination. If you have forgotten the combination, you can reset it by following the instructions in the safe’s user manual.

Key Not Aligned

Ensure that the key is properly aligned in the keyhole before turning it. If the key is not aligned, it will not be able to engage with the lock mechanism.

Damaged Lock

In some cases, the lock may be damaged, preventing the key or combination from working. If you suspect that the lock is damaged, you should contact a locksmith for assistance.

Frozen Lock

If the safe has been exposed to cold temperatures, the lock may have frozen. To thaw the lock, use a hair dryer to blow warm air on it for a few minutes. Once the lock has thawed, try opening it again.

Broken Key

If the key is broken, you will not be able to open the safe. You can try to remove the broken key using a pair of tweezers or a magnet. If you are unable to remove the broken key, you should contact a locksmith for assistance.

Jammed Lock

If the lock is jammed, you may be able to free it by gently tapping on it with a hammer or other object. If the lock is still jammed, you should contact a locksmith for assistance.

Malfunctioning Dial

If the dial is malfunctioning, you may not be able to enter the combination correctly. Try turning the dial in different directions to see if it becomes unstuck. If the dial is still malfunctioning, you should contact a locksmith for assistance.

Cautions and Precautions

1. Keep Your Key Safe

Always keep your Sentry safe key in a secure location, separate from the safe itself. If your key is lost or stolen, anyone could gain access to your valuables.

2. Don’t Share the Combination

The combination to your Sentry safe should be kept confidential. Avoid sharing it with anyone, even family members or trusted friends.

3. Reset the Combination Regularly

It’s advisable to reset the combination of your Sentry safe periodically, especially if you suspect it may have been compromised.

4. Avoid Exposing to Extreme Temperatures

Excessive heat or cold can damage the mechanisms of your Sentry safe, making it difficult to open or even impossible.

5. Protect from Water Damage

Water can cause rust and corrosion, which can impair the function of your Sentry safe. Keep it away from water sources and areas with high humidity.

6. Handle with Care

Sentry safes are heavy and should be handled with care. Avoid dropping or bumping it, as it could cause internal damage.

7. Prevent Forced Entry

Secure your Sentry safe to the wall or floor to prevent it from being easily carried away or forced open.

8. Regular Maintenance

定期对您的 Sentry 保险柜进行维护，包括润滑钥匙孔和拨盘，以确保其顺利运行。

9. Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter difficulty opening your Sentry safe, try the following troubleshooting tips:

Make sure the key is fully inserted and turned in the correct direction.
Try rotating the dial in both directions to check if it’s stuck.
Listen for any clicking sounds as you rotate the dial. Each click indicates a number that is being entered.
If the safe still won’t open, contact Sentry customer support for assistance.

Using the Combination

1. Locate the combination dial on the front of the safe.
2. Turn the dial clockwise until the first number of your combination lines up with the indicator mark.
3. Turn the dial counterclockwise until the second number of your combination lines up with the indicator mark.
4. Turn the dial clockwise again until the third number of your combination lines up with the indicator mark.
5. Pull down on the handle to open the safe.

Using the Key

1. Insert the key into the keyhole on the front of the safe.
2. Turn the key to the right to unlock the safe.
3. Pull down on the handle to open the safe.

Opening a Safe That is Locked with Both the Combination and Key

1. Use the combination to unlock the safe (see steps above).
2. Insert the key into the keyhole on the front of the safe.
3. Turn the key to the right to fully unlock the safe.
4. Pull down on the handle to open the safe.

If You Have Forgotten Your Combination

1. Contact SentrySafe customer service at 1-800-562-5536.
2. Provide them with the model number and serial number of your safe.
3. They will provide you with the factory default combination.

If You Have Lost Your Key

1. Contact SentrySafe customer service at 1-800-562-5536.
2. Provide them with the model number and serial number of your safe.
3. They will send you a replacement key.

Tips

• If you have difficulty opening the safe, try using a little bit of lubricant on the keyhole or door latch.
• If you are still having trouble opening the safe, you may need to contact a locksmith.

Troubleshooting

• If you enter the wrong combination, the safe will lock for 5 minutes.
• If you enter the wrong key, the safe will lock for 1 hour.

Warning

• Do not attempt to break into the safe if you have forgotten your combination or lost your key. This could damage the safe and make it impossible to open.

Conclusion

Opening a SentrySafe is easy if you follow the steps outlined above. If you have any questions, please consult the SentrySafe user manual or contact customer service.

How To Open Sentry Safe With Key And Combination

Sentry safes are known for their security and durability. They are often used to store valuables such as jewelry, money, and important documents. If you have a Sentry safe, it is important to know how to open it both with the key and the combination. This will ensure that you can access your belongings in the event of an emergency or if you lose the key.

To open a Sentry safe with the key, simply insert the key into the keyhole and turn it clockwise. The door should then open easily. If the door does not open, try jiggling the key or inserting it upside down. If you are still having trouble, you may need to contact a locksmith.

To open a Sentry safe with the combination, follow these steps:

Turn the dial to the right until it stops.
Turn the dial to the left until it reaches the first number in your combination.
Turn the dial to the right until it reaches the second number in your combination.
Turn the dial to the left until it reaches the third number in your combination.
Pull the lever down to open the door.

If you have forgotten your combination, you can reset it by following the instructions in the safe’s manual. You will need to provide the serial number of the safe and proof of ownership.