This episode of the Safe Space podcast breaks down what really happens when a safe needs to be drilled open, how to avoid inexperienced “lock jockeys,” and why the right technician can mean the difference between a simple repair and a completely destroyed safe. Jeff Snoop, Northwest Safe’s master safe technician, shares real-world stories, explains how professional safe drilling works, and offers practical advice for protecting your safe, valuables, and wallet during a lockout situation.
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Episode 56 Topics
00:29 | Meet Jeff: Safe Technician and Lockout Expert
02:01 | How to Find the Right Safe Technician
04:07 | Why Drilling a Safe Can Go Wrong
07:13 | Why the SAVTA Website Matters
08:29 | When Cutting Open a Safe Is Actually Necessary
13:32 | Why Lock Quality Matters
16:13 | How Professionals Properly Repair Drill Holes
18:14 | Small Details Separate Good Technicians from Bad Ones
19:59 | What Makes a Safe Harder to Drill Open
24:10 | Why Anchoring Your Safe Matters
26:19 | Drilling Should Always Be the Last Resort
Episode 56 Discussion Synopsis
00:29 | Meet Jeff: Safe Technician and Lockout Expert
Welcome to Episode 56 of the Safe Space podcast. In this episode, the team sits down with Jeff Snoop, Northwest Safe’s master safe technician, who has been working with safes for nearly two decades. Jeff explains that there’s a major difference between opening a cheap home safe, a commercial safe, or a bank vault—and why experience matters when a safe needs to be drilled open.
One of the most common questions customers ask is: “Is my safe ruined if it gets drilled?” According to Jeff, the answer depends entirely on who is doing the work. A skilled technician can often drill and repair a safe with little visible evidence, while an inexperienced locksmith may turn the safe into “Swiss cheese” with unnecessary holes.
Locked out of your safe? It’s an infuriating situation. We get it. That’s why we’ve revamped our Gun Safe Maintenance Checklist. The following tips can help you open your locked safe.
02:01 | How to Find the Right Safe Technician
Jeff recommends searching specifically for terms like “safe technician” or “vault technician” instead of simply searching for a locksmith. While some locksmiths are highly qualified safe technicians, many primarily focus on keys and standard locks and only occasionally work on safes.
The difference matters because high-security safes require specialized knowledge. Someone who only occasionally works on safes may not understand advanced locking systems, relockers, or safe repair procedures.
Jeff explains that true safe technicians typically handle a large volume of safes and often sell, move, and repair them regularly. That experience makes a major difference during a lockout situation.
04:07 | Why Drilling a Safe Can Go Wrong
Drilling a safe is not always straightforward. Jeff explains that different safes use different hard plates, relockers, and internal designs. If someone drills too deep or in the wrong location, they can accidentally trigger secondary locking systems and make the safe even harder to open.
One example is a glass relocker system commonly found in higher-security commercial safes. These safes contain a sheet of glass connected to spring-loaded relocking pins. If the glass breaks during an improper drill attempt, the pins fire and lock the mechanism down even tighter.
Jeff explains that while some older gun safes used glass relockers, they are more commonly found in jewelry safes and commercial burglary-rated safes.
07:13 | Why the SAVTA Website Matters
Rather than relying on random Google results, Jeff recommends using the Safe and Vault Technicians Association website (SAVTA) to find a qualified technician. The site allows customers to search for vetted safe technicians by ZIP code.
Unlike random online ads, SAVTA members are recognized within the industry and have demonstrated a professional level of experience working on safes. Jeff explains that this helps customers avoid “trunk jockeys” or “lock jockeys”—people who show up with little experience and may destroy a safe unnecessarily.
This ins and outs of how to choose the best lock for your gun safe.
08:29 | When Cutting Open a Safe Is Actually Necessary
Jeff explains that cutting open a safe is sometimes the correct solution—but only in extreme situations. For example, if a locking mechanism has catastrophically failed or rusted beyond repair, cutting may be the only practical option.
The problem is that many technicians jump straight to cutting without proper diagnosis. Jeff shares examples where customers were quoted thousands of dollars to cut open safes that ultimately only needed a replacement keypad or lock component.
In one case, a customer with an older American Security safe was quoted $3,000 for a destructive opening. Northwest Safe solved the issue by replacing the keypad and lock system for a fraction of the cost.
13:32 | Why Lock Quality Matters
The conversation shifts to electronic lock quality and the difference between older analog-style electronic locks and newer digital systems. Jeff recommends newer digital lock platforms like the Sargent and Greenleaf Titan and ProLogic systems because they are more reliable and advanced than many older entry-level locks commonly sold at big box stores.
The hosts also point out that replacing and repairing a quality older safe often makes more financial sense than destroying it and buying a new lower-security replacement.
16:13 | How Professionals Properly Repair Drill Holes
Jeff explains that properly drilled safes should not be left vulnerable after repair. Skilled technicians often place drill holes in hidden areas beneath lock plates or handle hubs so the repair is not visible.
After opening the safe, the drill hole is reinforced using hardened materials like steel epoxy, ball bearings, carbide taper pins, and other barriers designed to make the hole extremely difficult to re-drill.
Jeff also warns that many inexperienced technicians unnecessarily drill through visible areas of the safe, damaging both the appearance and security of the unit.
18:14 | Small Details Separate Good Technicians from Bad Ones
The team discusses how attention to detail matters after a repair. Poor-quality service often includes mismatched hardware, visible holes, or sloppy installations.
Jeff explains that Northwest Safe stocks matching lock hardware and dials so repaired safes maintain their original appearance. He also shares why black chrome dials with white lettering are often easier to read than polished gold or chrome dials because they reduce glare and improve visibility.
19:59 | What Makes a Safe Harder to Drill Open
Jeff estimates that most standard gun safe drill jobs take about an hour, depending on the hard plate and locking system involved. Commercial safes with advanced relockers, thick steel, glass barriers, or alloy-filled doors can take many hours.
The discussion also highlights a common misconception: most burglaries are not performed by professional safecrackers. In reality, thieves are more likely to pry, cut, or steal an entire safe rather than carefully drill it.
Because of that, Jeff recommends focusing on thicker steel bodies, better overall construction, and proper anchoring rather than relying entirely on advanced lock protections.
24:10 | Why Anchoring Your Safe Matters
Jeff shares stories of customers storing tens of thousands of dollars in jewelry inside lightweight, inexpensive safes that were not bolted down. In many cases, thieves could simply carry the entire safe away.
Even an entry-level safe becomes significantly more secure when properly anchored and positioned against a wall to reduce pry access. While anchoring does not stop all attacks, it helps prevent quick smash-and-grab thefts.
26:19 | Drilling Should Always Be the Last Resort
Toward the end of the episode, Jeff stresses that drilling should never be the first option during a lockout. Skilled technicians should first attempt troubleshooting steps such as factory reset codes, checking keypad issues, or verifying dialing procedures over the phone.
In fact, Jeff says a large percentage of lockout calls are solved through simple troubleshooting. Many customers are either entering combinations incorrectly or dealing with dead batteries or faulty keypads.
The episode closes with advice for customers to ask questions before authorizing any drilling or cutting work and to seek second opinions if pricing or recommendations seem suspicious.