Safe Service & Repair

Are you locked out of your gun safe? Does your safe require maintenance? Would you like to change the lock on your safe? Our gun safe technicians are specially trained to troubleshoot problems and repair safes.

Jeff Snope | Master Safe Technician

Gun Safe Maintenance & Repair Experts

Discovering you can’t open your safe is never convenient. And when you need access, you need it as fast as possible. This is why you may have just Googled, “gun safe repair near me.”

We understand the frustration. Even the best gun safe locks can encounter issues. Batteries can die. Keypads can malfunction. Dials can drift. There are any number of reasons you may not be able to open your safe.

Our master safe technician has more than 10-years of hands-on experience opening safes. And that doesn’t mean cutting them open. In most cases, he can help you regain access without damaging your safe and turning it into a paperweight.

Whether you’re a business owner with a commercial safe or an individual with a traditional gun safe, we’re here to help in a professional and timely manner.

Safe Maintenance & Repair FAQ

Can my safe lock be switched to electronic or a manual dial?

In most cases, yes. A good UL listed safe will have what is called a magic module footprint that shares a common bolt pattern used between UL listed electronic and manual safe locks. In a lot of cases, our technician can also retrofit a non-UL listed lock with a remote mounted UL listed electronic lock.

Will my electronic lock need to be reprogrammed if the battery goes dead or if I disconnect the battery on the outside of my keypad?

In the case of UL listed locks, the answer is no. These locks retain memory and will continue to function normally when power is re-supplied to the lock. In most cases, a safe lock with a battery on the outside of the safe, and no secondary access/backup key, will be a UL listed lock. Non-UL listed safe locks usually do need to be reprogrammed, but the battery on non-UL listed locks is almost always located inside the safe.

Does an electronic lock have a backup key?

The vast majority of the safes sold at NW Safe do not have a key backup, even on electronic safes. All the safes we sell have UL listed locks. To meet UL guidelines, the locks have to reach a certain level of security that cannot be reached if they have a key backup.

Does the key in my manual dial lock bypass the combination?

No, it does not. The key in the dial offers an extra layer of security by locking down the dial so it cannot be rotated. It does not serve as a bypass to the combination.

My manual dial numbers open on a different combination number than I was originally using, is this normal?

No, this is an indication the lock has seen excessive turning speed which has caused the combination gearing to slip to the new combination. The lock should be examined and replaced if there are signs of aluminum, metal, or brass shavings in the lock body. In some cases, the numbers can continue to move or drift, which in turn may make it extremely difficult to get the safe open.

Does my safe require maintenance?

Yes. All safes should be inspected on roughly a 4-year schedule. The technician needs to examine all the main components and systems on the safe for proper operation and to address any problems that may be developing that could lead to the safe lock or mechanism failing and locking the customer out.

I checked the voltage of my better and it shows good. Why do I need to try another battery in my electronic lock?

A voltage meter will not tell us how the battery performs under load. The amperage output of the battery is what really determines how well the battery can operate a lock. If you have not installed a battery that is Duracell brand with an expiration date at least 4-5 years out from the date of purchase, we will always request you try that first before giving us a call for help.

I bought a brand new battery for my lock. Why do I need to purchase and install another new battery?

The amperage output of the battery is what really determines how well the battery can operate a lock. If you have not installed a battery that is Duracell brand with an expiration date at least 4-5 years out from the date of purchase, we will always request you try that first before giving us a call for help. We know from years of experience that a fresh Duracell battery will rectify 75% of what seems to be electronic lock problems on safes.

Is there anything I can do to maintain my safe on my own?

Yes. You can check/set door tension, lightly lube the locking bolts with a silicone-based grease, and tighten down the handle hub set screw/bolt in most cases. However, your safe should still be looked at by a safe technician at least every 4 years.

Jeff truly provided platinum-level knowledge and service, generously sharing his expertise and genuine concern for my predicament. Without hesitation, I would give Jeff and NW Safe a five-star PLUS rating.

- Gail Monaghan

Changing Manual Locks to Electronic Keypad Safe Locks

It’s possible to replace an electric keypad with a manual lock in nearly all cases, or vice versa. This is because most high-quality and US made are typically outfitted with a “magic module” footprint for the lock unit.

My Electronic Lock Won’t Open

So, your electronic lock won’t open? Few things are more frustrating. Whether you’re putting away a new pistol, getting out your hunting rifle or need to access your extra cash, when you need to get into your safe, you need to get in.