How to Pick a Sentry Safe Lock

Co-authored by Robert Vallelunga

Last Updated: November 7, 2024 References

If you lost your SentrySafe’s key or code, there are a few ways to pick the lock. If your safe has a digital lock with a number keypad, you can pick it in seconds with little effort.^{[1]
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Research source} Purchase a strong rare earth magnet online and use it to trigger the solenoid, which is the part of the safe that springs the lock. If you need to pick a flat keyhole lock, you can use a metal nail file, flat-head screwdriver, or straightened paperclip. While it’s a bit trickier, you should be able to pick the lock after a little wiggling and jiggling. Regardless of the method you choose, never pick the lock of a safe that doesn't belong to you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Opening a Digital Lock with a Magnet

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You can buy a rare earth magnet with enough pull force online for between $20 and $50 (USD). Choose a disc shaped magnet that’s a little larger than a hockey puck, and ensure it has the right pull force.^{[2]
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Do not put your fingers between the magnet and metal. Use caution when handling a powerful magnet. You could suffer a serious injury if your finger or other body part gets caught between a magnet and metal.^{[3]
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- A rare earth magnet with a 125 pounds (57 kg) pull force could break a finger. When you hold it near the safe, grasp it from its sides. Keep your fingers clear of the broad, circular face that will attract and cling to the safe.
- Keep the magnet away from credit or debit cards, phones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices. Additionally, anyone who has a pacemaker must avoid coming into contact with a strong magnet.
- Store the magnet in a secure box out of reach of children. While you can store it in a box made of a magnetic metal, it'll be easier to lift it out of a non-magnetic container.
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A sock will make easier to slide the magnet over the safe’s surface.^{[4]
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There’s a part called the solenoid in the safe’s top left corner that springs the lock mechanism when it’s electronically triggered. Holding the magnet to this part of the safe will trigger the solenoid.^{[5]
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Hold the magnet at the top left corner with one hand and the safe’s handle with the other. Slide the magnet around the top corner slightly as you pull the handle. Within a few seconds, the magnet will trigger the solenoid and unlock the safe.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Picking a Key Lock with a Nail File

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Insert a small metal nail file into the keyhole. Find a metal nail file with a pointed end that’s small enough to fit into the keyhole. Slide the file pointed side down all the way into the hole.^{[7]
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- If you don’t have a nail file, you can use a small flat-head screwdriver.^{[8]
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Jiggle the file up and down until you hear a click. After inserting the file as far as possible into the keyhole, wiggle it up and down to release the pins. You’ll hear a click when you’ve released the pins.^{[9]
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- It might take some time, so keep jiggling until you hear the pins release.
As soon as you hear a click, twist the file to open the lock. SentrySafe locks usually turn to the left.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Picking a Key Lock with a Paperclip

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Straighten a paperclip, then use a pair of needle-nose pliers with a wire cutter to cut it in half.^{[11]
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Use the pliers to pinch the end of one of the halves. Fold the end about ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) from its tip. The folded end should be completely closed, so it’s flush with the half’s remaining length.^{[12]
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Bend the folded end at a 90 degree angle to create a tension tool. Grab the folded end with the pliers and bend it at the fold's tip. When you're done, this half of the paperclip should look like a straight wire with a tiny hook bent at a right angle on one end.^{[13]
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- You’ll insert the tension tool into the bottom of the keyhole and use it to turn the lock open.
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Bend the other half’s end at a 45 degree angle to make a picking tool. Hold an end of the other half of the paperclip with your pliers about ¹⁄₈ inch (0.32 cm) from the tip. Fold this length at a 45 degree angle.^{[14]
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- The picking tool is what you’ll use to rake and release the pins.
Slide the tension tool in with the hook facing down. Push it into the keyhole’s shear line, or the bottom of the hole, until you encounter resistance.^{[15]
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Turn the tension tool in the direction the lock turns. Use as little force as possible to rotate the tension tool just slightly. You’ll need to carefully apply slight rotational tension, or twisting force, with the tension tool as you jiggle the pins with the picking tool.
- SentrySafe locks typically open to the left.
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Insert the pick tool all the way into the keyhole. Slide the pick tool all the way to the back of the upper part of the keyhole. The 45 degree bend should face up.^{[16]
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- SentrySafe locks often have 4 pins, and you’ll need to access the last pin at the back of the lock.
Rake the pins by jiggling the pick up and down as you slowly pull it toward the keyhole’s opening. Keep the tension tool turned slightly toward the open position as you jiggle. Keep raking until you hear a click, then turn the tension tool all the way to the left to open the lock.^{[17]
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Tips

Using a magnet to open a digital lock won't damage the lock or safe. However, inserting any object other than the key into the keyhole could damage the lock, especially if you're not experienced with picking locks. If you're concerned about damaging the lock, call a locksmith or contact SentrySafe to request a replacement key or combination: https://www.sentrysafe.com/support/lost-key-combo.

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