1855 J&J Taylor SAFE

[mikemet]

Was wondering if there was a way to open this safe, it was my fathers who has passed away and we have no idea what the combination is, I have had a locksmith look at it and he says that it wont open because of it's age. It has been sitting in the basement for about 45 years and has not been opene[img][img][/img][/img]d. He also said you could use an angle grinder with a cutting disc on the back of it I don't know if that is possible or not. Any help would be great.

[webpirate]

Where are you located

[webpirate]

Please don't angle grind it. We'll figure something out!!

[Cheesehead]

Was wondering if there was a way to open this safe, it was my fathers who has passed away and we have no idea what the combination is, I have had a locksmith look at it and he says that it wont open because of it's age. It has been sitting in the basement for about 45 years and has not been opene[img][img][/img][/img]d. He also said you could use an angle grinder with a cutting disc on the back of it I don't know if that is possible or not. Any help would be great.

With respect to your locksmith, it can be opened through touch. I have opened safes much like this one, and Webpirate has opened many more haha

With enough destruction you could open any safe through the back. But it has an outer metal shell, some sort of exceptionally hard concrete mix, and an inner shell of some sort. Probably not happening with an angle grinder. Same with cutting the hinges, this won't work due to the door having a tongue inside the door built specifically for preventing hinge cutting opening the door, and sometimes extra boltwork as well.

Here's a photo of what is likely a similar lock, although I expect yours may have some fancier engraving.

65852C6A-7052-40D0-B631-36127176E838_1_105_c.jpeg

If you're willing to send an email address in a dm I might be able to help you find someone to visit your area who can open it without destruction.
If you're in a hurry and want it open right away, you might want to check out https://www.savta.org/ for technicians in your area. Most will almost certainly drill a hole, but can repair it in a way that is mostly invisible.

Good luck!

[mikemet]

Thanks for getting back to me , I would rather not force it open or cut it so I will try another locksmith, by the looks of it just above the dial it may have been drilled and filled before.
Email is mikes@shaw.ca I am in Calgary Alberta.
Thanks again.
Mike.

[Cheesehead]

Thanks for getting back to me , I would rather not force it open or cut it so I will try another locksmith, by the looks of it just above the dial it may have been drilled and filled before.
Email is mikes@shaw.ca I am in Calgary Alberta.
Thanks again.
Mike.

Yes I also saw those plugs, looks like previous drill operator wasn’t sure where to drill at first. I don’t think I’ll say too much more on drilling on this forum

I’ll send you an email yet today

[webpirate]

If you don't find anyone let me know I will see about making my way down there. I have people I can crash with..

[webpirate]

The follow up: this has been opened without the use of an angle grinder as the "locksmith" suggested.

https://youtu.be/SrMvHnVoT6E?si=0UnNRAHPnHI1BcOl

[Cheesehead]

Nicely done! I’m not sure why an angle grinder would have been suggested when that particular safe tells you how to open it destructively without being so drastic