A: Invest in a fire-rated, theft-resistant safe. Aztec Locksmith keeps several different Amsec (American Security Products) safes on display to choose from and keeps a catalog on hand to order from if need be. Protect your cash, financial documents, computer disks and other valuables with a safe that has met the toughest requirements in the industry and carries a UL label of endorsement.
A: The minimum wage clerk who waits on you at the "big box" retailer, more likely than not, is not trained in what specific safe types are required for protecting what types of property, or what risks are being protected against.
Professional Locksmiths and Safe Dealers are usually factory authorized for any service or repair that may be needed.
A: The better safe locks can be changed to a new combination. This normally involves insertion of a "change key" into the back of the combination lock, and dialing the new combination. Usually the new combination is dialed using a "change index" rather than the usual "opening index" (usually located at 12 o'clock.) There are restrictions on choice of the numbers - so be sure to find out the details before doing this. Carefully review the instruction sheet for the lock before doing this. Most safe combination locks are not “user changeable” so call a professional to have it done.
WARNING: It is hard to open a safe that has been set to an unknown combination or one which doesn't work. So be sure to exercise the new combination several times with the door OPEN before closing the door and locking the safe.
A: Either throw the safe away, or pay a safe expert to open it. Please note: if anyone could get a quick and easy way to open your safe it wouldn't be worth much, would it? A safe expert (which usually means a member of SAVTA) can open a safe by either "manipulation" or drilling to access the lock's internals and then working the lock. Drilling can be repaired and leave the safe in excellent condition.
Q: What is the difference between a burglary and fire safe?
A: A burglary safe has been tested and rated against an opening attack. A fire safe has been tested and rated against a fire. Any safe you consider buying should be tested at Underwriters Laboratories for resistance against an opening attack and/or fire.
Q: I don't really own anything valuable enough to put in a safe so why do I need one?
A: The fact is, we all have valuables that need the protection of a home safe. Financial documents, birth certificates, passports, family heirlooms, and prized collections are just a few of the things you'll probably store in your safe. If you own a gun, placing it in a safe is the best way to keep it safe from theft, and out of kids' hands. Just ask anyone who's lived through a tragic house fire - many people lose everything they have. Everything! Even a relatively small amount of belongings that survive in a home safe can make a big difference in starting over.