Hi there. Today, I’ll show you how to open a dial combination safe and how to locate your combination when your new safe is delivered.
When Your Safe Arrives
Check the handle first. If it’s open, close it — sometimes shipping leaves it open. Look for a sealed envelope taped to the handle or inside the door. Inside that envelope is the dial combination card with your three combination numbers and printed instructions.
1. Get Ready
Find the two hash marks on the dial. The one at 12:00 (the top) is the reference mark you’ll use for the numbers.
2. Clear the Lock
“Clearing” means spinning the dial to reset the mechanism. Turn the dial counterclockwise (left) 3–4 full revolutions, then clockwise (right) 3–4 revolutions. Stop with the dial at 0 (the 12:00 position) — that’s your starting point.
3. Read the Combo Card
Open the combination card and read the three numbers and any instructions. Follow the card while doing the next steps.
4. Dial the Combination
- First number (example: 88): Turn counterclockwise and stop on the first number when it comes to the 12:00 mark on the fourth pass. Go slowly: pass it three times, then stop on it the fourth time.
- Second number (example: 65): Turn clockwise and stop on the second number the third time it hits the 12:00 mark. Move slowly and deliberately.
- Third number (example: 31): Turn counterclockwise and stop on the third number the second time it hits the 12:00 mark. Throughout this, don’t touch the handle.
5. Open the Safe
After the three numbers, turn the dial clockwise (the opposite direction) until it stops — that fixed position is the factory-programmed stop number (you don’t have to memorize it). When the dial won’t turn anymore, pull the handle and open the safe.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice with the door open so you can see what’s happening. Close the handle (but leave the door open), clear the dial, then run through the combination repeatedly — five to ten times — until it feels natural. Treat it like learning a locker combination in high school: repetition builds muscle memory.
Keep Your Combination Safe
Don’t leave the combination card in your home where thieves can find it. Give it to a trusted relative or friend, store it in a safe-deposit box, or keep it at work. Don’t hide it taped to the safe.
Quick Review
- Find the sealed envelope and remove the combo card.
- Clear the lock by spinning left and right, then stop at 0 (12:00).
- Dial the three numbers as instructed (left-right-left passes).
- Turn clockwise to the stop number and open the handle.
- Practice many times with the door open.
- Store the combination somewhere secure and off-site.
That’s it — practice a bit and you’ll be opening your safe smoothly for years.
Need Help?
Call or text us if you have questions about the LaGard Basic 2 at 901-422-8124.
Thanks!