How to Remove a Safe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Safes are designed to protect valuable items and personal belongings from theft, fire, or other disasters. However, there may come a time when you need to remove a safe, whether it’s because you’re moving to a new home, upgrading to a newer model, or simply decluttering your space. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to remove a safe safely and efficiently.
Preparation is Key
Before you start, make sure you have the necessary tools and preparation to remove the safe. Here are a few things to consider:
- Read the safe’s instructions: Familiarize yourself with the safe’s manual and understand how it was installed, as well as any special considerations for removal.
- Check for critical safety information: If you’re dealing with a fireproof or combination safe, be aware of any environmental hazards, such as asbestos or hazardous materials.
- Turn off the power and water: If your safe is connected to power or water lines, disconnect them to avoid any potential risks.
Step 1: Disarm the Safe’s Locking Mechanism
Locate the safe’s locking mechanism, whether it’s a combination lock, keyhole, or biometric scanner. Try to determine how it works and disable it to gain access to the safe. For combination locks, try spinning the dial to the correct combination or use a combination safe-cracking tool. For keyhole locks, remove the key.
Step 2: Remove the Safe from Its Mount
Most safes are installed on the floor or wall. To remove it, you’ll need to disconnect it from the mount. This may involve unscrewing the safe from the floor or wall, or disassembling any mounting brackets.
Step 3: Lift or Roll the Safe Out
Depending on the type and size of the safe, you may need to use a dolly, pulley, or a team of people to lift and move it out of the way. Take your time and work slowly to avoid injury.
Step 4: Maneuver the Safe to the Doorway or Exit
Use your preferred method to move the safe to the main doorway or exit. Be mindful of narrow stairways, tight corners, and doorways to avoid scratching or damaging the safe or surrounding walls.
Step 5: Remove the Safe from the Property
Once the safe is clear of any obstructions, you can move it to a temporary storage location, a new home, or dispose of it appropriately.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Consider hiring a professional: If you’re not comfortable with the removal process or dealing with complex safe designs, consider hiring a professional safe-moving company.
- Take your time: Removing a safe safely and efficiently is crucial to avoid injury or damage to your belongings.
- Dispose of the safe responsibly: If the safe is no longer needed, consider donating it to a local charity or recycling it responsibly.
In conclusion, removing a safe requires patience, caution, and the right tools. By following these steps and considering any special precautions, you’ll be able to safely and efficiently remove your safe and protect your valuable belongings.
We’re moving into a new store location and need to replace the cash counter. In order to do so we need to move this safe. Any suggestions?
I work in retail construction and these are typically bolted down to the floor from the inside. If that’s the case, you’ll need to open it, empty the contents, and undo the bolts on the bottom. You might also try calling the safe vendor and seeing if they’ll do it for you.
Ask the company that put it in?
Oh here we go again. Buckle up safe fans!!
It’s bolted to the ground. It has to be opened to get to the bolt heads .
There’s no other way the bolts go deep into the concrete.
r/safes
Wile E. Coyote Lock and Safe should be able to help you help with that. Or at least provide some comic relief until you figure something else out.
Cut the hinge pins in the middle with a sawsall and remove door
I would cut the hinges and save the locksmith fee. I’d use an angle grinder and be super careful of sparks.