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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
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Home and Garden
Disaster Preparedness
Home Security
Locks and Keys
Lock Picking
How to Pick a Sentry Safe Lock Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Opening a Digital Lock with a Magnet 2 Picking a Key Lock with a Nail File 3 Picking a Key Lock with a Paperclip Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Robert Vallelunga
Last Updated: November 7, 2024 References
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This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga. Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 269,818 times.
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]XResearch 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.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Opening a Digital Lock with a Magnet
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1 Purchase a rare earth magnet with a 125 pounds (57 kg) pull force. 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]XResearch source
2 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]XResearch source
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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3 Put the magnet in an old sock. A sock will make easier to slide the magnet over the safe’s surface.[4]XResearch source
4 Hold the magnet to the top left corner of the safe. 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]XResearch source
5 Grasp the handle and wiggle the magnet until the safe opens. 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]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Picking a Key Lock with a Nail File
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1 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]XResearch source
If you don’t have a nail file, you can use a small flat-head screwdriver.[8]XResearch source
2 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]XResearch source
It might take some time, so keep jiggling until you hear the pins release.
3 Turn the file in the direction the lock opens when you hear a click. As soon as you hear a click, twist the file to open the lock. SentrySafe locks usually turn to the left.[10]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Picking a Key Lock with a Paperclip
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1 Cut a straightened paperclip in half. Straighten a paperclip, then use a pair of needle-nose pliers with a wire cutter to cut it in half.[11]X Expert Source Robert VallelungaLocksmithExpert Interview [12]XResearch source
2 Pinch 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) of an end of the paperclip and fold it over.[13]X Expert Source Robert VallelungaLocksmithExpert Interview 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.[14]XResearch source
3 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.[15]X Expert Source Robert VallelungaLocksmithExpert Interview [16]XResearch source
You’ll insert the tension tool into the bottom of the keyhole and use it to turn the lock open.
4 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.[17]XResearch source
The picking tool is what you’ll use to rake and release the pins.
5 Insert the tension tool into the bottom of the keyhole. 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.[18]XResearch source
6 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.
7 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.[19]XResearch source
SentrySafe locks often have 4 pins, and you’ll need to access the last pin at the back of the lock.
8 Jiggle the pick tool quickly until the lock opens. 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.[20]XResearch source
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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. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Don't use these techniques to pick a lock on a safe that isn't yours. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 16
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about lock picking, check out our in-depth interview with Robert Vallelunga.
Co-authored by: Robert Vallelunga Locksmith This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga. Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. This article has been viewed 269,818 times. 21 votes - 82% Co-authors: 11Updated: November 7, 2024 Views: 269,818 Categories: Lock PickingArticle SummaryX
To pick a safe sentry lock, start by inserting a small metal nail file all the way into the keyhole. If you don’t have a nail file, you can try using a small flat-head screwdriver. With the file in the keyhole as far as it can go, jiggle it up and down to release the pins and stop once you hear a click. After the click, turn the file to the left to open the safe. For digital locks, buy a disc-shaped rare earth magnet with 125 pounds of pull force and hold it to the top left corner of the safe. Once the magnet is in place, grab the handle and wiggle the magnet as you pull the handle until the internal mechanism unlocks the safe. For more tips, including how to pick a key lock with a paperclip, read on.Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Robert Vallelunga Locksmith Co-authors: 11Updated: November 7, 2024 Views: 269,81882% of readers found this article helpful. 21 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Opening a Digital Lock with a Magnet 2 Picking a Key Lock with a Nail File 3 Picking a Key Lock with a Paperclip Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Robert Vallelunga 
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Co-authored by: Robert Vallelunga Locksmith This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga. Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. This article has been viewed 269,818 times. 21 votes - 82% Co-authors: 11 Updated: November 7, 2024 Views: 269,818 Categories: Lock Picking Article SummaryX
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1 Purchase a rare earth magnet with a 125 pounds (57 kg) pull force. 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] 
2 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] 
3 Put the magnet in an old sock. A sock will make easier to slide the magnet over the safe’s surface.[4] 
4 Hold the magnet to the top left corner of the safe. 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] 
5 Grasp the handle and wiggle the magnet until the safe opens. 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] Advertisement 
1 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] 
2 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] 
3 Turn the file in the direction the lock opens when you hear a click. As soon as you hear a click, twist the file to open the lock. SentrySafe locks usually turn to the left.[10] Advertisement 
1 Cut a straightened paperclip in half. Straighten a paperclip, then use a pair of needle-nose pliers with a wire cutter to cut it in half.[11] [12] 
2 Pinch 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) of an end of the paperclip and fold it over.[13] 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.[14] 
3 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.[15] [16] 
4 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.[17] 
5 Insert the tension tool into the bottom of the keyhole. 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.[18] 
6 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. 
7 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.[19] 
8 Jiggle the pick tool quickly until the lock opens. 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.[20] Advertisement 
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