How To Change The Combination For A Safe

Change the combination for a safe before using it to secure valuables. Safes are shipped to sellers with a factory combination that is the same for all safes of a particular model. That lets retailers open the locks for display. Manufacturers leave it to consumers to choose a combination and keep it secret. Details of changing a combination will vary for different models, but the basic procedure is similar to the outlined instructions for a Chubb three-wheel lock. You can change the combination anytime to insure that valuables are protected.

Step 1

Identify the marks for opening and changing the lock. Chubb Lock and Safe uses an arrow at the top of the circle for the opening mark and a line just to the left or right of the arrow for the change mark.

Step 2

Open the safe door and throw the lock bolts into the extended position. Once the combination is dialed through the change mark it will be removed.

Step 3

Turn the combination knob counterclockwise until the first number has passed the change mark three times. Line up the first number with the change mark on the fourth revolution. Chubb uses 10, 20, 30 for the factory combination setting on three-wheel locks.

Step 4

Rotate the knob clockwise until the second number has passed the change mark twice. Line up the second number with the change mark on the third revolution.

Step 5

Turn the knob counterclockwise until the third number passes the change mark once. Stop when the third number aligns with the change mark on the second rotation.

Step 6

Slip the change key into the back of the lock. Rotate it a quarter turn in the counterclockwise direction. Devise a new combination with the last number being higher than 25.

Step 7

Dial the new combination using the change mark exactly as it was done for steps 3, 4 and 5. Keep the third number on the change mark and turn the change key a quarter rotation back in the clockwise direction. The new combination can now be used to open the safe.