Once in a while you should change the code on your safe for security reasons. The frequency of change should depend on how many people have access to it. Modifying the code is not always a simple matter. The most difficult is to change the code on a safe with a mechanical lock. In this article you will learn how to change the cipher not only in a traditional lock with a knob, but also how to do it in an electronic and biometric mechanism.
Functioning of a safe with a mechanical lock
A safe with a mechanical lock is equipped with a traditional and reliable mechanism with a knob. Operating and opening the lock requires precision, so this security measure is not recommended for the elderly and those with hand tremor problems.
A safe with a mechanical lock is equipped with two dials: a rotary and a fixed one. On the fixed one two dashes are marked. One of them is used to set the code. The other is for changing the code in the safe. On the rotary dial there is a scale from 0 to 99.
Opening the lock involves precisely aligning a particular digit on the rotating dial with the right-hand dash on the fixed dial. A sequence of several clockwise and counterclockwise rotations opens the safe. Make sure that each time the right digit of the code aligns with the right dash.
How to change the code on a safe with a mechanical lock
Before you start changing the code of the mechanical lock, you must first open the door of the safe. Then close the lock but leave the door open. In the next step, follow the same steps as for opening the lock. The existing code must be set against the left-hand line on the fixed dial. Finally, leave the rotary disc on the last number of the code under the left-hand dash.
Once you have done this, insert the setting key into the hole in the back wall of the safe door. Turn the key clockwise by about 90° until it stops and leave it in this position. Remember not to turn the key by force! You can now enter the new code.
Once the new code has been set, proceed with the encryption of the lock. You must set all the digits of the new code under the left dash. Perform the following steps:
● turn the dial to the left and set the first digit of the code under the left dash, then make 3 turns to the left and again set the first digit under the left dash,
● turn the dial clockwise and set the second code digit under the left dash, then turn it clockwise 2 times and set the second code digit under the left dash,
● turn the dial to the left and set the third code digit under the left dash, then make 1 turn to the left and again set the third code digit under the left dash.
Leave the dial in this position and carefully remove the setting key from the back of the safe door by turning it to the left. With the safe open, check several times that the new code works.
How to change the code in a safe with an electronic lock
If you don't know how to change the code in a safe with an electronic lock, first try to find the manual for the lock. If you don't have access to it, no worries - setting a new code is definitely easier than in a mechanical lock.
Follow these steps:
● open the door - the code change procedure is always done with the door open,
● press the 0 button six times (or hold it down) - you will hear a double beep,
● enter the current code (you will hear a double beep),
● select a new code (a double beep will sound),
● confirm the new code by entering it again (you will hear a double beep for the last time).
If you hear a triple beep while entering the new code, it means that there was an error while entering the cipher. In this case, the old code will still be active.
Find more about this here: Changing the code on your safe. 5 facts you need to know
How to change the code in a safe with a biometric lock
Changing the code in a safe with a biometric lock is also not complicated. The way the fingerprint is entered can vary depending on the lock model. Some biometric locks are equipped with a numeric keypad, others have a remote control for remote operation.
Before using a biometric lock for the first time, the three main fingerprints must be entered. In the case of the Wittkopp FinKey security device, all you have to do is swipe your finger across the reader. If the fingerprint is enrolled correctly, the green and red LEDs will light up. If this fails, only the red LED will light up, and the fingerprint entry process will have to be repeated. After the three main fingerprints have been entered, the green LED will light up.
Entering user fingers is also no problem. It is enough to first drag the main finger and then the user finger through the reader. A correctly performed operation will be confirmed by a green LED lighting up.
Changing the code in a safe with an electronic and biometric lock is easy, but you should always refer to the instruction manual. If, on the other hand, your safe is equipped with a dial lock, you will need to be patient and follow all the steps precisely.
If you have trouble changing the code on any lock, you can always contact the Hartmann Tresore service. You will receive guidance and step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the code change procedure.
There are more articles on various locks in our blog, e.g.:
