Repairs and upgrades

Lock replacement: key locks, mechanical combination dials and electronic locks that have worn out.
Conversions: moving from a key to an electronic keypad, or replacing a temperamental keypad with a more dependable unit.
New combinations: after buying a property that came with a safe, after a staff change, or when the code has been shared too widely.
Electronic faults: a keypad that beeps and does nothing, responds sluggishly or eats batteries.
Mechanical faults: bolts that grind, a handle that resists, a door that no longer closes and locks in one motion.
Restoring a safe after a forced attempt on it.
Anchoring to the floor or wall following the manufacturer's instructions.

Reading the symptoms

What a misbehaving safe may be telling you
What happens	What might be behind it
Combination accepted only on the second or third try	Tired batteries, worn keypad contacts or loose wiring
Battery icon still flashing after a fresh set	The electronics in the keypad or lock
Handle won't turn until you lean on the door	Bolt work binding, a sagging door, or contents packed against it
Door won't shut far enough to lock	Hinge wear, a bolt sticking out, or an obstruction at the frame
Key feels rough or hangs up	Dirt or wear inside the key lock

Each of these is a simpler fix while you can still open the safe. If it locks you out first, the job starts with opening the safe. Our guide to a safe that won't lock or close covers several of these faults in more depth.

Locks for firearm safes

Legal firearm storage depends on a safe or strong-room that satisfies SABS 953-1 and 953-2, as regulation 86 sets out, with a few listed exceptions. Any lock we put on a gun safe is selected for that specific safe, and the safe should stay anchored as its maker intends.

Household and business safes

Households mostly ask us for a fresh combination after moving house or for an ageing key lock to be replaced by a keypad. Businesses tend to need combinations changed whenever staff move on, locks renewed after years of daily opening, and repairs following a burglary. Other locks at the premises are covered by our commercial locksmith service.

Pricing

R250 call-out fee. The technician assesses the job on site and gives you the price before any work starts. Nothing is done until you agree. The amount reflects the model, the lock or part it needs, and the labour. EFT, cash or card.

Safe brands we work on

Most Johannesburg homes and offices have a South African-made safe from one of these makers. If yours isn't here, send us a photo of the safe and its lock.

Mutual SafesGun, cash and fire safes
Magnum SafesGun, handgun and drop safes
XpandaBurglar-resistant and gun safes
YaleDigital home and office safes

Brand names belong to their owners and are used only to describe what we work on. We're not an agent of, or endorsed by, these manufacturers.

Where this service is available

We provide safe repairs & code changes as part of our mobile locksmith service across Johannesburg. Areas we're often asked about include:

All Johannesburg areas we cover

Questions customers ask

I still have the old combination. Is a change straightforward?

Yes. We enter the existing code, programme the new one and have you open and close the safe with it a few times before we go.

Can a keypad replace the key lock on my safe?

That's possible on a lot of safes but not all. Photograph the lock and the label inside the door and WhatsApp it, and we'll answer before visiting.

Will you relocate a safe for me?

Our work is done on the safe in its current position, including anchoring it. If it has to be moved, describe the situation and we'll be honest about whether that's something we can do.

Sources

Regulation 86 of the Firearms Control Regulations (storage in safes), published on acts.co.za

Safe Repairs and Code Changes in Johannesburg