Safebusters was contacted by a local business that had lost the keys to their Phoenix Fire Chief Safe and required urgent access to important documents. The client was keen to ensure the safe’s fire rating, security features, and overall condition were not compromised.

Our experienced safe engineer attended the site and carried out a full assessment of the locking mechanism. Using specialist non‑destructive entry (N.D.E.) techniques, the safe was opened successfully without drilling or damage, preserving both its integrity and value.

Once access had been restored, a new lock was fitted, and replacement keys were supplied on site, leaving the safe fully secure and operational. The client was able to regain immediate access while maintaining the safe’s manufacturer protections and long‑term reliability.

This case highlights Safebusters’ commitment to professional, non‑destructive safe opening, particularly when working with high‑security, fire‑rated safes such as the Phoenix Fire Chief range. .

1890s/1900s Chubb Safe put back into service…

🧰 John Tann Safe Opening by SafeBusters

• Scenario: A vintage John Tann safe at a builders’ merchant wouldn’t open despite having the keys.

• Method Used:

  • Drilled a small 6 mm probe hole.

  • Inserted an endoscope to inspect boltwork.

  • Boltwork appeared to retract correctly, but the door still wouldn’t budge.

  • Eventually used a forklift to gently tug the door open.

• Cause of Issue: The door had sagged by ~2 mm, and a tiny scrap of paper jammed the bottom boltwork.

• Outcome: Safe opened successfully with no damage and restored to working order.