Have you ever received a package and opened it up to find out that something is broken?
It can be frustrating going through the return process, and getting a replacement or refund can end up being a major headache. Although damage is rare on the safes we ship, it can still happen. One issue we sometimes see is a safe handle breaking because a forklift hit the handle straight on. Even safes with really good packaging can have this happen if the forklift catches it just right. Safe handles are designed to break off at a certain point on purpose, so that someone can't force the boltwork open to get into the safe.
If you receive your safe and you notice a broken handle, don't panic. You don't have to send the safe back and you don't need someone to come into your home or business to replace it. It's easy to do yourself, and we can show you how.
This guide also applies if your handle breaks over time from normal wear, though shipping damage is by far the most common cause we see.
How to Request & Receive Your Replacement Safe Handle
- You will need your SafeandVaultStore.com order number or the name of the person who ordered it.
- Contact help@safeandvaultstore.com via email or call us at 800-207-2259.
- We will ask for pictures so we can file a claim with the freight company.
That's it. We'll order a new safe handle right away and have it sent to you free of charge.
How to Replace Your Safe Handle
We made this video as a reference. Scroll down for step-by-step written instructions.
What You'll Need
To get started, you'll need a few tools:
- Gloves
- Basic #2 Phillips screwdriver (or a cordless drill with a #2 bit)
- Wrench or socket set
- Hammer and a small piece of wood
- Paper towels
- Grease (safe lubricant, or Vaseline will also work)
Steps to Remove the Broken Safe Handle
The broken handle will look something like this. You'll see the lever part is missing.
Let's Get Started
Remember to refer to the video above if you need visual or audio clarification.
- Open your safe using your glove. The handle will still work, but the edges may be sharp.
- Using your #2 Phillips screwdriver or cordless drill with a #2 bit, unscrew all the screws on the back panel. Leave at least one screw at the top of the panel until all the other screws are removed.
- Once the back panel is off, you'll need to determine where you need to change the handle out. There will be quite a bit of grease inside, so make sure to clean it off first. Locate the shaft that's inside the broken handle. You can identify it by having the bolts in the open position and rotating on the inside mechanism.
- Take a picture of the inside of the safe with your phone so you don't have to remember what it looked like before you started. This makes it easier to put everything back the way you found it.
- Most handles will either be a clamped lever or a nut and washer. If it's the nut and washer type, loosen the nut on the back of the handle and lay out all the parts on a paper towel so you don't lose them. Put them in the order you took them off so you don't lose track.
- If the inside lever is too tight, take a hammer and a small piece of wood to loosen it up.
- Once that lever is out, you can remove the broken handle. Just slide it out through the front of the safe. Sometimes there's an extra washer in there, so keep an eye out for extra parts.
- Compare the broken safe handle to the new one Safe & Vault Store sent you to make sure they match. They should look identical, depending on the safe manufacturer.
- Note any grease on the original shaft. Add grease to the new handle in the same spots as the old one. You can use Vaseline if you don't have any other type of grease available.
- Now that your handle is greased up, put it through the door the same way you pulled the old one out. Make sure there's no grinding as you go. If there is, add more grease.
- Replace the inside lever. Make sure the handle is in the right position. Once the lever is on and you move the handle on the outside to the downward position, it's now locked.
- Replace the washer and the nut the same way you took them off. Tighten the nut with your wrench.
- With the safe handle installed, check it a couple times to make sure it operates correctly. It should move smoothly and feel solid. If it doesn't seem to be operating correctly, don't close and lock the door. Make sure all the parts are back on correctly and the door functions as it should before locking the safe.
- Put the back panel back on. Make sure the lock change key hole lines up with the lock. Start with the screw in the top right corner and thread it halfway in. Once that screw is in, go ahead and screw in the bottom left screw. Complete the rest of the screws and tighten them.
- Now that the back panel is on, you're good to go. You've got a brand new handle and it works great.
As you can see, it's easy to replace the handle yourself. If you're handy, it should take less than 15 minutes. If you're having trouble or have any questions about these instructions, feel free to give us a call at 800-207-2259. We're here to help.
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Stuck on a Step? We'll Walk You Through It
Our non-commissioned team can talk you through the swap on the phone in under 15 minutes.
Call 800-207-2259Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST
