Swapping out your gun safe lock may seem like a tall order for your average person. But it’s doable. Below, you’ll find some step-by-step instructions for how to remove your mechanical lock and install a new electronic lock on your gun safe. If you want to mitigate risk or if DIY seems difficult, you can always call the experts. 

But, in the meantime, here are some general guidelines to follow for how to change your gun safe lock.

For those that prefer video format, you can watch A-1’s very own Robert cover the steps on how to change your gun safe lock below:

Step 1: Get Your Tools

First, you’ll need a screwdriver, some pliers and, preferably, a cordless drill. Be sure to have them on hand so you can avoid the frustration and inconvenience of starting the process, only to halt it so you get the right equipment. 

Step 2: Remove the Back Panel of the Door

Open the safe and on the back, using a screwdriver, take the caps of the screws off the door. If it’s a Liberty Safe, for example, it will generally have four tapper screws located on the corners. Using the drill (or a screwdriver, if you really want), remove the screws on a low speed, nice and gentle. Once the screws are out, the panel will slide off easily. Put it to the side.

Step 3: Remove the Backplate 

First, put the bolts in the locked position, as it’s recommended to ensure all lock components are out of the way as you change it. On the “mouse trap,” it’s also recommended to pull the springed element up and propped to the side so it doesn’t go off and make the process more difficult (which is why it’s often called a “booby trap”). Then you can remove that mouse trap by unscrewing a few screws. Just make sure you put the springed element back when you’re done!

Step 4: Remove the Spline

Using pliers, remove the spline key. It’s a small component that will be visible after you remove the backplate. Don’t mess with it too much with your pliers, as you can damage it. You’ll know you did it correctly if your dial on the front is locked into place. 

Step 5: Remove Lock Body and Dial

Using the drill again, remove the four screws holding the lock body from the door. Then unthread the dial on the front to completely remove the lock. (Watch our video for more details about any of these steps, by the way.) Lastly, just remove the front trim and you’ll be done removing the old lock.

Step 6: Add the New Lock

Using the same holes that held the old lock parts, add the new components using the lock manufacturer’s instructions. This will include mounting the front screws, feeding the keypad through and installing it, adding the lock body and backplate and then plugging in the cable and adding the battery. Don’t forget to put the springed element in the mouse trap back to its original position.

Step 7: Test It! 

Keeping the door open, test the code on the front and make sure it unlocks the safe properly before you add the back panel of the door back. 

Step 8: Replace the Back Panel

Once you confirm everything has been changed properly and that your new gun safe lock is working, you can put the safe back together like it was initially. The main part of this will be adding the back panel to the back of the front door, followed by the screw caps. 

There you have it! You now know how to change your gun safe lock. If you need additional help, don’t hesitate to contact A-1 Locksmith today—either to ask questions or hire us to change your gun safe lock for you.

Turning to a professional locksmith is a good place to start. Let’s take a look at the top five accessories we think that every firearm owner should have in his or her safe.

1. EVA-DRY E-333 Dehumidifier

There are three big reasons you want some sort of dehumidifier in your safe. One, it’s affordable. Two, it provides good protection against rust for your firearms (particularly in their barrels). Three, it keeps mold from gathering on documents or important papers. This particular model is great because it doesn’t need any power source. Just set it toward the bottom and let it work. As it absorbs moisture, it will change color, at which point you’ll take it out and plug it in for several hours, then put it back where it was. It’s not uncommon for these to last 10 years.

2. Liberty Brightview 2-Wand Safe Light Kit

A light is another important accessory, as it allows you to see what’s inside the safe, especially when it’s dark. This kit includes two wand lights and each uses three AA batteries. They’re easy to use (simply press them to turn them on) and can be manually activated or set to motion activated. They feature 75 lumens of LED lighting power, which is more than enough for a small or narrow safe. They can also be mounted and have an auto-off timer for convenience.

3. Liberty 12” Dehumidifier Rod

This dehumidifier works differently than the first one on this list, working on a molecular level. There is a heating element inside, which activates after it’s plugged in, creating a dryer environment inside the safe. There are easy instructions for placing it and it’s rated for up to 100 cubic feet, which is more than enough for most standard Liberty Safes and similar models.

4. Liberty Deluxe Outlet Kit

Every Liberty Safe has a cutout in the back of it, which allows wires to pass easily into your safe, in case anything needs to be plugged in. It’s best to install this outlet kit before your safe is installed, as it’s more difficult to install after it’s bolted down. With this kit, you get three outlets for a variety of accessories, making it well worth the flexibility it gives you.

5. Liberty Clearview 6-Wand Safe Light Kit

Featuring many of the same benefits as the light kit second on this list, this kit gives you six wands to place in different areas around your safe. It’s ideal for larger gun safes and provides bright illumination for every area of your safe. They do need to be plugged in, however, but this makes for brighter lighting and includes features like motion activation. They’re also easy to install and you can use fewer lights for smaller safes.

If you’re looking for more gun safe advice or you’re interested in purchasing a new safe or accessories, stop by any of our A-1 Locksmith locations in Dallas-Fort Worth today.

Stay Updated

First off, knowledge isn’t just power when it comes to the world of firearms. It’s safe as well. The good news is that there are a variety of resources out there to ensure you have the gun safety knowledge you need for Fort Worth and beyond. The National Rifle Association (NRA), for example, provides firearm training and you can find a variety of articles, videos and other resources to expand your firearm knowledge.

Train Regularly

Whether you have (or are interested in) a handgun, shotgun or other type of firearm or weapon, you should train with it regularly so you know how to use it if a situation ever arises. There are a variety of firearm training classes in Texas, so you have plenty of options.

Invest In A Good Safe

There’s a safety campaign called “Keep ‘Em Safe Texas,” which prioritizes safe gun storage—specifically, keeping firearms out of the hands of kids. Preventing accidents is just as important as keeping guns out of criminal hands, which is why a good gun safe is more important than ever. Consult with a professional locksmith to identify the best safe to meet your needs, as features and quality vary by brand and model. 

Get the Right Accessories

Texas is humid. As such, a safe dehumidifier might be a smart investment for Fort Worth gun owners seeking to keep firearms and ammunition in good working order. You don’t want rust, dirt or debris compromising the integrity of your gun and putting those who handle it at risk, so look into all the safe and firearm accessories available to you and shop accordingly.

Consult with a Professional

At the end of the day, the best way to increase your knowledge is to speak with an expert. Gun safety is no different and there are resources available in government, the military, law enforcement and emergency response. But a locksmith and/or safe technician can be another valuable resource for safety, particularly in the area of safe gun storage. Be sure to speak with someone who knows more than you and you’ll be doing your part for gun safety in Fort Worth.

If you’d like more security advice related to firearms or any other area of your home, stop by one of our A-1 Locksmith locations in Fort Worth today.