ALOA CMST cheat sheet

Safe burglary classifications (UL 687) rate resistance by tool and time: TL-15 and TL-30 resist sophisticated tool attack for 15 or 30 minutes; TRTL adds torch resistance to tool resistance.

Burglary ratings are not fire ratings. A UL Class 350 fire rating means interior temperature stays under 350°F for the rated duration; fire and burglary ratings are tested and labeled separately.

Relocking devices are secondary spring-loaded or glass-triggered bolts that deploy when the primary lock is punched, drilled, or dislodged; glass relockers are common on plate-steel doors.

A safe door's boltwork uses active bolts (driven by the lock/handle) and passive or dead bolts; bolt diameter and throw determine resistance to spreading and prying attacks.

Concrete-filled composite safes use a steel shell with poured or block fill; the fill adds mass and fire resistance but can be attacked by drilling through the shell into the fill.

Floor safes rely on surrounding concrete for security; the safe's own body may be thin, so installation quality (concrete depth and mix) is part of the effective rating.

Vault doors are rated as a system with the wall; a UL-rated door in an unrated wall provides only the wall's resistance. Frame anchorage and grouting are critical.

Fire safes use moisture-bearing insulation that releases steam to suppress internal temperature; opening a hot fire safe immediately can cause paper to ignite from incoming air (flash).

Manipulation exploits observable contact points and wheel-pack behavior; the standard sequence is to find contact points, determine wheel order, then graph the drop-in point for each wheel.

Group 2 combination locks typically allow a ±1.5 to ±2.5 increment tolerance at the dial; the opening index is the mark used to read the combination.

Drill points target the fence, wheel pack, or relocker; a scope hole lets the technician view wheel gates and read the pack without destroying the lock.

A wheel pack is read by aligning gates to the fence line; the last wheel is often found by feel or by graphing the number of clicks between contact points.

Safe manipulation requires isolating variables: lock the dial, record left/right (AWL/ARL) readings, and change one variable per test to build a reliable graph.

Hardplate (often carbide or ball-bearing plate) defeats standard drill bits; drilling through it requires a carbide bit, drill press, or a punch-and-drill technique.

Relocker defeat requires locating the relocker (often via manufacturer drill sheet) and either pinning it or drilling a bypass hole before the primary lock is compromised.

Combination changing requires the existing combination, the change key or tool per the lock's design, and verifying the new combination at least twice before closing the door.

A Group 2 lock is a three-wheel mechanical combination lock; a Group 1 lock is a high-security manipulation-resistant lock with tighter tolerances and often a glass relocker interface.

Dial-to-spindle alignment matters: a dial that rubs or is offset causes inconsistent readings and premature wheel wear; check the dial ring and spindle length.

The wheel pack must be installed with the drive cam and flys correctly oriented; a reversed wheel or missing fly causes the lock to fail to open or to change combination unexpectedly.

Electronic safe locks use a keypad, motor or solenoid bolt, and battery power; low battery is a leading cause of no-open calls and should be checked before drilling.

Time-delay and time-lock functions are set by the lock's programming; a time delay that will not clear may indicate a failed capacitor or a programming lockout, not a mechanical fault.

Lubrication should be minimal and appropriate: graphite or dry lubricants for some mechanical locks, and never oil in a lock that specifies dry operation, as oil attracts dust and gums wheels.

When servicing, record the existing combination, wheel pack orientation, and boltwork condition before disassembly; this record supports reassembly and later customer disputes.

A lock that opens with the door open but not closed usually indicates boltwork binding, a misaligned strike, or a sagging door-not a lock defect.

A written work order should record the safe's make, model, serial number, lock type, reported problem, and the customer's authorization to open or drill before work begins.

Liability for damage during opening is limited by a signed authorization that discloses the risk of drilling and the possibility of lock destruction.

Combination records are sensitive: disclose a combination only to the verified owner or authorized agent, and document the identity check used.

Lien and abandoned-property rules vary by jurisdiction; a technician should know the local statutory notice period before selling or disposing of an unclaimed safe.

Invoices should itemize labor, parts, and drilling/repair separately; clear itemization reduces disputes and supports warranty claims.

Confidentiality applies to safe contents observed during opening; contents should be inventoried only with the customer present or with written permission.

Continuing education and manufacturer training are industry norms; certification bodies expect documented training and adherence to a published code of ethics.

Insurance and bonding are business necessities for safe work; general liability alone typically excludes the contents of a customer's safe.