Editing Safe-cracking (section)

=== Weak-point drilling ===
[[File:Safecracking-Drill-Rig.png|thumb|Safe-drilling with a drill rig]]

Some safes are susceptible to compromise by [[drilling]]. Manufacturers publish tightly-guarded drill-point diagrams for locksmiths for specific models. Drilling is an aid in  bypassing the locking mechanism, as well as gaining more information about it in order to defeat it. It is the most common method used by locksmiths on malfunctioning or damaged locks, and commonly used in burglary.

Drill-points are often located close to the axis of the dial on the combination lock, but drilling for observation may sometimes require drilling through the top, sides or rear of the safe. While observing the lock, the attacker manipulates the dial to align the lock gates so that the fence falls and the bolt is disengaged.

Bypass attacks involve physical manipulation of both the lock and its bolt mechanism.

Punching, peeling and using a torch are other methods of compromising a safe. The punch system is widely used by criminals for rapid entry. Punching was developed by Pavle Stanimirovic and used in New York City. Peeling is a method that involves removing the outer skin of the safe.

All quality safes protect against drilling attacks through the strategic use of specially tempered or alloyed hardplate steel, or composite hardplate (casting [[tungsten carbide]] chips into alloys such as cobalt-vanadium, designed to shatter the cutting tips of a drill bit). These include protecting the locking mechanism, the bolts, and areas where drilling could be used to advantage. Special diamond or tungsten-carbide drill-bits can make some headway with some hardplates, but it is still a time-consuming and difficult process.

Some high-[[security]] safes use a tempered glass [[relocking device|relocker]]. This has wires that lead from the glass to randomly located, spring-loaded bolts. If a penetrating drill or torch breaks the glass, the bolts are released, blocking retraction of the main locking bolts. A gas abrasive drill can sometimes be used to safely drill through a glass relocker.

[[Plasma cutting|Plasma cutters]] and [[thermal lance]]s can be as hot as {{Convert|2200|C||abbr=on}}, much hotter than traditional [[oxyacetylene torch]]es, and can be used to burn through the [[metal]] on a safe. Many modern high-security safes also incorporate additional thermal safeties to foil [[blow torch]]es and [[thermal lance]]s. These are usually in the form of fusible links integrated into the glass relocker cabling, which trigger it when a set temperature is exceeded.

Drilling is an attractive method of safecracking for locksmiths, as it is usually quicker than manipulation, and drilled safes can generally be repaired and returned to service.