This becomes necessary when a safe is locked shut and cannot be opened by the ordinary means: the combination or key is lost, or the safe lock has been vandalized or has simply failed. This can mean minutes and no damage if it is a cheap lock-box purchased from a discount store. It can mean hours or days of technicians using noisy drills and fancy equipment if it is a well-constructed safe or a vault door. This is a specialized service that not all locksmiths offer.