We were recently called to look at a Milner’s safe in Liverpool that had quite a story to tell — although we may never know all the details. What was immediately clear, however, was that someone had previously attempted to force it open using a hole saw and an angle grinder, with heavy signs of damage on the door.

Milner’s safes are legendary in the world of secure storage, known for their robust, fire-resistant construction and clever internal mechanisms. These safes were built in the 19th and early 20th centuries to withstand not only fire but also brute-force attacks — and this one certainly proved its toughness.

Despite the earlier attempts, which had failed to breach the safe’s defences, we were brought in to do what we do best: open it professionally.

Even with the visible damage and unknown internal condition, we approached the job with our usual care and expertise. With the right tools and techniques, we were able to gain access to the safe without causing further harm, ensuring that it could still be brought back into service if desired.

It’s a reminder that while amateur attempts can leave a safe battered, they rarely lead to success — especially with something as well-built as a Milners. In cases like this, it’s always best to call a professional safecracker from the start. You’ll save time, avoid unnecessary damage, and preserve the value of the safe.

If you’ve got a historic or high-security safe you can’t open — whether it’s untouched or already suffered at the hands of a DIY attempt — Paladin Safe Services is here to help. Proudly serving Liverpool and the North West, we specialise in respectful, expert access to even the most stubborn safes.

We were recently called out to assist a customer in Liverpool who had lost the keys to their Milners safe. These safes are renowned for their solid construction and high level of security, making them incredibly reliable — but also quite a challenge when the keys go missing.

Milners safes, many of which date back over a century, were built to protect valuables against fire and theft with precision-engineered locking mechanisms and robust materials. While this makes them exceptional for security, it also means gaining access without keys requires specialist knowledge and a very careful approach to preserve the integrity of the safe.

The customer needed access to the safe’s contents and wanted to avoid damage where possible, as the safe had both practical value and sentimental importance. We were able to attend promptly and used our expertise to open the safe professionally and without compromising its structure or usability.

Once open, we offered advice on the next steps, including the option to have new keys made to the original lock so that the safe could be brought back into full working order for future use.

Another secure and professional job completed in Liverpool by Paladin Safe Services — specialists in opening antique and modern safes with care, precision, and discretion. If you’ve lost your safe keys or can’t gain access, we’re here to help.

We were recently called to a business in Liverpool to open a beautiful example of British safe-making history — a Milners’ 212 Patent Fire-Resisting Safe.

Milners’ safes are well known for their exceptional build quality and fire-resisting properties, and the 212 Patent model is no exception. These safes were manufactured in the 19th and early 20th centuries and were considered some of the most advanced fire safes of their time, often used by banks, businesses, and wealthy individuals.

Despite their age, Milners’ safes are extremely secure. The locking mechanisms are intricate, and gaining access without a key requires a deep understanding of antique safe design—along with the right tools and techniques. Fortunately, we specialise in non-destructive entry, especially when dealing with vintage and antique models where preservation is key.

We carefully opened the safe, ensuring no harm came to the lock or the safe’s historic exterior. The contents were safely retrieved, and the customer was given the option to have new keys cut to match the existing lock if they wished to bring the safe back into regular use.

It’s always a pleasure to work on such well-made and historically significant safes, and this Milners’ 212 in Liverpool was no exception. Another antique safe expertly opened and respected by Paladin Safe Services—bringing heritage security back to life, one lock at a time.

A very old Milners safe with a Hobbs Protector lock opened for a client in Manchester. New keys made to the lock so that the safe could still be used.