This is the effect of a good beat-down on a Frozen push-button combination lock, that was left out in the elements.
A colleague of mine, had this lockbox on one of his properties. Unfortunately, it was not protected from the weather, and when on the doorknob of the property, was in a "face-up" position... designed perfectly to catch rainwater, or ice-melting...and trap it inside.
Therefore, when the last agent went there to try to get inside... they couldn't. The lockbox was frozen solid.
Clearly, that agent wasn't without means, as it appears they took a "hammer" to the top button... (note the shiny section on the button)... unsuccessfully. These combo lock boxes, except for the face, are made out of steel.
They are not designed to be opened without the combination. GE/Supra did an excellent job of making them secure.
Apparently a couple of the hammer strikes, missed the button and damaged the 7 and 8 nicely.
My colleague was able to open the box by using a candle, and gently applying heat to the solid steel back of the box... loosening the ice-block. And then alternating the flame from "near" the left and right sides... (not touching).
If you bring the flame too close to the box, as a different agent in our office learned through experience... the entire front of the panel will melt... numbers and all, and the lockbox will have to be cut-off the door, and will never open.
Having been in this position once in my recent past, I learned to bring a tupperware container filled with hot water, large enough to immerse the lockbox. Works like a charm and no flame. But you do need access to hot water and a container, or a microwave.
Good to know.
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