To open a safe with a 3-number combination, the standard procedure involves carefully turning the dial in specific directions and rotations as follows:

1. Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) and pass the first number of the combination three times. Stop precisely on the first number the fourth time it aligns with the index.
2. Turn the dial to the right (clockwise) and pass the second number two times. Stop exactly on the second number the third time it passes the index.
3. Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) again and pass the third number once. Stop on the third number the second time it aligns with the index.
4. Finally, turn the dial to the right (clockwise) slowly until it stops on its own. This retracts the bolt and unlocks the safe.
5. Turn the handle to open the safe.

This method ensures proper alignment of the three wheels inside the lock, which opens the bolt mechanism once the sequence is dialed correctly. In summary, the steps are:

• Left 4 turns, stop on first number (4th time)
• Right 3 turns, stop on second number (3rd time)
• Left 2 turns, stop on third number (2nd time)
• Right slowly until it stops and then open.

This is a common dialing method used by reputable safe lock manufacturers and works for most 3-number combination safes.