Does bashing open a container damage it's contents?
Solution 1:
In the Gamespot Guide for KOTOR 2 it mentions:
Unlike in KOTOR, though, bashing containers in KOTOR2 will often break items inside, leaving you with piles of junk where you might’ve obtained something terrifically useful had you the acumen required to open the chest. For this reason alone, it’s usually worthwhile to have someone in your party with a good Security skill.
This leads me to believe you can bash away without consequence in the first game.