You probably have some valuable items in your home that you would like to protect. Storing your important documents, money and jewelry in a drawer is not the best idea because that is the first place thieves check when they break in. That’s why investing in a safe is an intelligent decision.
Most criminals don't want to spend too much time in your home, as they don’t want to take a chance of being caught. They usually look for things that are visible and easy to take. Opening a safe without knowing the combination is a time-consuming process, and most criminals won’t even bother trying. Safes protect your valuables not only from thieves but from any other external damage as well.
There are many different types of safes to choose from. One of the most popular and secure options is an in-wall safe. These safes are easy to access but not easy for burglars to find. Also, wall safes are a great option if you don’t want an unsightly metal box in the middle of your house.
However, there are a few things you need to know when choosing a wall safe. Keep reading to learn more.
What should I look for when buying a safe
The process of buying a safe might be a bit challenging and confusing, considering the number of options available. To make it a bit easier for you, we put together a list of things to consider when buying a safe.
- First of all, you need to define the purpose of your safe. Do you want to use it for your documents, jewelry, guns, or any other valuables?
- After you’ve decided what the safe will be for, you also need to think about the size and capacity of the safe, especially if you’re planning to use an in-wall safe. How to put a safe in the wall if the safe is too big and won't fit? That's why before choosing the safe, it’s important to measure everything properly.
- Decide on the location where you want to install your safe: The best places for the in-wall safe are the ones that will conceal it. For example, you can put it in a closet, behind a painting, behind a bookshelf, etc.
- Take the installation process into account: You’ll need to mount the safe inside the wall, so first, check if your walls are suitable for that purpose. Are they thick enough to withstand the weight of the safe?
- One of the main purposes of any safe is to secure your valuables from thieves: Before purchasing a safe, check its burglary rating. The higher the rating, the longer the safe can withstand a burglary attack.
- Don’t forget about the fire rating: It defines how long each safe will be able to withstand fire and protect your valuables.
- After you have decided on the type of safe you want, it’s time to choose a lock for it. You can use a mechanical combination lock with a dial. You can also use a digital lock with a keypad or biometrics scanner. Both of them are very easy to use. You just need to press a few buttons or scan your finger to open the door. To resolve any problems with your safe lock, you can always use professional safe locksmith services.
How do I choose a safe size
Size and capacity are one of the most important factors when choosing a safe. You don’t need an enormous steal box for a bundle of documents and you definitely won’t be able to fit an expensive vase, for example, in a small jewelry safe. However, small safes have their own disadvantages. A thief can easily carry it away if it’s not mounted in the floor or wall.
If you want a large safe, then you’ll need to consider if you have enough room in your house for it. Also, the size of your safe depends on where you want to install it. If you don’t want a metal box ruining the look of your home interior, a hidden wall safe is a perfect option for you.
If you plan to use an in-wall safe, its size plays an essential role. Before purchasing one, you’ll need to measure everything carefully. It’s vital to know how wide your wall is to understand if the safe can fit inside.
What is a good fire rating for a safe
As we have already mentioned, safes are meant not only for burglary protection but for fire protection as well. To be honest, home fires are extremely common, so protecting your most valuable items from fire damage is essential. For example, a fireproof wall safe will not only hide your valuables from sight but will also protect them in case of a fire.
To understand if a safe can withstand fire and for how long, you’ll need to know its fire rating. If you’re looking for the best fireproof safes, it’s good to choose the UL-certified ones.
For example, if the safe is class 350°F 1 hour, it means that it will withstand a fire for about an hour and the temperature inside won’t rise higher than 350°F. This type of safe is good for storing important documents, as we all know that paper burns at 450°F. The best fire protection safes have a 350°F 2-hour rating.
When it comes to protecting records or cassettes, they’re more vulnerable to heat. They can withstand about 125°F-150°F.
To achieve this rating, the safe has to undergo a number of tests, such as fire endurance and explosion hazard.
Keep in mind that the higher the fire rating, the higher the price.
Summing up
A safe is a great investment in your security. It’s one of the best ways to secure your valuables from criminals and natural disasters like fire or flood. If you want your safe to be concealed, you can mount it inside the wall.
If you’re thinking about choosing the in-wall safe, there are a few factors you need to consider. It’s important to define what you’ll store inside the safe, which size and capacity you need, and where you want to install it. Also, to ensure the effectiveness of your safe, it’s important to check its burglary and fire ratings.
Last but definitely not least, choose the best lock for your safe. If you have any problems deciding, Sure Lock & Key will gladly assist you. Just give us a call!
