Simple Wall Safe - anyone?

masraum · 10-15-2008, 11:43 AM

I'm considering getting a simple wall safe for my house. I don't have tons of stuff in the house that would be kept in a safe, but I do have a couple bits of family jewelry that I'd like to protect. We are also holding a couple of handguns that were given to the kids until we deem them mature enough that I'd probably keep in the safe.

I think that a wall safe mounted in the wall of our bedroom closet would do the trick.

Does anyone have a wall safe or have experience with smaller safes.

I'd like to hear any advice that anyone can offer.

I've looked around and think I've found something decent. It's not fire-proof/retardent. I haven't found any that mount flush in a 4" wall. I assume the insulation for a safe that thin is pretty much impossible. The three biggest options seem to be key lock, combination lock, or electronic/combination lock. Personally I like the idea of the mechanical combination lock.

Thanks,

id10t · 10-15-2008, 11:57 AM

Go whole hog and get a real gun safe...

masraum · 10-15-2008, 12:01 PM

I've got 3 hand guns and no ammo for any of them. The primary reason is not for the guns.

legion · 10-15-2008, 12:33 PM

First advice:

You get what you pay for.

There is a huge difference between a $20 wall safe and a $200 wall safe.

Second advice:

Any safe can be defeated given time and the right equipment. Find one that meets your preferred level of security.

Porsche_monkey · 10-15-2008, 01:00 PM

If it is not for handguns I would say hiding valuables is just as good as a safe.

I have a 'portable' safe. Very very heavy. Hidden away in some basement cupboards. Try craigslist.

pwd72s · 03:30 PM

Look into floor safes. (Set in a block of concrete) Don't hide it in a closet...have it placed in a window that would force any burglar into being seen from the outside of the house when he's working to open it.

masraum · 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

First advice:

You get what you pay for.

There is a huge difference between a $20 wall safe and a $200 wall safe.

Second advice:

Any safe can be defeated given time and the right equipment. Find one that meets your preferred level of security.

The model that I was looking at is about $300.

For a wall safe, it would probably take 5 minutes with a sawzall to cut through the bolts or studs. I figure this just slows down the average thief that's looking for a quick smash and grab.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Look into floor safes. (Set in a block of concrete) Don't hide it in a closet...have it placed in a window that would force any burglar into being seen from the outside of the house when he's working to open it.

I'm not sure that I've got anyplace like that. This is an old house with few windows. It would either have to be upstairs or in the garage.

Thanks all, good advice.

Teutonics · Teutonics's Garage

Steve,

I have a family member that does everything from commercial bank vaults to the in-wall safes to which you are referring. If you want to talk to someone to get an experienced opinion, PM me and I'll get you in touch with them (not sure if posting a link to their website is appropriate?).