Purchasing a home safe

[MartinHewitt]

The Gardall ES1612-G-E is definitely not what you want. It is just a fire safe and paying 125 bucks to bolt a fire safe down doesn't make sense.

Looking for a used safe is IMHO a good suggestion. People see safes often as a burden which they want to get rid. So they can be quite cheap. From what I have seen here I would not buy a a gun safe with "fire board" insulation. There might be good ones, but I believe most is crap. I would look for a certified fire protection and not just a self-declaration. Modern building don't have that much of a fire hazard anymore. Paper is also not so sensitive to heat. So I think a 1 hour rating should be very sufficient. I would look for a safe made by a company who can produce UL TL-rated safes even when you don't buy a TL-rated safe, just because the can apply their knowledge of the higher rated safes also to the lower rated ones. AMSEC is as suggested in this thread probably a good choice. When you have the safe, bolt it down as good as possible. Get it done by someone who knows how to do it and check his work. In Germany over 90% of all safes in private homes which are mentioned in police press releases are taken away for an opening. I am sure many are not bolted down at all, but there are also many which are not bolted down good enough.

[nothumbs]

I've been looking in the $1,000 or less range, and the Hollon HS-750 pops out as the best value for features and interior volume. It has all the basic features I need including a glass relocker in the latest version, 2 hour fire rating, and the best cost per Cubic Inch in the under $1,000 price range. I've found it under $800 with an electronic keypad delivered. I should be able to handle the install. If anyone has feedback on that choice as a reasonable Fire and Burglary safe I'd appreciate the input.

[nothumbs]

An update. I changed my mind and ordered a Hollow FB-685E. It came with a S&G Series 1004 electronic keypad. The user guide that came with the safe is pretty bad, mostly warnings about all the ways you can void your warranty if you don't use a licensed locksmith for install. The anchor bolt was pretty junky. I called Hollon for info on the anchor bolt and was told to drill a 3/8 inch hole in my concrete slab. Clearly that was too small as putting a micrometer on the bolt showed it needed a 1/2 hole. I went with a Red-Head anchor; one look at the design of it and it's clear it's a well thought out product.

I ordered online as the price both included delivery and was about 1/3 less than the local vendors. None would price match, their right but a lost opportunity to start a relationship. Then again, I might not be their target customer.