Got a safe? Got some questions for you if you do

Zixx

So I'm wanting a little more peace of mind for when I'm not home. I'm thinking about getting a gun safe, but with shelves inside instead of using it for guns. Should work very well for cards and other small goodies. Yes, I'll probably be going to a few places and talking to salesmen, but hey, if you guys can pass on any knowledge, it's always appreciated.

Questions:

1) Should I buy the biggest I can afford?

2) For a non-slab foundation, would a 500lb safe require reinforcing the floor? (if so, how, really?)

3) Interior hinges or exterior is better? (any difference beyond the opening radius of the door?)

4) Do these bolt to the floor?

5) Anything I should ask the dealer, or look for in the specifications?

6) Any difference in brand names? Any to watch out for from your experience?

7) Any other advice? (not much of a question, but I like odd numbers)

larryallen73

I do not know the answers to your questions. I got the biggest one that would fit in the closet I wanted it in. I had it bolted to the slab. I also got one with a higher fire rating as that was important to me. I was equally concerned with protection from fire as theft. I really like having it. My collection is not highly valuable in dollar terms but is very valuable to me personally. Plus, a big safe is a great place to put other important documents, photos, family videos, etc....

Gonblott

Buy a safe deposit box at your local bank. Fairly cheap for a mid sized box to hold a few cards.

Zixx

<< <i>Buy a safe deposit box at your local bank. Fairly cheap for a mid sized box to hold a few cards. >>



Got that already Actually, I rent a small sized box and all the bank's boxes are occupied, so if I wanted to rent a larger one, I'd have to go to a different branch, which I don't really want to do. It's nice for the feeling of security, but unfortunately, it's about 15 minutes away from where I live.

easydoesit

I bought a gun safe a couple of years ago from Dicks Sporting Goods. They have a decent selection. Fact is with a gun safe, unless you are really going to spend huge money there really is no such thing as fire proof. Most safes are rated to about 1200-1400 degrees, I believe. House fires exceed that if the safe is in the worst zone. I have heard tales of guns actually melting in the safe even though the safe itself with stood the flame. Sure cards with combust or at best the plastic would melt on them making them worthless. I went with a midline safe I think rated to 1200 degrees but mine is more for keeping my kids and potential burglars from anything worth real money.

As far as 500lb weight limit, I wouldnt think that would need to be reinforced. I mean that is really llittle different than two over weight men talking side by side at a dinner party. If the floor supports the men, then why wouldn't it support the 500lb safe?

just my thoughts

Zixx

<< <i>As far as 500lb weight limit, I wouldnt think that would need to be reinforced. I mean that is really llittle different than two over weight men talking side by side at a dinner party. If the floor supports the men, then why wouldn't it support the 500lb safe?

just my thoughts >>





Yeah, I thought that too, but the fat guys don't stand in the same place for years at a time

JeremyDie1

Here is a link to several topics of safes. Hope this helps. Alot of good advice.
safes

Link don't work. Go to the search button on top.Click that and then type in safes. Click on coin forum. Sorry.

Brian48

My safe is over 650+ lbs loaded, but then again, I've got ammunition stored in it as well. It comes with a means to bolt it to a wall stud or floor, but I don't bother. Even when empty with two burly guys and a dolley, it's extremely difficult to navigate out of the area in the house where it's stored. Also, one would have to lug the thing up one flight of stairs if trying to steal it. Certainly an upgrade from the "shoebox" safe I had before.

Regarding a safety deposit box, that's best for security, but personally speaking, I want to be able actually look and admire my cards whenever I feel like it. Not on the bank's schedule.

FYI, it's a SentrySafe, which I've found to be more tank-like than some of the other gunsafes in it's class.

Brian48

Here's a recent thread on the subject.

CDsNuts

The only advice I can give is that if you're married, make sure you take into account the space that she will use to put her jewelry and other stuff (I think I have a rare Japanese scarf in mine??).

Brian48

Yeah, forgot to mention. My wife keeps her valuables in there as well.

In addition, good place for other important papers (vehicle title, deed, insurance papers, etc..).

nightcrawler

I don't have a safe right now, but I'm considering a fireproof gun safe.

Actually, just yesterday I noticed a burn hole in my floor??? The night before I was playing with my crystal ball in the livingroom, kicked it around a bit... f'ing thing focused the sun the next morning and burnt a hole.


That was a bit scarry.

RipublicaninMass

The night before I was playing with "my crystal ball" in the livingroom, kicked it around a bit... f'ing thing focused the sun the next morning and burnt a hole.


you should have forseen that coming

jradke4

<< <i>Buy a safe deposit box at your local bank. Fairly cheap for a mid sized box to hold a few cards. >>



well my bank doesnt insure anything in their boxes so if something strange happens your out of luck. plus you cant get to the items all the time.

clayshooter22

<< <i> my bank doesnt insure anything in their boxes so if something strange happens your out of luck. plus you cant get to the items all the time. >>



If you have significant collectibles there are plenty of ways to insure them regardless of where stored.

I use a gun safe also but then I also store about 15 guns in it. Yes, important papers, wife's jewelry, ect. ect. A gun safe will pay for itself after your first break in as most deductables will be 1000 and a top of the line safe is about 1000-1200.

Mike

nightcrawler

<< <i>The night before I was playing with "my crystal ball" in the livingroom, kicked it around a bit... f'ing thing focused the sun the next morning and burnt a hole.


you should have forseen that coming >>





The irony seems almost,,, clear as crystal???

nightcrawler

I actually use my regular gun safe for a decoy... it's full of clothes and crap, and doesn't weigh toooo much, so they can rip it out of the house and make a quik getaway.

Oh ya, don't read this or I'll have to kill you.