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 Replies: 31 / Views: 5,043 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Always remember that although a safe appears to make things safe, there are drawbacks. When you put coins in a safe that are in plastic holders or Albums with plastic slides, that alone could cause a problem. When a safe gets hot, the insides get hot and that plastic will melt and all over the coins. Cardboard will also smolder all over the coins. Yes the fire will not get to them, but the heat will and a hot safe stays hot a long, long time.
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Valued Member
United States
370 Posts |
Get a big one, just make sure you can get it in the house. Also have more than one, a good hiding space can be better than a safe because anyone will be more focused on the safe than looking for the rolex you have stuffed in your sock drawer....  |
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Valued Member
United States
370 Posts |
Should add that the safe was a freebee, and no I don't dress my kids and I don't know why they like to wear my shoes........
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12843 Posts |
I purchased a Republic safe a month ago from my local locksmith and was also considering a Liberty safe. I'm happy with the Republic although the Liberty had more features (interior lighting, etc.). Those features come at a price, of course.
The advice above is sound. Consider a security system as well, and a big dog with a loud bark can't hurt.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1116 Posts |
One feature that I like on safes is the glass relocker. With this in place even if someone drills out the dial, the safe cannot be opened without the help of a locksmith.
A security system in place will also help. The more layers of safety you have the less likely you'll lose you stuff. They'll just go down the street to your neighbor's house.
I had a friend who alwys said that his snakes would keep his stuff safe. However, I always thought that he was trying to make an Asp out of me.
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New Member
United States
26 Posts |
I'm a new member here and can offer some input, if its not too late. It will at least help others in the future. The first question to ask yourself is what dollar amount are you protecting? Safes vary in levels of resistance and insurance companies offer varying premiums based on their construction. For example, 70% or so of all safes fall into the same low-medium security category which an insurance company might offer $5000 cash or $50,000 in asset coverage (this varies -/+ of course).
Higher valued items are often required to be stored in an Underwriters Laboratory rated safe such as a TL-15 or TL-30 which offer $15k/$150k and $35k/$350k in coverage, respectively. It continues on from there but this will give you a place to start. Expect to pay a couple thousand for a small safe and $12k-$25k for some of the best ones.
Today, most TL-15's and better offer 1-2 hours of fire resistance by default as the door & body have a concrete or similar barrier material. 100% steel safes do not provide any fire protection and are often given a lower insurance rating than a composite safe. Hardly any safe is waterproof so I always suggest people store delicate items in Tupperware or vacuum seal them if possible.
You can find used UL rated safes on Craigslist all the time but its best to buy one from a knowledgeable safe company that can ensure it meets today's requirements.
Hope this has been helpful.
Micah Welch, CMS, CPS, CS&VT
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Moderator
 United States
23534 Posts |
Apex Safes
Thanks for the technical answer and as a moderator It is appreciated even more that your first posts were not advertising.
Kind knowledgeable will draw more members to your words than all the sales pitches in the world
rggoodie
aka Richard
"catch em doing something right"
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Valued Member
Israel
84 Posts |
When talking about big and heavy? Are all these safes fire proof? Are used safes available? Anyone know internet sites for safes?
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New Member
United States
26 Posts |
AJL
Underwriters Laboratory states a safe must weigh at least 750# or be anchored into the floor. It's a great idea to anchor even 2000-3000# safes as they disappear every day.
If a safe is fire resistant there will be a label, generally on the door panel, listing the rating. Remember, not all fire safes are designed to protect valuables. Be aware of your content's maximum temperature as items such as film & harddrives require their own type of safe.
Micah Welch, CMS, CPS, CS&VT
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
My safe cost me nothing, it was made by my dad.
Welded 1/4 plate steel, internally bolted to the floor.
It is hidden on the floor, inside a cupboard, with a corrugated cardboard box covering it.
Looks totally uninteresting, because all you see when the cupboard is opened, is a cardboard box.
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Valued Member
United States
300 Posts |
most low end "safes" aren't safes at all, they're RSC; residential security containers, do a search on YT for plenty of vids defeating them, if you want a safe, you're talking multiple thousands of $$$'s, for the RSCs, placement is key, IF you're able to place it in between 2 walls so access to the sides are restricted, you'll better off,also think about positioning some type of structure a few feet in front, to limit the area one could use a pry-bar on the door....just a thought
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Valued Member
Israel
84 Posts |
Very interseting, and helpful, thx
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Pillar of the Community
United States
624 Posts |
One very good point made in this thread is to disguise your safe. One of the best ways to reduce interest in a safe is to ensure it's not prominent. When a safe is visible, it screams, ' here's the valuable stuff!' I have been working with a carpenter to hide a modest security container for my coins and some antique firearms.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I would rather pay a one off premium, with an investment in a decent safe, rather than
an annunal premium to an insurance company.
I inquired about insurance a long time ago. They wanted a re valuation of my collection every year, to account for changes in the inventory, before paying the premuim of 3% for coming year.
The total cost? For example (does not relate to to the value of my collection,) revaluation fee on the above basis: 1% preminum 4%. value of collection $100,000. Total annual insurance cost for the year: $4,000.
You can buy a decent safe for $4,000!
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
I use the same (somewhat) tactic that sel 691 uses with the addition of a small Sentry safe that is much less conspicuous for a decoy (Loaded with junk).  |
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Replies: 31 / Views: 5,043 |
First Page
Posted 01/22/2013 05:11 am
