Whether you are about to purchase your first safe or you want to upgrade your existing safe, it’s important to take your time with this process. A safe is not an everyday purchase and it’s going to house some of your most valuable possessions, so there are a few important aspects you need to focus on.
This guide will ensure you purchase a safe that meets your requirements.
How to Evaluate a Safe Before You Buy It
Here is a checklist to work through before you buy a new safe.
Determine Your Requirements
Start by outlining what you plan to use the safe for. Is it for important documents and jewelry or will it be used to protect your firearms? Along with determining whether a safe is large enough, you should also consider what type of safe you would prefer. Freestanding safes, gun safes, and luxury safes are all options. You should also consider what you might want to use the safe for in the future. Will you be adding more documents to it such as your marriage license or the titles to additional vehicles?
Look at the Type of Lock
Not every safe has the same type of lock. While some require a pin, other safes are biometric or have a combination lock. There are pros and cons to each of these lock options. For example, where a digital safe will lock you out after several incorrect pins, combination locks allow you to try endless combinations. With that being said, digital safe locks are quicker and more convenient.
Consider the Safety Features
Intruders are only one concern when it comes to keeping your valuables safe – fire is another risk. If there was a sudden fire outbreak, would the safe you’re considering be able to protect the contents. Ideally, you want to choose a safe that has a fire rating of at least an hour. This means your belongings will be safe for up to an hour before the fire begins to affect them.
Some of the other safety features you can consider are water resistance and buoyancy. Natural flooding is always a possibility, but accidental flooding in your home is a possibility too.
Look at the Safe’s Design
Not every safe is designed the same. When evaluating a safe, pay careful attention to the space between the door and the body of the safe. When there is too much space, it’s possible for criminals to access the bolts that connect the safe’s door to the body. Ideally, this space should be as small as possible.
It’s also important to look at the welding. When a safe is welded professionally, there won’t be any significant gaps across the metal. Spot welding is what you want to avoid. This is when there are circular dimples on the safe, an indicator that the safe was welded quickly and cheaply.
Price and Warranty
Lastly, you want to consider the price of a safe in relation to your budget, as well as whether there’s a warranty in place. It’s important to find a good balance between a quality safe and a price you can afford. It’s also highly recommended that you only ever purchase a safe with a warranty as this indicates the manufacturer is trustworthy.
If you want a professional opinion on safe options for your home or business, contact The Security and Lock Corporation Miami on (305) 846-9360.
