Installing home safes in walls

The preparation process also involves selecting the correct type of safe. Choose a model that is the appropriate size, is fire resistant and has your preferred access control features, according to wikiHow. Keep in mind, not all wall safes are fire rated.

The height is your choice, depending on what will fit the items you wish to secure. WikiHow also suggests buying your safe from a company that specializes in safes, such as online retailer SafeandVaultStore. In this video, Mary, with V-Line Industries, gives a visual demonstration on how to install your wall safe.

Locate studs using a stud sensor or by tapping on the wall you can detect the studs by the hollow or solid sounds produced. What are you looking for? Decide which access control features you would like. Access control features may include a combination, a key, both a key and pin code or biometric data such as a fingerprint. All access methods are fairly effective and depend on the user to maintain their effectiveness. If you are using a wall safe as a gun safe then it might be preferable to choose biometric access to prevent a key or code from falling into the hands of children.

Check theft resistance ratings. Some but not all wall safes have been tested for burglary resistance. Again check for the UL label. A safe rated B4 then it would be able to withstand an attack of at least 15 minutes using common tools. Most burglaries take around minutes so a wall safe with this rating would be safe during this time.

Ratings of B1, B2 or B3 mean the safe provides very little security and resistance to tools. A B5 rating means the safe can withstand 30 minutes of a typical attack with common tools while a B6 rating means the safe can withstand 30 minutes of attack with common tools, torches and carbide-tipped tools. Decide if you want water resistance. These safes would protect valuables in case of a flood or broken water line. Buy your safe from a store that specializes in safes. Safes can be purchased from many hardware stores as well as online marketplaces.

Buying a wall safe from a shop that specializes in safes can give you the opportunity to speak to an expert regarding the options that would work best for you. Find the right location. Choose a location that is accessible so that you can use the safe effectively.

This makes the wall safe less noticeable and obvious to potential intruders. The location will also depend on the studs in your wall. Make sure you choose a location which will be able to make use of the space between studs. Part 2. Locate your studs. Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the wall by running the stud finder across your wall. The tool will have an indicator to show when it has found a stud.

Stud finders can be purchased from your local hardware store. If the sound is hollow then the location is probably between studs; if it sounds solid then there is likely a stud in this location.

Knock a nail into the wall. As you hammer you will be able to feel if you hit a stud by the way the nail goes into the wall. These holes will be covered once you have installed your wall safe. Mark your studs. Use a pencil to mark the locations of the studs on the wall. This will help orient your lines when you cut out the section of the wall.

Cut out a small square of space using a drywall saw. Cut out a small square of space big enough for your hand to fit through. Reach into the space with your hand to feel for electrical wiring or plumbing. If you find wires you need to be extra careful to go around them or reroute them.

If you find plumbing in the way you may need to find a new location. If the wall is clear, you are ready to cut out a space for your safe. If something is in the way and you are not confident in your ability to safely move or go around it, the best option is to find a new section of wall. Measure the wall to mark the size hole needing to be cut for the safe. Mark the four corners of your square hole using a pencil. Use a level to make level lines between the four corners.

It is essential that the top and bottom are parallel with the ground while the sides are parallel with your studs. The hole should be close enough to a stud so that you can attach it to your safe later. For an underfloor safe, you first need to evaluate your floor. Is it made of concrete, or do you want to fit the safe under floorboards? For a concrete floor, excavate a hole around twice the size of the safe. Place the safe in the hole, and surround it with a concrete mix.

Fitting a safe beneath the floorboards requires the safe to be placed in a pre-cut hole with wooden shuttering around it before the concrete is poured into the hole. This type of safe requires a custom fit and is usually used in place of bricks. Wall safes are fairly secure, but not as secure as an underfloor option or good-quality, standalone safe. Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn more about the benefits of having a home safe and how to install one once you purchase it.

For maximum security, consider a professionally monitored home security system. Jason Stevens is a senior writer for Brinks Home Security. He is a "tech guy" who enjoys sharing home security and automation tips with others.

Receive a call from one of our experienced security consultants at a convenient time for you. Types of home safes Several different types of safes can provide burglar resistance and protect your valuables in the event of a fire. The best place for a home safe There are many different places in your home that you can install a home safe. Be careful when placing a safe on floor joists. Installing a home safe The following sections will help you to understand how to install a typical home safe: The easiest safes to install are floor, wall, and fixed safes These safes are generally fixed to the floor or the wall with a few bolts.

Installing underfloor safes and wall safes are slightly trickier For an underfloor safe, you first need to evaluate your floor.