A good safe could be the last line of defense for your most prized possessions.

The Hard FACTS About Safes!

For maximum protection you must purchase the right safe for the job!
Safes have been around for hundreds of years. Years ago they were rarely used in homes. Today many homeowners need a good safe. 
Good security will have "Layers". A good alarm system is a "Layer". Good deadbolts on exterior doors may be another layer. The more layers the better. Remember, these layers can always be compromised.
A good Safe may be the last line of defense for your most prized possessions. 

We know many of you have noticed safes for sale at home/hardware centers, and department stores. Some of you may have purchased one of these safes. This is a step in the right direction. Although a big problem exists.

THE PROBLEM: consumers are often misled into believing these safe are secure, even though they may not be. As a locksmith for many years, I can tell you it happens all the time.

FACT: Most inexpensive home center safes offer NO security ratings.
Various security ratings exist for safes. We have an extensive section here at TheKeyShop.com devoted to safe ratings. If you want to store anything of value inside your safe, you should know about Safe ratings.

FACT: Most inexpensive home center safes offer NO   U.L. (Underwriters Laboratories) Listed locks.
U.L. Has many ratings for safes, and safe locks. 
U.L. Is a trusted name in ensuring products meet preset standards. You will notice many electronics have a U.L. Logo. This means that product has passed preset safety standards. 
U.L. sets many standards for safe fire ratings, and safe lock security ratings. 
Most Non-U.L. Listed safe locks are not much more sophisticated than your old high-school gym locker.

FACT: Most inexpensive home center safes have NO relocker device. 
Relocker devices are used in good safes to resist punch attacks on the dial and/or lock. This device will trigger additional mechanisms to further secure the safe during an attack. See the buyers guide for more info.

FACT: Most inexpensive home center safes have NO drill resistant hard plate protecting the lock. 
Hard plate is special metal "sandwiched" between the door and lock on good safes to protect the lock from drill attack.

In some cases, these imitation safes, as we sometimes call them, do have good uses. Many of them will have U.L. Listed fire protection. This is good as long as the consumer knows that's "all" they are getting.

FACT: Most safes buyers are PRIMARILY concerned with burglary protection. Fire protection is a big concern, but statistics prove you are much more likely to have a burglary, than a fire.

Next time you see a safe in a home/hardware center, or department store. 
Check closely for the following:

• Security Ratings
• U.L. Listed locks
• Hard plate
• Relocker device

Our advise is to get the correct protection, for the valuables you intend to store in your safe. Most Safe Buyers want Burglary, and Fire protection. Let us guide you towards an educated decision.

Below are links for the safe section. You may also use the navigation bar on the upper left of the page.

SAFE BUYERS GUIDE
SAFE RATINGS
SAFE CATALOGS