The Hard
FACTS About Safes!
For
maximum protection you must purchase the right safe for the
job!
Safes
have been around for many 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 hardplate
protecting the lock.
Hardplate 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
-
Hardplate
-
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 LOCKS
