Types of Protection
When shopping for a safe, consider the type of protection, lock type and capacity you want or need. Also think about whether a wall safe or floor safe will work best in your home.
In addition to simple security, fire protection is a primary reason to own a safe. You may also want a safe with water protection if you live on a flood plain or in a humid environment. Safes are tested by Underwriters Laboratories and Edison Testing Laboratory and listed for fire and water resistance. Some extra protection features you’ll find include pry-resistant doors, solid-steel construction, bolt-down kits, anti-fishing baffles and anti-drill doors.
Lock Types
- Keyed Lock: This is the most standard option. It’s a simple way to store your valuables since there’s no combination to remember.
- Combination Lock: This lock option consists of a three-number combination and doesn’t require any batteries.
- Electronic/Keypad Lock: Digital locking systems require a one- to eight-digit password. Multiple-user options are also available.
- Biometric: These safes incorporate fingerprint recognition for total control or access to the unit.
Safe Capacity
- Small safes are good for storing items such as passports, cash, spare keys, jewelry and small collectables.
- Medium-size and large safes are ideal for storing hanging folders, paper documents, binders, cash drawers and large collectables.
- Extra-large and upright safes can secure firearms and data storage devices and also provide space for a large amount of paper documents.
Gun Safes
Always store unloaded guns in a locked gun safe and make sure unauthorized individuals don’t have access to the weapons. Consider your available space and the safe’s capacity for long guns and handguns when shopping. As with standard safes, you have options beyond keyed and combination locks. You can also find biometric locks that activate with a fingerprint. An electronic gun safe unlocks when you enter the combination on a numeric keypad. If the safe has a key lock, be certain that you place the key in a secure, private spot that’s inaccessible to children. Make sure that only authorized users know the combinations. Always remove ammunition from guns and place it in a locked location separate from the guns.
If you’re looking for a fireproof gun safe or fire-resistant gun safe, be sure to check the fire ratings. A fire-resistant gun safe should indicate protection from fire for a certain period of time at a particular temperature — for example, 60 minutes at 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit — allowing you to compare and find the best protection for your investment.
Other accessories for your safe that you may find useful include:
- A hygrometer, which displays current temperature and humidity as well as recent extremes in Fahrenheit or Celsius
- A dehumidifier that provides consistent control to minimize condensation, mildew, humidity and dampness
- Lights and shelving to complete your gun-storage needs
Key Safes and Lock Boxes
Key safes and lock boxes are two types of lockable security options designed specifically to keep keys secure. For the best protection, look for a solid construction and a tight-fitting door. Be sure to follow the installation instructions carefully. Key safes and lock boxes have different capacities, so find one that’ll fit the number of keys or cards you need to secure.
Key Safe
A key safe is large enough to secure dozens or even hundreds of keys. It may feature a key lock or combination lock. You’ll typically see these in commercial applications, such as valet stations, auto repair shops and property management offices. They may include an integrated drop box that allows customers to securely deposit keys. You can mount small models to a wall, while large key safes will rest on the floor with mounts that allow you to secure them to a wall.
Lock Box
A lock box is smaller than a key safe. It’s designed to hold just a few keys or access cards. Lock boxes have combination locks, and some allow you to open them with a smartphone. Real estate agents often use lock boxes to secure keys to homes they’re showing prospective buyers. They lock the box onto a door knob and provide the prospective buyer a code to unlock it, permitting access to the key to enter the home. These lock boxes are portable so that agents can move them to other properties as needed.
You can also find models that you can mount to a wall or other surface for a permanent installation. You may see these at rental cabins or vacation homes. If renters have the combination, they can get the keys to the property whenever they arrive and secure them when they leave. If you plan to mount your lock box outdoors, as many people do, be sure to look for models with durable, weatherproof materials and protective covers for the combination dials. For boxes designed to hang on a door knob or door handle, look for vinyl or rubber coatings to protect the door and hardware.
Extra Steps to Deter Theft
- Keep your safe closed and locked when not in use.
- Don't share your code/combination or keep it near the safe.
- Don't tell anyone where the safe is located (except the fire department in the event of a fire).
- If possible, conceal your safe.
- Bolt your safe to the floor or wall, depending on the model you've selected.
Want more ideas for keeping your home safe? See our home safety guide and our ideas for improving your home security.
Safe Questions and Answers
These frequently asked questions and answers about different types of safes can help you find the best ways to secure your valuables.
Where Should You Keep a Safe in Your Home?
The best place for a safe is somewhere that’s easy for you to access but out of direct view and away from regular foot traffic. Avoid the main bedroom closet; it may be too obvious. If you’re concerned about a fire, you might want to install your safe at the junction of a couple exterior walls on the ground floor. To protect a safe from flooding, keep it above ground level.
Do I Need a Dehumidifier for My Gun Safe?
Adding a dehumidifier to a gun safe is a good way to keep moisture and damp air from damaging your firearms. Excess moisture allows mold and mildew to grow on wood components and can rust and corrode metal parts, marring surfaces and possibly affecting the firearms’ performance.
Are Key Safes Easy to Use?
Key safes and lock boxes are easy to use and are great options for securing your keys and making them simple to access when needed. A key safe typically operates with a keyed lock on an access door. A lock box is more compact and uses a combination lock that often allows you to create your own combination.