Top 13 Specs to Consider when buying a Home Safe

Here are thirteen key specifications to look for when buying a Home Safe:

1. Door Steel Thickness: The thickness of the safe's steel construction plays a crucial role in its overall strength and resistance to attacks. For the safe door, a recommended minimum thickness is 3/8 inch of solid steel.
2. Body Steel Thickness: The safe body should also have substantial steel thickness. A recommended minimum thickness for the safe body is 12-gauge solid steel.
3. Solid Construction: The safe should be constructed using solid steel plates rather than composite or layered materials, as these can be vulnerable to cutting and drilling.
4. Bolt Size and Quantity: The safe should have large and numerous bolts on all sides of the door. Thicker bolts (at least 1-1/2 in diameter) provide greater resistance against prying attacks.
5. Bolt Mechanism: The bolts should be operated by a robust locking mechanism, such as a multi-point locking system, to ensure they engage securely into the door frame.
6. Hinge Protection: Heavy-Duty Hinges should be used to prevent attacks by prying tools.
7. Relocker: A high-quality safe should have a relocker, which is an additional locking device that engages when tampering is detected, further securing the safe.
8. Fire Resistance: Look for a safe with fire-resistant materials and construction to protect your valuables from heat and flames. Fire ratings should be a minimum of 60 minutes at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Drill Resistance: The safe should be designed to resist drilling attacks, with hardened steel plates or drill-resistant barriers in critical areas such as the lock.
10. Tamper-Proof Lock: Consider a safe with a high-quality, tamper-resistant lock, such as a UL Group 2 mechanical lock or an electronic lock with advanced security features.
11. Weight and Mounting Options: A heavier safe is harder to steal, so consider the weight of the safe. Also, look for mounting options that allow you to secure the safe to the floor for added security.
12. Anti-Pry Features: Safes should have reinforced door frames and additional anti-pry features to prevent attackers from gaining leverage and forcing the door open.
13. Burglar Alarm Connectivity: Most safes can be connected to a burglar alarm system, which can trigger an alert if an unauthorized attempt to open the safe is detected.