Value Safes

Based on the thickness of the bolts at 7/8 inch…which might as well be a 1 inch bolt in my opinion.  You have the makings for a high security wall safe.  Except without the drill resistant hardplate.  Which for my experience with safes in general, I have NEVER seen a safe attacked with a drill!  I have seen every tool under the sun PLUS metal mop buckets, broom handles, and chairs used on safes. (This should give you an idea of the desperation of a thief and the endurance of safes).

I really like this safe model and its big brother the EW-03for an extremly well built wall safein its price range.  Be careful of the depth. Its deeper than the standard wall that is 2×4.  So this one will need a special place.  

Another thing to point out is that I would like to see added to this safe is more mounting holes on the left and right side of the wall safe.  You can add these real quick by just drilling extra holes with a standard drill and bit.  If you will take the time to add these and then use these holes.  This wall safe will be very tightly fastened to the wall studs.  I also prefer screws. 

If you are in a new construction building that uses metal studs be sure to use a “self taping screw” available from any hardware store.  Also use a washer or lock washer on the inside of the safe for best security.  So if your wall safe doesn’t come with three holes just add them.

Over all I give this safe a thumbs up for construction and protection against theft.  There is no fire rating in this model.  You can purchase this model from ValueSafes on their wall safes section.

I wanted to take the time out to discuss some pro’s and con’s of Wall Safes.  ValueSafes sells many different models from High Security Wall Safes, Fireproof Wall Safes, Hidden Wall Safes, and just affordable Wall Safes.  This will be a practicle discussion. I welcome anyone to leave feedback of their experiences to add to this article. 

First lets look at the varying qualities of wall safes.  Prices start from $59.00 and go up to as much as $700.  They all have one security feature in common.  Thier hidden.  Nobody can find them.  Thus the old saying about “Out of sight Out of mind” comes into play.  If a thief can’t find the safe. How can he break into it?  This is the top feature of ALL wall safes. 

Now lets think about what happens if a thief finds it. (Heaven forbid but it does happen) First most thieves DON’T come with tools. Most come empty handed and want to leave with their hands full.  They don’t come running straight for the wall safe with a crow bar in hand. 

But lets say they did come into the house with a crow bar in hand.  How would a wall safe hold up in a real attack? Well, they will get into the $59 wall safe pretty darn quick….like gone in 60 seconds quick.  Depressing and scary t0 think about…I know I wouldn’t want that to happen to me!

Lets look a little closer. The door is sealed by a key operated cam lock on this small model and the metal in pretty thin.  Now lets say its a model that uses a Dial or keypad?  Hmmm, not as quick but with time they can pry the door open.  How much time will vary upon the tools used and the strength of the person whacking on the wall safes.  (Are you starting to get nervous about buying a wall safe…keep reading)

Okay, lets say I install a B Rated Wall Safe.  Drill resistant hardplate. Group II dial combination.  Multiple mounting holes for attaching to the wooden studs.  This one is not gonna get pryed open.  It would be an absolute monster with big teeth holding onto the wood studs!  But if the wood or wall gives way the thief can take the safe with him and work on opening at home.

The moral of the story is….

1.Wall Safes are best for keeping out “sticky fingers”. 

2.Attach the Wall Safe with all mounting hardware so it is as secure as possible.

3.Find a good place to hide the safe.

4.You will get what you pay for in a wall safe if a real thief attacks it.

Remember to think of your home in layers of security. Good Deadbolts and window locks.  Sliding doors need more than a wooden dowl rod to keep them from opening. Alarms are an interior layer that should be considered.  Wall Safes are great and work great if the above layers are in place. 

If the above layers are not in place, I would give thought to where I was putting the safe. (attic spaces are rarely looked into because they are so out of the way for theives) If I couldn’t find a place that I was totally convinced that nobody would find, I would rethink getting a wall safe…unless its for keeping out “sticky fingers”.

Take a look at ValueSafes for an excellant selection or give them a call to check into this a little more deeply. 

Wall Safe model EW-B1.  This is a favorite model for those that want a electric keypad and a quick install in almost any wall space.  Has four holes for attaching the wall safe to the studs in the wall.  Large flange to cover up the cutting of the sheet rock to install this wall safe.  (Large flange is good if you are not very good at cutting a hole in sheet rock, it covers up the mess of crooked lines and makes it look neat and pretty)

Sizable height adds lots of room for storage and shelves are included.  There are no extra shelves you can put into this wall safe. It also has a key bypass in case the batteries go dead or you just want to use a key. 

Overall this is a very good model.  Easy to install and easy to hide away your goodies inside.  Though this is not a High Security Wall Safe.  It is an excellant price point and does have the main security feature that all wall safes depend on.  Its hidden!

Visit www.ValueSafes.com for more information or prices. They also have free shipping. See there Wall Safe page.

Wall Safe model Protex PWS1414c …ever wonder where in the world they get these model numbers?  Well let me tell you. P=Protex W=wall S=Safe 1414 are the inside height and width in inches. C is for combo dial.  So if you are looking for a safe with a 14 x 14 inside sizing you have found it.

Take a look at the picture below and you will notice the inside is much smaller than the over all height of the wall safe.  Thats because this wall safe has a very large “flange” to cover up in messy problems you may have had cutting the sheet rock to install it.  Thats real nice of them since most folks are not handymen per se.

 Nice double shelving in this wall safe to take advantage of the interior space. Pay close attention to the depth at 3 3/4 inches.  Not alot of room for paperwork or large objects. But plenty for jewelry, cash, passports, and more.  Easy access space to the interior so you can screw it to the 2×4’s.  However, take a look at that dial. Hmmm, she sticks out a bit. Looks like its just under an inch protrusion.  So much for a flush wall safe.  Better find something to cover this wall safe before you buy it.  Maybe be something loose hanging over it like a tapestry or better yet, put it in the closet behind a bunch of clothes!  You could even mount it down low and put a dresser in front of it.  But that might be a pain to move when you want in or out of the safe.  Something to think about.

Steel is 14 gauge so thats stonger than the cheaper models.  So that makes for a good value.  However I would not call this a “High Security Wall Safe“….those things are over twice the price of this more affordable wall safe from Protex.  The reason being is the wall safe is using the bolt from the lock to keep the door shut.  Which is good just not high security..know what I mean? 

With a depth of only 3 3/4 inches there is no room for material to make this a fireproof wall safe.  I have heard no customer complaints on this model and would give a thumbs up for a good quality wall safe.  Check out www.ValueSafes.com for retail pricing on this model. They normally have good sales and free shipping.

Lets take a look at Wall Safes.  Starting with model 7150.  Good size and easy install with this wall safe.  One of the first things you want to do is find a hidden spot where you can install the safe.  Pay close attention to the depth of any model you purchase.  This wall safe fits easy between two studs in a 2×4 wall. 

Comes with a combination lock and a flat key lock.  You will need to dial the combo and use the key to retract the bolts.  The steel is 16 gauge which is a good thickness.  To attach the wall safe to the studs you will open the door on the safe and you will see holes that you can send screws or nails through….use screws and a drill for quick install.

Wall Safe model 7150 is NOT Fireproof.  Most wall safes are not fireproof.  This is because the fireproof material used is so thick and you don’t have much room in a normal 2×4 wall.  The depth would leave you with no room left to put stuff inside.

However, there are other models of Wall Safes that are fireproof but they are much larger in depth.   WS-DIY is one wall safe that is fireproof and it has a depth of 15 inches!  Better look for a big spot before you purchase one of those.

Back to the Sentry 7150,  now lets take a look at its theft prevention.  This will depend on your hiding place for it.  For that is where all wall safes get their protection from…being hidden.  You may be asking “What if a thief finds the safe, then what?”  Hmmm, now we need to look at the construction.  Remember its only screwed into two 2×4 studs.  It the thief takes a claw hammer to the safe.  The safe should hold up, however, the 2×4 studs may let go of the screws…this is a down side if you don’t use All the screws. 

Realistically, if you have an alarm on the house. The thief will not have time to look for it much less pry it out of the wall.  You can purchase a B-Rated Wall Safe, and they are more secure, but it still can be pryed from 2×4’s if not installed correctly. 

To see more information visit www.ValueSafes.com to purchase a wall safe or call them for more information regarding safes and security.