Buying a safe is an important and somewhat difficult decision. There are literally hundreds of retailers out there getting into the safe-selling business. However, the many box stores that sell safes are, in many ways, touting Security on Sale. Please watch this video and see why choosing a reputable safe dealer, like Hyatt Safes, is an important first step:
Comparing Safes can be very difficult, but choosing one that fits your needs doesn't have to be! Let the experts here at Hyatt Safes show you the difference between brands and models in the simplest terms possible. We want to help you find the safe that will safeguard your valuables from the many dangers posed by today's world, whether your concern be fire, theft, or both.
When starting your search, don't just compare safes against one another. Determine what level of protection you need and look for safes that have the ratings and features that you want.
Here are a few questions to help you get started, which highlight certain ratings and features that different safes offer.
What fire rating do I need?
Fire ratings are a function of external (oven) temperature, internal (safe) temperature, and time. In a fire test, the safe is placed in a furnace at a given temperature, usually 1200°F and the clock starts ticking. As soon as the temperature inside the safe at any one area reaches 350° (or less for some testing labs) the clock stops and that is the rating. For instance, if the furnace is set to 1200°F and the safe is inside for 32 minutes before the internal temperature reaches 350°, then the fire rating is 30 Minutes at 1200°F. The recommended minimum Fire Rating for homes in cities near full time manned fire stations is 20 Minutes at 1000°, so most manufacturers design their entry models to rate 30 Minutes at 1200°. For homes outside the city or far from a fire station, a higher rating is strongly suggested. Those with very specific fire protection needs such as rare papers or valuables easily harmed by heat should buy the maximum protection available.
I have a budget in mind, and can't decide between two models and sizes. If I get the smaller safe, I can get a higher fire rating; but if I get the next model down, I can get a safe twice the size for the same price. What should I choose: Fire Rating or Size?
This can be one of the most difficult decisions when it comes to purchasing a safe. It has been our experience after selling safes for over 14 years that SIZE is the most important decision. The one complaint that we hear from safe owners is that their safe is too small. We see people every day who are either thinking of purchasing a second safe or trading up for a bigger size. We recommend planning for what size you will need in 5 years, not just now. Buying one size larger than you think you need now allows for new items to be added later.
I have found a cheap gun safe, but it is not UL Listed. Is it a good safe?
The short answer is No. Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) requires that the steel body of a safe be 12 gauge or thicker (the smaller the gauge number, the thicker the steel). This is important both in fire and theft situations, because the strength of the steel is the primary determinant of a safe's performance. If a safe is not UL listed, be sure to ask questions about the body thickness. The safe may still be good for keeping the kids out, but may not provide you with protection during a fire or theft attempt.
What about the safes at those big box stores?
Many of our competitors sell less expensive "safes" offering protection on the cheap. Unfortunately, what they won't tell you is that these safes offer very little protection from both fire and break-ins. At Hyatt, we believe in a philosophy of selling quality merchandise. Certainly, you can buy a cheap safe, but the question you have to ask is how important are your valuables, and, more specifically, your firearms? Don't be fooled by a low price.
The safe I am looking at has external hinges. Can't a thief just cut off the hinges and take the door off?
No. Any safe that is UL listed and has external hinges must have a locking mechanism on both sides of the door, so that the door will not come off even if the hinges are cut off. The thief actually just wasted a lot of time if he cut off you hinges. Most safe manufacturer warranties will cover any damage caused by theft attempts or fire.
I want to put my safe upstairs. Will the floor hold it?
It is our experience that 900 pounds is about the maximum limit for a safe's weight if it is going upstairs. Most safes are designed with a large enough footprint that spreads the stress on the floor around, much like a refrigerator. This is why we recommend purchasing a safe from a local retailer and having it delivered by professional safe installers, like those employed by Hyatt Safes.
How do I get my safe home, and put it where I want it?
Hyatt's has a professional, licensed & bonded delivery service. Our team will put the safe exactly where you want it, level the safe so the door does not swing open and closed on its own, install accessories, set custom combinations and bolt your safe down. Please pick up one of our delivery sheets in our showroom to determine cost of delivery.
Can I purchase a safe online?
The short answer to this question is a definitive No. Safes are inherently heavy articles and require very careful shipping. It's been our experience that shipping a safe will usually result in damaged merchandise and an unhappy customer. This is why we do not drop ship safes.
How can I determine a safe's ability to survive a theft attempt?
This is the hardest question to answer in the safe industry. Every brand and model will have slightly different features to counter a theft attempt. The main features that you will want to ask about are:
- Bolt Coverage
- Re-Locker / Anti Drill Assembly
- Lock-Box Assembly
- Body Thickness
- Door Thickness (a 2" composite door may be weaker than a 1/4 inch steel plate door)
- Liner Composition (fireboard or even concrete
I've read so many safe catalogs, but still can't decide!
Reading a company's literature about its own products always makes choosing difficult. The only way to really compare safes is by looking at them in person. That is why Hyatt Safes carries a variety of manufacturers and models - so we can show you the difference! Please come by and let us assist you in selecting the right product!
