Need small safe ideas and installation help

Preparation, Preparedness & Prevention Disaster Preparation & Planning
1

My buddy just moved into an older house. Wooden floors, old trusses, etc. His closets are unique in that to the left and right of the “main” closet area, they are 23" wide but very deep. He does not have a garage (or any floor space for storing a bigger safe), and currently keeps his firearms leaned up against the wall in the corner of a bedroom.

Options we have considered:

Go with a brand like Sturdy Safe. Thick steel, and custom order a safe that is a few inches thinner than their smallest for about $1500-$2000 and hope it doesn’t fall through the floor.
Pros: Heavy, durable, strong.
Cons: Heavy, expensive, would take a while to get, and not even sure if Sturdy Safe would make a safe of that size.

Go with a used Stack On for $200, realize it is better than leaving the guns in the corner of the bedroom, and hope for the best.
Pros: Very inexpensive, can be found daily on Craigslist.
Cons: A little better than a cabinet, wouldn’t stop anything more than a smash and grab.

Or???

I saw the closet he is looking at putting it in and there is very little doubt that it is an old floor. Jumping on it makes me a little nervous (but the house was just inspected and it is sound). Luckily there is an access panel under the house within 6 feet of that closet so it would be possible to reinforce the floor, although we are not quite sure how to do that (haven’t even looked)

What is the best way to secure a safe inside of a closet? Just drill holes into the wooden floor? What if the holes at the back of the safe do not line up with wall studs?

ETA: If your reply to this thread demands him buying a 1,600lb, $4,000 Liberty Safe that a family of 4 could sleep in - you are of course free to voice your opinion. Just understand that will not be considered as it is a literal impossibility for his house, and no one will be impressed by your security measures.

2

I can help with this part. Cut two 2x4s that fit the width and then lag bolt them into the studs. Then bolt to the 2x4s.

3

That’s brilliant. Thanks a ton.

4

Quote Originally Posted by Eurodriver View Post
What if the holes at the back of the safe do not line up with wall studs?

Drill new holes in back of safe that line up with the studs would be way easier.

5

Make sure the safe will fit through the door.

6

Is this advice from experience? :sarcastic:

7

Absolutely!!!:smiley:

8

You can remove the trim and gain a inch or two, if needed. As with all old houses be prepared to make repairs afterwards.

9

How long will he live in the house? Is an investment worth it to him in the long run?

Is it possible to have a foundation repair firm (if you have them in Florida, we have tons in Texas) look under the house and put in a concrete pillar or pad to support the floor under the safe?

If they can’t, can you rustle up a couple of Lance Coolies and put them on that detail?

Digging out under the floor, then pouring a concrete pad comes to mind. Not as much cost, but definitely more sweat equity. Then you can brace the floor underneath, with some 4x4 beams. Bolt some 1" treated plywood on top of that, so the floor rests on it. Think Stonehenge.

I’m not a structural engineer, and I’ve never played one on TV. But I have experience picking up heavy things and putting them down.

Hope that helps.

10

How many guns is he trying to secure and whats his budget

11

+1
But instead of 4x4s, I’d use floor jacks. Cheap and adjustable.

Maybe think of reinforcing the floor joists. $30 at Home Depot for structural braces (they make one that fits what you need). Some 2x6 strapped to existing will do you right, but take the sag out before you start (go online and watch some Mike Holmes episodes. You’ll see one eventually).

Sent from 80ms in the future
Much peace
Jimmy

12

Have your friend check out one of these:

http://www.zanottiarmor.com/safes.htm

The ZA-1 might be what he needs. I would recommend bolting it in place

13

FYI…If you live in an area with expansive soils, it would be worth the additional expense of consulting a structural engineer prior to constructing something like this. If not done properly you will negate the features of your foundation which isolate the structure from ground swell.

14

Just want to chime in here that Stack-On is absolute junk. I was surprised they were that bad! I always read through these safe threads and hear people junking on the cheap, thin steeled chinese stuff saying you can pop it open with a pry bar and I think to myself these people are exaggerating just a tad.

But they aren’t. I’m going off appearance alone, but I bet if I only had a crowbar I could probably be inside one of those safes in 15-30 minutes.

I forgot the brand he went with, but it’s solid. We read that the code is 30lbs/sq ft in bedrooms and he’s pushing 125lbs/sq ft. I think he is hoping that because it’s in the back of a long, narrow closet that he is close enough to the beams to prevent it falling through the floor. He’s got the 200+lb safe, about 50lbs in guns, and 50lbs in ammo in there.

15

Stack-On is only good to secure little Johnny’s Halloween candy, not much else.

16

What!?

15-30 minutes…

Why in hell would it take you that long? :slight_smile:

I have two good safes. (BTW I think it is better to have multiple safes rather than one big one.) And I also have one of those Stack-On type uhhh cabinets for pellet guns and stuff. They are not very secure.

OP, an alarm system with inside and outside bell are nice to have if you live within ear-shot of others. When the bell/siren goes off it really makes thieves nervous. Works great in conjunction with a good safe.

Then all you need is a big dog, maybe a nice 200 LB Caucasian Shepard and you’ll feel pretty secure.