Install a safe: All you need to know

Find below the most Frequently Asked Questions related to bolting, placement and installation of a security safe.

Why is bolting important?

Bolting prevents the safe from being moved by burglars, provides stability to your safety deposit box and most insurance providers stipulate some kind of reference to a correct installation. We recommend you either to bolt to the wall, anchor down to the floor, or both. Even the heaviest safes must be bolted for extra security.

Check the terms and conditions of your insurance contract to comply with requirements.

Where can I bolt the safe?

A safe can be bolted to:
- The floor
- The wall
- The inside of a wardrobe

Pay attention to the material of the surface you want to bolt your safe in.

• Concrete and cement offer a safer and more solid way of bolting than wood.
• Depending on whether it is a wooden or concrete floor, you will need a different drill and a different drill bit.
• Check if there is underfloor heating, cables or wires in the wall/floor you want to drill into.
• When bolting a safe in a wardrobe consider if it has a wooden back. We strongly recommend that there is no excess space between the safe and the back wall. The best way to ensure that the safe has direct contact with the back wall is to cut a hole corresponding to the size of the safe.

Where should I place the safe?

The best place to position a safe depends on where you can bolt it approximately. A safe needs to be bolted to concrete or cement to guarantee no external movement. Also, always keep in mind that if you need to access the safe on a regular basis, it should be placed in an accessible location. 

• A wall safe can be an interesting option for a hidden, yet an easily accessible spot.
• A floor safe is a good choice as it is difficult to find, especially if you place a piece of furniture on top.
• In case you cannot place your safe in a hidden location consider choosing a certified safe with a burglary resistance certification.

Use the burglary grade filter to search for valuables safe at: Safes>Valuable Safes

Check our hidden, floor and wall safes at: Safes>Floor Safes / Wall Safes

What should I consider when installing a wall safe?

Before installing a wall safe, you need to determine the right location because you will need to make a hole in it. Consider the next points:

• The wall opening must be big enough to surround the safe on all sides with at least 10 mm of concrete.
• Position the safe inside the hole with the sign 'Top' above, make sure the safe is not upside down. Moreover, the vault must be aligned and well wedged.
• Prepare the right concrete mix and tamping for filling the wall opening, which includes 3 parts gravel (0-32 mm in size), 1 part cement and just enough water to get the right consistency.
• Protect your safe from the concrete using a plastic foil.
  Prepare a formwork to mark your wall opening before pouring the concrete. Fill in the wall opening and spread well using a concrete rake.
• After you have installed the safe, wait for 48 hours before removing the formwork. Then, you can open the safe for airing

Need more information about the right consistency of concrete? Read our Installation Manual for Wall Safes WEGA series.

Need more information about the installation? Read our Installation Manual for Wall Safes VC series.

 Check the series we can offer you under category Safes> Floor Safes / Wall Safes

 

What should I consider before installing a floor safe?

It is very important that the safe is installed and secured in the correct way.

• Make sure there are no wires, heating systems or pipes in the floow before starting your work.
• Prepare the hole by digging into the floor. Don't forget that you need extra room around the safe.
• Pour the concrete mix in the hole and let it dry. 
• Pour the concrete mix carefully, this is an important step. Overfilling the hole would make your safe protrude out of the floor!
• Pour gravel (or fine sand) over the bottom layer of concrete. 
• Insert the safe in the center of the hole with the top cover on.
• Use concrete mix to fill in the space around the safe.
• The top of the safe must not exceed the ground level.
• Smooth the surface of the concrete with a trowel.
• Let the concrete set.

Please keep in mind that if the installation is not done in the correct way, the safe loses its warranty.

 

 

How can I bolt my safe in a wardrobe?

Consider that a wardrobe usually has a wooden back. You should ensure that there is no space between the safe and the back wall.

The best way to ensure that the safe has direct contact with the back wall is to cut a hole corresponding to the size of the safe and then place the safe directly against the wall.

 

What should I consider when bolting my security safe?

The material of the wall or floor plays an important role here. For example, concrete ensures a safer and more solid bolting material than wood.

• Make sure you check if there are any cables or wires in the wall or the floor you want to drill into. Be careful with the heating and/or piping system as well.
• If you have underfloor heating, we strongly recommend that you do not drill down into your floor. Instead, you can secure your safe by bolting it to the wall.
• If you don't have a solid floor surface, consider a wall safe installation.
• You might need the help of a second person to move the safe into position.
  We advise bolting the vault both to the wall and floor if possible.

What do I need to install my safe?

A security safe prepared for installation will include pre-drilled holes, therefore you can install the safe yourself. The only thing you will need then is a drill and the corresponding drill bit, usually 10-12 mm diameter.

Keep in mind that the length of the bolt is usually 20cm, so you need to know the thickness material of the floor. You should also consider if there is any wiring or piping in the installation location. If there are any wiring or piping systems in the installation location, we would recommend you to bolt the safe to the wall instead.

How many bolts are included with my safe?

One bolt is always included for anchoring the safe to the floor. You can buy additional bolts in any hardware store for additional anchoring to the wall. The recommended anchor is M12/200mm (marked as 12/100).

We have underfloor heating. Can we still bolt our safe to the floor?

If you have underfloor heating, we strongly recommend that you do not drill down into your floor. Instead, look for other ways to secure your safe:

• Bolt your safe to the wall instead of the floor.
• Buy a heavy safe that is difficult for a thief to remove.

Safegear has safes weighing hundreds of pounds that are specifically built for this purpose. Also, you can combine the two options for extra safety.