All of us have our valuables, things we hold dear, and want them to be protected in the best possible manner. For most people, not only did they spend a lifetime getting these things for themselves but also cash or jewelry serves as security for their old age.
To add a layer of security, most of us install safes in our homes that could either be a gun safe or even a regular home safe.
With a few simple tools, you can easily install your safe anywhere in your home. Read our detailed step-by-step guide and in no time you will be good enough to nail the job.
What Tools Will You Need?
Before we dive into the job, let us gather the necessary tools we will need for a job well done.
- Socket set or Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Small Masonry Drill Bit
- Large masonry Drill Bit
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil
- Knife or Scissors
- Tape
- Expansion / Anchor Bolts
- Corded Drill
- Saw
- Stud Finder
A word of advice: Your drill should have a heavy-duty masonry drill bit. This is usually not available in cordless drills. A cordless drill will only prolong your job since you would be spending most of your time charging it.
To make installation easier, most manufacturers already drill the holes at the back and the base of the safe. To save you a trip to a hardware store, manufacturers also provide anchor bolts along with the safe. These anchor bolts can strongly mount your safe on the floor, against the wall, or even in your closet.
Estimated Time to Install a safe: 20 Minutes
With all the tools in our hands, let’s get the job started.
Steps To Install A Safe In The Wall
Your best shot at fitting the safe in the wall and concealing is if you place it between the studs. Follow these steps to install your safe in a wall.
- Run the stud finder against the wall and the indicator will tell you the exact location of the stud.
- Hammer a nail into the wall. As the nail goes in you will be able to feel if you have hit the stud or not.
- Using a pencil, mark the location of the studs. Draw a dotted line that will help you to cut out the section of the wall.
- Use the tape and mark the lengths of the square box you will be cutting into. With a pencil and level draw the lines to connect the four corners of the box. Make sure vertical lines are parallel to the stud and horizontal lines are parallel to the ground. Now cut out the hole.
Note: Keep the hole as close to the stud as possible. This will make it easier for you to put the nails through the safe and into the stud.
- Once the hole is ready, you can place your safe inside the hole. Support it using your hand, or else it might just fall onto you. Since the door contains the lock, it becomes the heaviest part of the safe. So, be careful while handing it to avoid any injury.
- Now comes the last part. You must fix your safe into the wall by screwing it to the studs. You already have holes in the safe for bolts to go through. Use the drill to make the holes in the stud. The holes in the stud must match the holes in the safe.
- Now use the screwdriver to tighten the bolts through the safe and into the stud. Once the safe is bolted to the stud, you can place the shelves in it.
Steps To Install A Safe In The Closet
Follow these steps to install your regular or a gun safe in a closet.
- Measure the length, width, and height of the shelf inside the closet where you will be placing your safe. If not done correctly, you will have obvious issues.
Make sure that the shelf can endure the weight of the safe. An average safe can weigh around 30 pounds. You can test the frame with different weights.
- Inside the closet, pick the spot where you can easily hide your safe behind clothes or other items.
- Turn the safe around. At the back, you will see holes already done by the manufacturer. This is where the bolts will go through the safe and into the closet.
- Place your safe inside the closet. Through the holes, mark with the pencil where you will be drilling holes in the closet.
- Now remove the safe and use a corded drill to make holes at the spot in the closet from the previous step.
- The next step is to insert the plug into the wall. Use a screwdriver to tighten them a bit.
- Remove the bolt. The plug will remain inside the closet wall.
- Place the safe on the shelf and secure it with the bolts to the closet wall.
- Try shaking the safe a bit to ensure it is tightly attached to the wall.
Steps To Install A Safe In The Floor
Follow the steps below to install your safe in the floor.
- Select the spot where you want to place your safe. Place the safe there and use a pencil to mark the outline of the safe on the floor.
- Place the safe into the position. Inside the safe, you will find holes at the base of the safe. Use a pencil to mark the drill points through the bottom of the safe and onto the floor.
- You are ready to drill. But first, you must ensure how deep you are supposed to go. Measure the length of your bolt. Mark this length on your drill tip using tape.
- Remove the safe and drill the holes into the floor using the corded drill.
- Check if the hole is big enough for the bolt to go in it. If the hole is small, you can always make it bigger using your drill.
- Place the safe in its position. Check that the holes in the floor line up with the hole in the safe. Now, you can insert the bolt through the base of the safe into the floor.
- Hammer down the bolt and now tighten the bolt.
- You have securely anchored the safe to the floor. Add shelves to the safe if there are any.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Select The Correct Safe?
Consider three things while selecting a safe for your home
- What do you want to store in the safe?
- Where in the house will you be placing your safe?
- What’s the maximum weight you wish for your safe?
Cash safes are best if you want to store cash, jewelry, or small valuables.
Fire safes are designed to protect your important documents against fire. They can withstand high temperatures.
Data safe is ideal for storing computer-related hardware.
What Does Fire Rating On Safe Mean?
Safes from most manufacturers undergo three tests: a fire endurance test, an explosion hazard test, and a fire drop test.
Results are used to calculate fire rating. A higher fire rating means more endurance to fire.
Can I Change The Combination Of The Safe?
Yes, you can change the combination of your safe.
Whether it is a dial combination or a number combination, it can be changed. Use the manual to check the steps to change the password.
What If I Forget My Password?
In such a case, contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer will ask for the safe’s serial number and proof that you are the original owner. Then they will provide you with the reset code or walk you through the process.
However there are some methods to open a safe without key as well.
Closing Down The Curtain
With the right equipment and closely following the instructions given above, you easily anchor your safe inside a wall, cabinet, or on the floor.
Remember, the safe will be heavy so you might need a helping hand. In case of confusion, it is always better to contact a professional.
