Locks and safes are important in protecting money and other assets. You can use a home safe to store and protect cash on hand and other valuables. You can also use safes to protect documents such as title deeds, bracelets, academic and registration certificates. So, you’ll need to go the extra mile to ensure that you choose the right lock and safe for storing your assets.
Locks and safes can be used to store valuables and protect them from theft and damage. If well-chosen, they guarantee the security of assets and will ensure that you enjoy a peaceful night.
But not all safes will serve the purpose. Some are easy to pick, while others are susceptible to adverse weather conditions. Those that are easy to pick will not protect your assets from thieves, while those that are not fireproof may not help when an accident such as fire outbreak breaks occurs. This Best Lock Guide delves into what you need to consider when you decide to buy a lock and a safe.
1. The Security Level Of The Lock And Safe
The reason you may consider buying a lock and a safe is to enhance the security of your valuable.Therefore, the level of security of the lock and safe is critical. It determines whether the safe can stop an intruder from accessing the lock. A security safe could have several locks that can be opened using the same key. Also, you could have a lock that is opened by different keys or have each lock opened by a unique key. Similarly, a safe may have its locks opened by different keys but come with a master key that opens all locks.
So, understanding your needs and the persons that will need to access the safe is critical when choosing the right lock and safe.
2. Cash or burglar and fireproof rating
Locks and safes are rated based on how resistant they are to fire and theft. The rating is based on the strength of the walls, safe door, the level of difficulty in removing it from the current location, and how complex the locking mechanism is. If the lock is secure, it receives a cash rating. But it will receive a higher cash rating if it is more secure and burglar-proof. Similarly, a safe’s fire rating refers to how the safe can withstand flames and protect the contents from fire. Fireproofing is measured in hours, so the more the hours, the better the safety is in protecting the contents when a fire breaks out.
3. The material and the environment
The external environment where you will use the safe is important when selecting your lock and safe. The reason is that the environment will impact the material used. If the safe is stored outdoors, the material used should not be affected by a harsh outdoor environment. Thus, the material should be resistant to corrosion and adverse weather elements. The most common materials are:
Wooden doors- come with a higher anti-drill resistant center that enhances the level of security. This is vital given that wooden doors are susceptible to tampering.
Metal doors- they are appropriate and can feature cylinder Cam Lock and many other locking styles.
4. Style and handling
In most cases, the style of a lock determines how it operates, so you may need to consider how you will want to close or open the lock. If the space is insufficient, the magnetic cabinet will do. Also, think about how easy it is to install the clutches.
5. The volume of items you want to store
You will need to consider the volume and the number of items you want to keep in the safe. Also, look at the spaces you want to remain for additions. Thus, this and many other considerations may give you an idea about the size of the safe you need. But if you want a safe that is easier to conceal, the size must be small.
6. Your budget
Your budget is the most important element you must consider before choosing the lock and safe for storing your items. However, the safe should not be too cheap or more expensive than the value you want to store. An inexpensive high-grade safe that is fire and burglar-proof could be the best option for you.
Of course, there are many other things you may want to consider before choosing the right lock and safe. However, the security the safe offers and the material they are made of are paramount. Also, ensure that the safe is burglar and fireproof.