Safe - entry price point

[InigoM]

What's the general consensus on an entry level price point for a Safe (Not an RSC). TL-15 or better.

Also - has anyone had any dealings with the Wilson Safe company in Philly area? I have been perusing their online used safe section - they appear to have quite a selection, i am just not sure how much of a discount off retail to expect, and if it's worth it.

Any specific pitfalls anyone can point me to about getting a used safe?

 

[a1abdj]

It depends on the size of the safe, the construction, the age, the manufacturer, and possibly the aesthetic features (interior, exterior finish) etc.

Are you in the Philadelphia area?

 

[earlthegoat2]

1500-2000 for a used Mosler or similar antique/vintage safe. They have very good fire ratings because they are fireproofed with asbestos and are solidly built. Unfortunately, no one is going to know the tamper ratings they have. They are generally so well built though that they will be pretty secure.

It is difficult finding used ones that are large enough to hold a decent number of long guns though. They are out there, just have to have some patience.

I think 4000 would be my starting price for a new one. I want one that can hold at least 10 long guns as well as sensitive documents and a few handguns.

 

[InigoM]

Yea, i should have given that informatio up front.

I am in the philly area - they are local to me.

Looking for about 4 cubic feet or so. 36" high minimum.

If i get a good deal on used, am not so worried about aesthetics, don't mind scratch / dent as long as it's not indicative of a problem.

one of my issues is i am hoping to thread the needle between price, size, and weight (So it doesn't have to go into the basement).

 

[InigoM]

Thanks earlthegoat2 that seems pretty much in line with what i was hoping to spend. Be happy to go up to 2500 if it got more bells / whistles. 4k is absolute top of the budget - i think that means i am firmly in the 'used' market.

 

[a1abdj]

There's nothing inherently wrong with a used safe. We sell refurbished used safes with full warranties all the time. Unlike most gun safes, real commercial safes (especially the older versions) are designed to be used by those who usually don't take good care of things.

Very small TL rated safes, and large TL rated safes tend to be in higher demand. That means those in the middle, like the size you're looking for, can be a better deal for you. I like steel plate safes, although they do not offer fire protection. If fire protection is important, you'll want to look at a composite.

There should be plenty of stuff out there in your area. Many companies in this line of work don't advertise. There are other safe companies not far from you.

 

[Dan Forrester]

I've bought two Diebold steel plate TL15 safes exactly like this one except with a manual lock:

http://www.armslist.com/posts/31597...-safes-for-sale-trade--diebold-tl15-bank-safe

The first one I bough from a place called Welter Storage. They had a bunch and were going for around $800 shipped. The second I bought off of craigslist for $300 but required a new lock like this one:

http://www.safeandlockstore.com/sargent-greenleaf-group-2m-safe-lock/

Whatever safe you get just make sure it uses the standard safe lock footprint. A lot of the older safes use proprietary parts which cannot be purchased. The steel in them is just fine but there are no lock parts available. A good steel plate safe should last generations and if you get one which uses standard locks it can always be upgraded with a new dial or for that matter a push button keypad, biometric lock or bluetooth comparable lock.

Personally I would just start searching craigslist and be patient and make sure it uses the standard lock foot print.

Dan

 

[InigoM]

I've bought two Diebold steel plate TL15 safes exactly like this one except with a manual lock:

http://www.armslist.com/posts/31597...-safes-for-sale-trade--diebold-tl15-bank-safe

The first one I bough from a place called Welter Storage. They had a bunch and were going for around $800 shipped. The second I bought off of craigslist for $300 but required a new lock like this one:

http://www.safeandlockstore.com/sargent-greenleaf-group-2m-safe-lock/

Whatever safe you get just make sure it uses the standard safe lock footprint. A lot of the older safes use proprietary parts which cannot be purchased. The steel in them is just fine but there are no lock parts available. A good steel plate safe should last generations and if you get one which uses standard locks it can always be upgraded with a new dial or for that matter a push button keypad, biometric lock or bluetooth comparable lock.

Personally I would just start searching craigslist and be patient and make sure it uses the standard lock foot print.

Dan

Yea, i have actually seen some really good deals on Craigslist. One of the issues i run into is, i have to pay someone to install, and don't want to get some random few guys into the house to install an 1000 lb safe.

 

[Dan Forrester]

I was able to move them my self. I have a truck with a lift gate. If you really find the safe you want you could probably rent a truck with a lift gate and move it your self.

You can also roll them pretty easily with steel electrical conduit or galvanized steel pipe sections. You could probably even use PVC pipe sections as long as you used schedule 40 or 80 pipe. Having 5 or 6 sections is nice. As one section pops out the back you just put it back in the front like a conveyer belt.

Then cut out a section of horse stall mat (my safes are on terrazzo floors) rent a rotary hammer and bolt it down. I like to wire mine for power to run led lights or dry-rods.

With them being insulated from ground on the stall mats I've always thought it would be pretty slick to put a cattle fence charger inside one and just electrify the entire safe.

Ive got a whole series of safes off of craigslist over the years. here's a few others I picked up:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=728315

I use these for ammo, mags, quick access pistols, external hard drives, laptop computers. Basically things that are lower security or things I need to access frequently. Very easy and convienent with the S&G keypad lock.

The only downside I see from craigslist safes is most of the safes cannot fit long guns. Broken down AR15s and pistols no problem but traditional long guns won't fit.

Dan

 

[tiamat]

Yea, i have actually seen some really good deals on Craigslist. One of the issues i run into is, i have to pay someone to install, and don't want to get some random few guys into the house to install an 1000 lb safe.

There's always the option to hire a legitimate safe moving company to move the safe for you vs. 'some random few guys'.

There were a few nice, affordable TL rated used safes at the company I hired to move mine that I wanted to buy, but they were just too short to accommodate any long guns.