After spending a serious amount of time in researching the types of safes, options, & brands, I've begun to steer away from my original plan of buying a TL-30 rated safe. The main reason ... weight. I'm placing it on a first floor with 1998 build concrete slab construction. My main concerns are that a 3500 + lb. safe will be more of a burden than asset, from the following points:
- Moving it into the house (possible damage to wood laminate floor & tile).
- Possible damage to slab from excessive weight.
- Difficulty in finding crews willing & experienced enough to move it if we ever move to another residence.
- Cost in having it moved. Local rates = $175/ hr.
My question: At this point, after reading dozens of threads here, and consulting some of our resident professionals for info, I'm down to two possible options in the 6636/ 6637 class of safe. Originally I wanted the largest I could afford, but now I'm beginning to think it would be better to buy a few smaller safes in the 66.5"H x 37"W x 27"D size range. it might be easier to move and find someone willing and able to move them when the time comes. I'd buy one of these, keep it for a few years until it is full,, and then eventually buy another once I have the funds available down the road.
I have a decent budget so I'm looking at either of these two options at the moment. Opinions and feedback are certainly appreciated, thanks.
Fort Knox 6637 Guardian - planned to upgrade to 1/4" body with 3 inner 10ga. steel liners, and a steel upgrade in the door to 1/2". With upgrades approx. $6500.
Amsec BF 6636 - This safe has a 1/2" steel plate in the door standard with an aggregate composite mix between an 11ga outer and 16ga inner liner. Not crazy about the steel specs, but the composite will present a difficult barrier for the average thief to cut through. No upgrades to steel are available, but I would save approx. $2500 over the Ft. Knox, but have much less steel & protection in this safe.
Both weigh approx. 1200lbs but obviously the Ft. Knox would be heavier after the steel upgrades. I still think it would come in lighter than a 7241 sized TL-30 safe. Opinions?
- Moving it into the house (possible damage to wood laminate floor & tile).
- Possible damage to slab from excessive weight.
- Difficulty in finding crews willing & experienced enough to move it if we ever move to another residence.
- Cost in having it moved. Local rates = $175/ hr.
My question: At this point, after reading dozens of threads here, and consulting some of our resident professionals for info, I'm down to two possible options in the 6636/ 6637 class of safe. Originally I wanted the largest I could afford, but now I'm beginning to think it would be better to buy a few smaller safes in the 66.5"H x 37"W x 27"D size range. it might be easier to move and find someone willing and able to move them when the time comes. I'd buy one of these, keep it for a few years until it is full,, and then eventually buy another once I have the funds available down the road.
I have a decent budget so I'm looking at either of these two options at the moment. Opinions and feedback are certainly appreciated, thanks.
Fort Knox 6637 Guardian - planned to upgrade to 1/4" body with 3 inner 10ga. steel liners, and a steel upgrade in the door to 1/2". With upgrades approx. $6500.
Amsec BF 6636 - This safe has a 1/2" steel plate in the door standard with an aggregate composite mix between an 11ga outer and 16ga inner liner. Not crazy about the steel specs, but the composite will present a difficult barrier for the average thief to cut through. No upgrades to steel are available, but I would save approx. $2500 over the Ft. Knox, but have much less steel & protection in this safe.
Both weigh approx. 1200lbs but obviously the Ft. Knox would be heavier after the steel upgrades. I still think it would come in lighter than a 7241 sized TL-30 safe. Opinions?
Last edited: