Slightly flood-damaged safes... is this a deal?

[Diggler]

This is in my local paper...

HUGE WAREHOUSE FLOOD SALE OF GUN SAFES & TREESTANDS. All items 40% to 50% off retail. Only slight damage with full product warranties. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a 30’x60â€x24†- 32 gun capacity safe with a 45 minute fireproof rating for just $550.

The floods from Ivan hit a warehouse and they are having a flood damage sale. Is this decent? Is there anything about safes that I should know about that would make any flood-damaged safe worthless? Right now I have a locked room with a gun locker inside but would like to have a safe.

What brand names should I look for in a safe where this amount of $ would be a good deal?

This offer only runs through Sunday, so I need to make a decision quick!

 

[Sisco]

How much damage is "slight"? Fireproofing is accomplished by lining the safe with sheerock, it doesn't hold up to water well so it may have to be replaced, carpet too?
If it's really a name brand safe and still carries full warranty it might be worth checking in to.

 

[BluesBear]

Well CB900F is our resident safe expert. I am sure he will be dropping in soon with some facts.

But until then I would be very careful. For one thing what they are calling safes I'm sure are actually considered to be a "Residential Security Container" which Underwriters Labratory certifies as a RSC.

Most RSC use Gypsum Board (which is also known as sheetrock or drywall depending on where you're from) for fireproofing.

Some lower priced safes may not have continuous welds.
If the water entered the safe and managed to penetyrate the walls and reach the gypsum board RUN AWAY from the "deal". More than likely mold will eventually form inside the walls.

If the "safe" was closed and the water didn't reach the internals then it deserves consideration. 50% off of something you want is a good deal.

 

[Cindog]

Diggler,

Mind sharing where this sale is? I am in Western PA and if it is raining too bad to go bowhunting on Saturday, I may just go. Thanks.

Scott

 

[Diggler]

Whole ad:

HUNTERS - HUGE WAREHOUSE FLOOD SALE OF GUN SAFES & TREESTANDS. All items 40% to 50% off retail. Only slight damage with full product warranties. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a 30’x60â€x24†- 32 gun capacity safe with a 45 minute fireproof rating for just $550. Also, Treestands only missing the retail boxes they shipped in. Mallard water keel decoys also missing boxes at just $12/dozen (bring in bags). Many non-damaged hunting clothes as well with camo packs. Sale dates are the 14, 3-8, 15th, 8-7pm & 16th, 8-2. Located off Rt 288 west of Zelienople behind George Moving Company on 200 W. Grand Blvd.

I think I may pass on it... I looked at Sam's Club online and they have Winchester safes the same size between $700 - 800 brand new, shipping included. If you're into treestands or something, a guy I work with got a 15 ft ladder stand (without the box) for $45.

 

[BluesBear]

There is a LOT more to consider when buying a safe than the size.

 

[CB900F]

Fella's;

As BluesBear stated, I'd be VERY suspicious of the quality of the goods being offered. Gypsum wall board, sheetrock, whatever you want to call it, will absorb water about like a sponge. Even considering the 50% off, I'd be surprised to find continuous watertight welds. Which are immaterial in any case, since the door will not be watertight. In this price range, again discounting the 50% off, there is no effective separation of the interior carpet/cloth finish from the wall board insulation behind it. So, crumbling insulation combined with a high degree of the possibility of mold. Such a deal.

For those who think that the objects being offered in the ad are safes, please do a search for RSC, or Residential Security Container.

900F