The pix you asked for: 36" crowbar versus safe

[WardenWolf]

Gordon Freeman 1, Safe 0.

Anyway, the lessons learned in this thread: one, don't buy a cheap safe with no warranty. Two, don't store expensive stuff in a safe that can just be carried away. Bolt it down, or otherwise make it impossible to remove without heavy equipment that would definitely raise attention.

 

[gym]

A torch can be used if you soak the safe with a garden hose or are able to put it in a tub of water with a hose running. A friend did this in order not to burn the contents when we were kids, He took it to a body shop. You couls also tie it to the bumper of a truck, and just drag it for a few miles, usually that will pop it open, but from reliable sources, almost any wafe can be peeled, once you make the first hole.

 

[Yoda]

Well, it wasn't a total loss...

I just got back from the salvage yard. The safe weighed 74 pounds, which translated into $5.94 for the steel.

Those two chucks of aluminum that I found in it? I think I'll keep those. Sentimental value, you understand.

(I'll make another attempt at re-sizing the pix later tonight.)

- - - Yoda

 

[Cesiumsponge]

FYI the mechanical backup lock on an electronic lock is a joke unless they're both UL-listed locks. A cylinder "security key" typically used on these import locks isn't very secure, and barely a key.

A hacksaw is not a tool designed to cut sheet metal effectively due to it's shallow throat. It looks more like you took a few evenings to do some exploratory surgery to see how they fold the sheet metal to form the safe body. If you were a thief, I'd say it'd take a lot less than two evenings.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

The subject of safes on a gun forum is the equivelent to the "discussion" of various oils and tires on motorcycle forums. Everybody is an expert and believes the opposite of whatever was just posted and something other than what was originally posted becomes the fodder for arguing. In my opinion the context is left out of most of these discussions, that being the purpose of the safe. We do not have a high crime rate in my neighborhood or town but I do keep a sheetrock lined combination lock Liberty safe in my basement for valuables and as many guns as I can get into it. I also have an unlined "locker" (my term) in a spare bedroom closet with other guns, and there are weapons cached in other places around the house simply because I need to buy another safe. I will buy another someday but it will not be a "super duper hardened steel krypton lined safe with double time locks because that is complete overkill for the application. Anyone who did break into my house would probably help themselves to whatever is loose and easy to carry because thieves around here do not carry tools or heavy moving dollies. Most are out to get whatever they can pawn or fence quickly in order to get enough cash to buy their next high, which also means they are not deep thinkers or motivated workers. If somebody is smart enough to break into your house with professional construction equipment they are smart enough to know that the risk is not going to justify the reward unless the homeowner has been foolish enough to advertise he is a worthy mark. The average gunowner in the average town does not need Ft Knox to protect a few valuables or weapons. A simple locked door will suffice 99% of the time.

Others may have equally accurate opinions but that is mine and I'm sticking to it!

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Making claims that one oil is better than another based on anecdotal evidence is much different than making claims that a sheet metal RSC is as good as a commercial safe made out of 1" plate steel, or that nameless Chinese electronic locks are as good as products like Globaloks or Kaba Mas in terms of reliability and actual provided security vs perceived security. A lot of people here invest in their gun safe and push around brand loyalty to justify their purchase. However, the security levels of safes is a very old and well-known business that is rooted in reality, not personal bias....such as:

You're under the impression Fort Knox safes are superior to all other consumer gun safes and "not needed", as if they offer more protection than a Liberty or Heritage.

 

[hueyville]

On the positive side most neighborhood burglars are not well schooled on alarms or safes. The ones that are, generally choose specific targets based on foreknowledge of possessions. The average will attack the door, fail but screw up your safe trying. The scary ones are the type that knock on your door then force entry and hold gun to your wifes head while you open the vault for them. Thus reason my front door is a security door with a camera for me to see who is on front porch before I get close to door and keep a 12 gauge next to recliner. Home invasion is the one where being mean as a badger and armed gives you the home field advantage.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Even a Stack-On $100 special or a locked metal tool cabinet will stop most smash-and-grab types. Criminals are typically not very bright. Most, if they choose to attack any safe, will smash off the handle and lock, thinking that gains entry. All it does it make the locksmith's job more complicated when it has to be opened up. Like hueyville says, a million-dollar vault can be defeated with a $10 knife or a stolen gun.

 

[hueyville]

Don't believe I said avmillion dollar vault could be defeated with a $10 knife. I said any vault can be defeated with proper tools and knowledge. In most cases, what happens is an average thief costs you several hundred dollars repairing the lock on the door without getting in. I also said to base your level of protection on value of contents. Don't put $1,000 worth of guns in a $2,000 safe nor put $20,000 worth of guns in a $400 safe from Wallyworld. End goal is limit time thief has to work. If alarm is screaming, he won't be going to look for a set of torches.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

I was referencing to the "The scary ones are the type that knock on your door then force entry and hold gun to your wifes head while you open the vault for them." line and adding my own commentary. That type of situation, a steak knife makes an effective tool in defeating even the most expensive vault system Which goes back to your statement of having a security door and camera to verify who's at your doorstep.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

My reference to Ft Knox was in relation to the government installation that purportedly holds our nation's gold supply, not any paqrticular brand of safe. I guess my attempt at humor didn't fly....