Is it necessary to bolt down a safe?
Bolting down a safe can significantly increase its security and make it much more difficult for thieves or intruders to steal or open the safe. Bolting down a safe ensures that it cannot be easily removed from its location, and it also makes it harder for someone to use tools to pry it open.
If a safe is not bolted down, it can be vulnerable to theft or damage, even if it is heavy or large. Thieves may be able to simply pick up the safe and carry it away to break into it later, or they may be able to use leverage to open it while it is in place. Even heavy safes may tip when the door is opened, bolting down all safes is highly recommended by manufacturers, security experts, and professional locksmiths.
- The National Crime Prevention Council recommends that safes be bolted down to the floor or a solid concrete wall. They state that bolting down a safe is one of the best ways to prevent theft and unauthorized access to the safe’s contents. Source: https://www.ncpc.org/resources/home-and-neighborhood-safety/home-safety/burglary-prevention/
- The Safe and Vault Technicians Association also recommends that safes be anchored securely to a solid surface, such as a concrete floor. They state that bolting down a safe makes it much more difficult for burglars to remove the safe or break into it. Source: https://savta.org/FAQRetrieve.aspx?ID=49566
- Liberty Safe: Liberty Safe is a manufacturer of high-quality safes for home and commercial use. In their installation instructions, they recommend that the safe be bolted down to a solid surface using anchor bolts or lag bolts. They also provide guidance on selecting an appropriate location for the safe to maximize its security. Source: https://www.libertysafe.com/content/pdf/LibertySafeInstallationInstructions.pdf
- AMSEC recommends using four or more bolts of at least 1/2 inch in diameter to secure their safes to a concrete floor or foundation. The bolts should be installed through the holes in the bottom of the safe and into pre-drilled holes in the concrete. The company also advises that the safe should be installed in a location that is not easily visible or accessible to unauthorized persons. Source: https://www.amsecusa.com/product/bf-series-burglary-fire-safes/bf3416-burglary-and-fire-safe/
