Category: Uncategorized

In-Floor Safes, Part 1

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In-floor safes offer several big security advantages compared to “above ground” units, but they also have limitations for most applications.

SQUARE & CYLINDER IN-FLOOR SAFES
SQUARE AND CYLINDER FLOOR SAFES

The first advantage is that they are out of sight – that is really important.  When properly installed they can be hidden by furniture or covered by a rug to become “invisible”.  Even if your floor safe is discovered, they are very difficult to open by anyone except a trained professional.  In fact, most of the safe technician’s usual opening techniques can’t be used on floor safes.     If properly installed in a concrete floor they are almost impossible to remove without big power tools.  In addition, a burglar cannot go through the side of a floor safe the way he might be able to on a standard type safe, and pounding on the door with a sledge hammer rarely works.

REMOVABLE SAFE HEADS
REMOVABLE SAFE HEADS

Some floor safes have removable “safe heads” that can easily be carried to a lock shop for a combo change.  This saves the cost of an expensive service call by the locksmith.  Businesses that need frequent combo changes appreciate the savings.

Next:  The downsides of in-floor safes.

FIRE PROOF FILE CABINETS

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Disclaimer:  “Fire proof file cabinet” is a commonly used misnomer.  They should be called “fire resistant files” or “fire files” because they are not technically fire proof.  Most have a one hour fire rating while a few are rated for two hours.

Many people are not aware that there is such a thing as a fire file.  When they have massive amounts of important documents that need to be protected from fire, folks usually buy a fire safe for storage.  But few safes have drawers, so organization of papers is difficult.  Fire files make organizing easy and efficient.  They come in 2, 3 and 4 drawer units, for either letter or legal size papers.  Vertical and lateral styles are available.  90% have key locks, and combination locks are optional upgrades.  New units will run $1000 to $3000 so you might want to find used ones.

A good safe is harder to break into than a fire file.  However, if fire protection and organization of papers are the key issues, then get a fire file.

 

 

Safe Warranty Cards

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Most safes come with a safe warranty card when they are new. Whether you buy your safe from Hoogerhyde or someone else, make it a point to fill out the warranty card and mail it in. Having the card on file with the manufacturer will increase the chance that you will get help if you should have a problem. Read the warranty too, so you know what is supposed to be covered and for how long.

Choose a Safe Manufacturer that Stands Behind their Products

Some companies, like Sentry Safe, Gardall Safe, American Security and Fort Knox are very good at helping a consumer with a problem. Several others, however, are terrible. Buy your safe from Hoogerhyde and if you have a warranty issue, you can expect a good result. We work with great manufacturers who stand behind their products.

Stamp Collector’s Safe

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Stamps are easily damaged, in more ways than you might think. Of course they can be torn, burned, soiled, etc., all of which reduce their value. Same for historic signatures, photos, sports memorabilia and other collectables. Naturally, a valuable collection should be secured in a safe, but most stamp collectors use the wrong type of safe.

To protect contents from heat and fire, 98% of safes use moisture which is locked up in the safe’s insulation. When heated by fire the insulation cools by forcing moisture out, to the interior of the safe. Air inside the safe will be saturated and hot (up to 350 degrees). That level of moisture will affect the stamps’ adhesive and may also affect the delicate colors and paper.

Used Media Safe In Stock Typical Two Door Construction

To avoid the possibility of being damaged this way in a fire, the best stamp collector’s safe is technically a media safe. Media safes generally keep humidity below 85% during a fire, and maintain a temperature of only 125 to 150 degrees.

Note: Media safes tend to be expensive, but we usually have used ones in stock.

Liberty Gun Safe VS. Fort Knox Safe

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We work hard to educate customers about how gun safes are really built, so they can make knowledgeable purchase decisions. You can always view competitors’ catalogs at our store for comparison, but catalogs are not very detailed, and are sometimes misleading. To be truly factual we purchased a Liberty Franklin gun safe and removed the door panel. Now you can see what they will not show you in the box stores.

Come to Hoogerhyde Safe to see a side by side comparison between the Liberty Franklin and a Fort Knox Maverick. See how much more security you get with the Fort Knox Maverick for less money! Our regular price is less than Gander Mtn’s regular price (at time of posting, Grand Rapids area stores). And the Fort Knox comes with a better warranty, outside hinges, a better interior, etc.

Note: Liberty, Franklin and Gander Mtn. are trademarks of their respective companies.