The right safe comes down to five decisions: size, rating, installation, lock type and style. Get those right and the safe protects what you own for decades. Get them wrong and you end up replacing it. Here is how we walk customers through each one.
1. What size safe do I really need?
Choose a safe about one-third larger than you think you need. Most people realize, after the fact, that they bought one that is too small, because the collection of important items keeps growing. Extra space saves you the hassle and cost of upgrading too soon.
2. What rating should I choose?
Ratings tell you what a safe was tested to survive: fire, burglary, or both. Match the rating to what you are protecting and the risk where you live or work. Cash, jewelry and other valuables call for burglary protection, irreplaceable documents and media call for fire protection, and many people need both.
Your insurer’s requirements matter too, and a higher rating often buys peace of mind both now and later. Our guides to UL burglary ratings and fire ratings explain what the labels actually mean.
3. Should I bolt down my safe?
Yes, always. Even a heavy safe can be easier to move than you would expect. Most safes come with a bolt-down kit, and we strongly recommend anchoring any safe under 1,000 lbs. to the floor. It adds a crucial layer of protection and sharply reduces the risk of removal.
4. Does the lock type matter?
It does, because the lock decides how you will live with the safe day to day. Match it to your environment and your routine.
Mechanical combination locks
- Extremely durable
- Minimal maintenance
- Require a technician to change the combination
Electronic locks
- Convenient and user friendly
- Codes can be updated any time
- Batteries need occasional replacement
- Advanced options available, including multiple users, audit trails and time delay
Not sure how often to change a code? Read when to change your safe combination. If fast access matters most, see how biometric fingerprint safes work.
5. What about wall and floor safes?
Wall and floor safes offer concealment, but they are usually not ideal for high-value items. Once discovered, they can be easier to remove or compromise, and wall safes made from lighter materials offer limited fire protection. For true protection, choose a freestanding safe with a proper fire or burglary and fire rating, and bolt it securely to the floor. If concealment is the goal, see the art of the hidden home safe.
Frequently asked questions
How much bigger should a safe be than what I plan to store?
About one-third larger than your current needs. Contents almost always grow over time.
Do I need a fire rating, a burglary rating, or both?
If what you are protecting could be lost to both fire and theft, choose both. Fire-rated safes insulate contents from heat, while burglary-rated safes resist forced entry. They are different jobs.
Should I bolt my safe to the floor?
Yes. We recommend anchoring any safe under 1,000 lbs., and most safes ship with a bolt-down kit.
Can I change a mechanical combination myself?
No. A mechanical combination lock needs a technician to change the combination. Electronic locks let you update codes whenever you like.
Ready to find the right safe?
Use our Selection Guide to filter by location, what you are protecting and security level. You can also browse residential safes and commercial safes, or call Wilson Safe Company at (800) 345-8053 for expert guidance and personalized recommendations.