In Floor Safe

[rakstr]

I have an option to have a safe installed in the concrete slab of some new construction. Seems VERY secure because it is both very inaccessible and VERY hidden. However, seems like it could be a dampness problem for storing a handgun and ammo as a secondary cache. Anyone have any suggestions? Pros/Cons? I realize it's a touchy topic as one of the best thing these types of safes have going is the fact that no one else knows it's there!!!!!

 

[timn8er]

There are dehumidifiers that you can put in a safe right? There was a
recent thread on that very subject. I WISH a safe was an option for me.

 

[sar4937]

Most of the infloor safes are kind of small, mainly used in business for the daily take. It's not just the moisture in the ground, but the coolness of the ground and ambient humidity. A goldenrod probably won't fit, and the cord would be a problem. But it might be possible to insulate it with 2" foam board, and maybe even install an electric grid heater like they put in bathrooms. You could also create a concrete room (ceiling/walls) heated and AC'd and install a safe door behind a regular closet door. Zanotti Armor has a safe that can be erected within an existing closet, you could put that within a fire-resistant closet structure.

 

[rakstr]

5+ cubic feet (2x2x1.5ish), no chance of any power, ...

Most of the infloor safes are kind of small, mainly used in business for the daily take. It's not just the moisture in the ground, but the coolness of the ground and ambient humidity. A goldenrod probably won't fit, and the cord would be a problem. But it might be possible to insulate it with 2" foam board, and maybe even install an electric grid heater like they put in bathrooms. You could also create a concrete room (ceiling/walls) heated and AC'd and install a safe door behind a regular closet door. Zanotti Armor has a safe that can be erected within an existing closet, you could put that within a fire-resistant closet structure.

 

[beemerphile]

It could be lined for moisture protection. Or items could be in sealed bags with desiccant packs inside. They are generally just small money holes, but are very secure when properly built. A gun to the head of the owner is the common method of criminal entry.

 

[GKC]

We have an in-floor safe in the [deleted] in our [deleted]...it was already there and was built in (we are the second owners of the house.) It's not real large, but I have been able to get 8 handguns in cases in it at one time. It is a very, very good safe, and sunk deeply into the concrete...with a very heavy door, and a very difficult combination to operate.

At first, I was worried about moisture too...but I've checked it at various times during the different seasons, and I've never found any moisture in it. I don't leave my guns in it...they are in a safe in another room...but I always put put my most valuable guns in it when we travel. (And since I have recently sold most of them, the ones I have left will all fit now. ) You can always use desiccant packs that don't depend on a power source.

One concern I have had about the floor safe is in case of fire, would water leak into it (from the fire hoses.) I'm not worried about that...I don't own guns any more that couldn't be easily replaced if need be (or at least, in normal times.) It is sad in one way, but liberating in another.

 

[jaykellogg]

I would go for it. It would be of value even if you don't leave guns in there. I think you would have the best fire protection for papers and valuables in a floor safe. One concern i have is my 42 gun Cannon safe only has ½ hour fire resistance.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I used to install floor safes. Thank God I don't anymore.

The humidity/condensation problem is a definite concern. I've seen guns and coin collections ruined.

They are very secure. But IMO not worth the trade off. Because anything I would put in one would be too valuable to take the risk.