Upgrading lighting in safe

[tlawler]

The throwaway fluorescent stick lights in my 25 year old Fort Knox safe are slowly giving up the ghost. I would like to upgrade the lighting and thought about using LED rope lighting available at HD and Lowe’s. I would like to line the entire perimeter in the back and front, as well as go front to back in the four corners and maybe a short strip on the underside of each of the smaller shelves, depending on how much light they put out. Has anyone done this? And if so, are you happy with the results. I’m hoping to get at least 15-20 years out of them, and being LEDs, I think that’s reasonable with the few number of hours they will actually clock in that amount of time. My plan is to empty the safe completely and remove the shelving to install the light “ropes” for as professional a job as I am able. I also have a mechanical dial combination lock to replace the electronic lock at the same time.

 

[tt66]

Long ago I used the old timey rope lights and had them everywhere. I recently updated to the LED rope and was amazed at how much less rope that you need, compared to the none LED. I have one row that goes up one side, across the top and then down the other side. That small amount is amazingly bright. The new one came with a remote which makes things a lot easier as well.

Tim

 

[Rastoff]

Take a look at this:
[ame="https://www.amazon.com/TORCHSTAR-Lighting-Linkable-Showcase-Daylight/dp/B015PPQQES/ref=pd_sbs_60_t_1/142-1883067-1238643?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B015PPQQES&pd_rd_r=0535db9e-d5b6-4981-bb0f-6c23ff0a2f61&pd_rd_w=F1ZNg&pd_rd_wg=lgfc6&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=D5V9ENT2A7ZP9HTVWNVZ&psc=1&refRID=D5V9ENT2A7ZP9HTVWNVZ"]TORCHSTAR LED Safe Lighting Kit, (4) 12'' Linkable Light Bars + Motion Sensor + UL Power Adapter, Under Cabinet, Gun Safe, Locker, Closet, Under Counter, Shelf, Showcase Lighting, 5000K Daylight - - Amazon.com[/ame]

Easy to install and has a motion detector. This way the lights just come on when you open the door. Plenty bright too.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

I have a Liberty safe. After I bought it I called Customer Service and they shipped a lighting set to me. I am guessing that it is about 16 feet long, clear, with adhesive backing. It also has the motion sensor which is great. It plugs in to the electrical connection at the inside back of my safe. I know that you don’t have a Liberty safe, but I am sure that they would consider selling one to you.

The string covers each side and across the front at the top. Great set.

Bill

 

[bigwheelzip]

Since the acreage in most safes is limited, you might look at the LED lighting whose form factor resembles a roll of tape. This low profile has the diodes mounted on a flat "tape", often with magnet or tape backing, and can be cut to fit. Some also have battery power options.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[lkabug]

Check out GUN STORAGE SOLUTIONS , lots of good stuff for gun safe storage.

 

[walter o]

This is what i use in my safe,you can link them together up to 20 units .I use velcro on the back of the light strips and the velcro hooks onto the rug like fabric in the safe They fit behind the door frame nicely.
Patriot Lighting® 800 Lumens 22 x 1 LED Strip Light
(Actual Size 22.38" x 0.75")
Model Number: V1728 Menards® SKU: 3480093

 

[Kanewpadle]

Replacing the lock is not a job for beginners. Get help if you need it.

 

[Rastoff]

I also have a mechanical dial combination lock to replace the electronic lock at the same time.

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to replace the lock mechanism? Is it not working?

 

[tlawler]

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to replace the lock mechanism? Is it not working?

Well, it is 25 years old. I’ve heard horror stories about electronic locks just quitting for no reason and then you have to get a locksmith to break into your safe. A fellow forum member graciously sold me a mechanical dial at a very reasonable price and I have been putting off replacing it for too long. Plus I think it will improve the looks of the safe...gives it a more traditional look.

 

[robvious]

I just installed really low tech lighting... LED cob lights mounted on a light switch box... battery operated... velcro, nail or magnetic mounts... used batteries.. super bright... Harbor Freight or Home Depot or Lowes or Menards (where I found them) 4 "lights" for 12 bucks... put them about anywhere... so far they work great...

 

[Rastoff]

I’ve heard horror stories about electronic locks just quitting for no reason and then you have to get a locksmith to break into your safe..

You've heard horror stories, but never had a single issue in 25 years so, you're going to change the lock? I'm a big fan of "don't fix it if it ain't broke."

Allow me to tell you my horror story...

I had an electronic lock on my safe. It started acting weird. Every now and then, it wouldn't open even with the correct combo. Like you, I heard that the mechanical lock was more reliable so, I got a mechanical lock to replace it. After about 6 months I felt the lock "slip" (can't think of any other way to explain it) as I opened it one day. Unfortunately for me, I didn't test it and I couldn't open it once locked again. Fortunately, I was able to get it open by trying different numbers on either side of the actual combo. I replaced it with an electronic lock and haven't looked back.

That's been two years ago and I haven't had an issue. Who's to say that I won't tomorrow? The same could be said for a mechanical lock.

The venerable S&G lock design in your picture has been around for over 100 years and is good. It can't be picked by listening to it like they show in the movies. The Achilles heel is the way the plates work. They aren't fixed in place and can slip on the shaft. That's what happened to me. If that happens, you're left with figuring out the new combo or calling a lock smith.

By no means am I trying to talk you out of changing. I think they look better too. I just wanted to give you my experience. However, if you do decide to go ahead with the change, it's worth the coin to have pro do it. They will be able to assess the new lock and let you know if it's good to go.