Keeping valuables secure starts with having the right safe. Homes and businesses in Manhattan Beach rely on safes to protect documents, jewelry, firearms, and cash. At West Coast Locksmith, we help clients choose reliable safes and install them correctly to provide lasting protection.
Your choice should depend on what you need to store, how often you access it, and the space available. The guide below explains what to consider before buying a safe.
Identify What Needs Protection
Begin by identifying the items you want to secure and the associated risks. Some safes are built to resist fire, while others are designed to stop break-ins. Matching the safe’s features to the items it protects ensures you get the right level of defense.
Common uses include:
- Paper records such as passports, deeds, and contracts
- Jewelry, watches, and cash deposits
- Firearms and ammunition
- Digital media or backup drives
- Prescription pads or controlled medications
If you’re storing client records or sensitive files, fire resistance is key. For valuables or cash, a burglary-rated safe is more effective.
Compare Safe Types
Safes differ by their construction and the type of threat they’re built to withstand. Understanding each helps you select the best one for your home or business.
- Fire-rated safes: Protect paper and digital items during a fire. Look for UL or ETL ratings that specify burn time and temperature resistance.
- Burglary safes: Built with thick steel and heavy bolts to prevent forced entry.
- Gun safes: Provide organized storage for firearms and ammunition, often with digital locks.
- Wall or floor safes: Installed discreetly into walls or flooring for hidden storage.
- Depository safes: Common in retail settings, allowing cash deposits without opening the main compartment.
Each type serves a specific purpose. A fire-rated safe fits well in a residential hallway, while a depository safe belongs near a business register or office.
Size, Placement, and Access
Plan for your current storage needs and possible future ones. Many owners outgrow small safes quickly. Choose a model that fits your available space but still allows room for expansion.
Placement is just as important as size. A safe bolted into flooring or structural framing offers greater protection than one placed loosely in a cabinet. Keep it out of plain sight but easy for you to reach when needed. Avoid damp or high-temperature areas that could damage contents.
Our locksmiths can assess your property and recommend the best safe installation location for wall, floor, or freestanding safes.
Locking Systems and Ease of Use
A safe’s locking system affects both security and convenience. The right option depends on how often you need access and who will be using it.
Main lock styles include:
- Mechanical dials: Durable and battery-free but slower to open.
- Electronic keypads: Allow multiple user codes and quick entry, ideal for daily use.
- Biometric locks: Use fingerprint recognition for fast access, with manual backup options.
Mechanical locks are dependable for safes accessed occasionally, while keypads and biometrics work well for frequent or shared use. We install and service all major locking systems, ensuring smooth operation over time.
Installation and Anchoring
Even the strongest safe can be compromised if not installed correctly. Lightweight or unanchored safes can be moved or forced open later. We recommend professional installation for any fire or burglary-rated safe.
Our team secures safes to either wood framing or concrete slabs, depending on your property. Manhattan Beach homes often have wood subfloors, while commercial sites use concrete, so we use anchors suited to each surface. For apartments or leased spaces, we can suggest alternatives that don’t require permanent anchoring but still provide stability.
Maintenance and Service Support
Like any mechanical system, safes benefit from routine checks. Electronic models may need battery changes or keypad updates, and older locks can become stiff or misaligned over time. We provide ongoing service, combination resets, and non-destructive safe opening when keys or codes are lost.
West Coast Locksmith serves Manhattan Beach and its surrounding areas with safe repair, delivery, and installation services. Our technicians are experienced with all safe types, from home fire safes to commercial depository units.
Get Safe Help from West Coast Locksmith
Choosing the right safe means balancing size, security, and usability. Consider what you’re storing, where you’ll place it, and how often you’ll access it. A well-installed safe offers lasting protection and peace of mind.
At West Coast Locksmith, we assist Manhattan Beach residents and business owners in selecting, installing, and maintaining safes tailored to their specific needs. Contact us today for expert recommendations or to schedule an installation.
