Gun Safe Cabinets – Hinges, Anchor Holes, Fireproofing and Door Seals

Buying gun safe cabinets is an investment, an investment in the protection of your guns and valuables, and how much you spend will depend on the value of what you are protecting. Look for well-constructed gun safe cabinets and you will be able to rest easier that your guns and valuables are protected against burglary and fire.

Should gun safe cabinets have internal or external hinges?

If you require the gun safe cabinets door to open wider, to a full 180 degrees or the door to be removed for transport or servicing then external hinges are advised. While internal hinges enhance the look of the safe giving it a sleek, modern appearance from a security perspective external hinges provide no less security than internal hinges. Gun safe cabinets with locking bolts on all four sides of the door will remain locked in place even when external hinges are sawn off.

Do gun safe cabinets need pre-drilled anchor holes?

Gun safe cabinets with good steel protection are heavy and are even heavier when fully loaded. Your gun safe will not be too heavy for burglars armed with a pallet and pallet jack to remove the safe from your premises. Whenever possible all gun safe cabinets should be anchored in place with heavy-duty fasteners. Look for safes with pre-drilled anchor holes.

Do gun safe cabinets need to be fireproof?

Non fire resistant gun safe cabinets are nothing more than a big metal oven. Adding fire resistance to your safe is a big decision and needs to be made taking into account the odds of their being a fire. Statistics show that your guns are more likely to be fire damaged than stolen. Spend the extra money and get the fireproofing in any safe you buy.

Do the doors of gun safe cabinets need to be sealed to keep out water and smoke?

Smoke and water damage are the direct effects of a fire. The fire generates a great deal of smoke while the gallons of water poured onto the fire to extinguish it create clouds of steam. All this smoke, water and steam needs to be isolated from the contents of gun safe cabinets. Look for gun safe cabinets that come with a heat activated intumescent expandable door seal.  Intumescent seals swell as a result of heat to seal out smoke and water.