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Gun safe question

KcKc Member Posts: 132 ✭✭✭
edited December 2003 in General Discussion
I bought a used safe about five years ago. At that time, I called the manufacturer to see how fire resistant that model was supposed to be. I never got a good answer, other than, at the time it was built they were using a ceramic fire liner? or ceramic insulation? Whatever it is, it isnt very thick, probably 3/8" or so.
My question is --how do I increase the fire resistance?
I'm sure it would help to add a layer or two of 5/8" "Sheetrock"
under the top and three sides. But I was wondering if yall had any suggestions or experience with this sort of stuff.
Thanks, Kc
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Comments

  • KcKc Member Posts: 132 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am looking to get a gun safe SOON. I am willing to spend up to $1000. It needs to be able to fit at least 10 rifles and 10 handguns. What do you guys/gals recommend, and what brands do you think I should stay away from? Thanks! - Toe [8D]
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  • KcKc Member Posts: 132 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My wife and I are the only ones to know the combination.
    If we were to die together, such as car accident, what is the best way to pass on the combination without giving it to someone today?
    It is not that I don't trust relatives, but you got to keep honest people honest, that is what locks are for.
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  • KcKc Member Posts: 132 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Do you have a gun safe to protect the guns from the people in your house or from outside people who might want to steal them ? I am debating what size safe to buy. I live in a very safe area and I think I mostly want the safe to keep my newphews and nieces and other kids away from the guns. However, I wondered if I should just go for the big safe and spend the money. Do you think a 1000lb safe is enough for robbers ?
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  • KcKc Member Posts: 132 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Been looking on the net and my home town for a good gun safe. Read in this forum to get the biggest you can and bolt it down.

    Any ideas on a affordable gun safe?

    What is the cons on the electronic gun safes? I'm worried if the electronics break down somehow and I can't get the safe opened.
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  • daddodaddo Member Posts: 3,408
    edited November -1
    You might try finding your brand of safe on the net and looking up the info. if they supply it. There are materials out there that when heated by a torch at 1200 degrees, you can handle it right afterwords with no heat to burn the hands. If I'm correct- gypsum is already used in the safes now and works well. Most safes are tested with a steady rise of temperature to 1,200-1,500 degrees and times out when the safes interior reaches 350 degrees respectively.
    I can't see any problems with using sheetrock.
    Thats all I know![8)]
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  • RhondaRhonda Member Posts: 183 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My insurance agent advised sitting my safe against an outside wall. If the house burns the house will fall to the center taking much of the heat away from the safe. Soild oak also makes a good liner.
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  • bambihunterbambihunter Member Posts: 10,792 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Much of the fire-resistance (or lack thereof) depends on the seal around the door. If you make the body more resistant the seal will still be the same and will likely be the weakest point.
    Fanatic collector of the 10mm auto.
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It's really not practical to "improve" the fire resistance of a safe yourself. There are too many variables.

    Personally, I look at my safe as 1) a way to prevent misuse by anyone in my house, and 2) a way to keep burglars from getting them. These would be terrible things. But, if they were destroyed in a fire, that would only be a dollar loss, which I could live with, because, after all, they are just my toys.

    I would suggest that you move it to the basement (do not put it directly on the concrete floor), as the heat of a fire tends to collect upward. Most combustible material in houses is ABOVE the basement.

    If your guns are really valuable, then consider investing in a residential sprinkler system.

    Neal
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  • joey garzajoey garza Member Posts: 523 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    put a few jugs of water in the safe it will keep the internal temp to 212 degrees for a while longer.
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  • Supreme OneSupreme One Member Posts: 1,423 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hello, meanwhile the humidity will have rusted all the guns to the point of no return. Good idea.

    Michael

    Paranoid keeps you alive, worry just gives you stomach problems.
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    Politics- From the words poly, meaning many, and tics, which are just little blood suckers.
    .-.. .. ..-. . / .. ... / .- / ... . -..- ..- .- .-.. .-.. -.-- / - .-. .- -. ... -- .. - - . -.. / -.. .. ... . .- ... . .-.-.-
    If "con" is the opposite of "pro," then what is the opposite of progress?
    sound
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  • joey garzajoey garza Member Posts: 523 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    they won't rust in the 12 hours it takes for the rubbel to cool enough
    to get the safe open, if it gets hot enough to burst the jugs your guns would be a loss with out the water.
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  • 0311marine0311marine Member Posts: 3,233
    edited November -1
    they make a fire proof spray i use them on my ghillie suits you could probally spray the inside w/ it.

    sspic.jpgPistol-01.gif
    SEMPER FI
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  • KcKc Member Posts: 132 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thank you all for taking the time to reply.
    The safe is on an exterior wall,off the concrete, no basement available (Texas)
    I do need to provide a seal around door (what?)
    Not overly concerned about dollar loss, however if that loss is preventable within reason,then I would like to prevent it.
    I have a few guns that have been passed down for generations, I am fairly confident that they will not be misused , burgled or flooded.
    I don't want them burned to a crisp on my watch.
    I also keep many other things in there that have a sentimental value which excedes their price tag.
    I may be wrong, but I think I can bring this safe closer to current standards as far as fire ratings are concerned.
    I have asked the manufacturer, and will post their reply when I get it, in case there is anyone else interested
    Thanks Kc
    An ounce of prevention is worth --??
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  • tysonagreentysonagreen Member Posts: 857 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Many manufacturers use asbestos cord, like the seal in your oven. You can get it at appliance parts stores.
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