Installing a safe

[TLE2]

I'm installing a safe in the garage (lease) so I can't anchor it inside. Question is should I put a vapor barrier under the safe?
I've thought of everything from roofing membrane to a plastic garbage bag.

Recommendations?

[sdmc530]

Yes....I would think so maybe a rubber mat or something, steel on concrete will rust fast!

[Grouse]

the vapor barrier will not be enough. The issue is not really the safe rusting. the issue is that the temperature changes will cause the safe to swing in and out of the dew point. That will cause condensation to form on metal objects inside the safe.

I would suggest multiple layers of wood. A pallet on a box for a start. Then be sure that what ever area you put it will have the least amount of temperature swing.

I as i said i recommend a pallet on a 4'x4' box. The inside of that box should be filled with rigid foam. Then you also need to have enough mobile desiccant.

[Sheepdog]

You can also buy a heat rod, made for gun safes. It is a small rod that puts off a very low amount of heat to keep the condensation out. I have used them for years.

[Roverron]

Originally Posted by Sheepdog

You can also buy a heat rod, made for gun safes. It is a small rod that puts off a very low amount of heat to keep the condensation out. I have used them for years.

Same here. I use it for my refrigerator safe.

[NAMVET72]

I agree with Ron and but if you are installing it on concrete, use treated 4x4 and at least 3/4 inch thick untreated plywood, concrete has lime in it and will corrode the bottom of the safe.

[Sheepdog]

something else, putting 4+ bags of lead shot in the bottom is a good way to discourage theft if you can't bolt it down.

[TLE2]

Thanks. I plan to bolt it down that's why it's going in the garage. I always put a glow rod in my gun storage, even in OK.

I found one recommendation for "stall mats".

Should I bolt it to the wall in the house or to the floor in the garage? Humm

[milkmanjoe]

Originally Posted by TLE2

Thanks. I plan to bolt it down that's why it's going in the garage. I always put a glow rod in my gun storage, even in OK.

I found one recommendation for "stall mats".

Should I bolt it to the wall in the house or to the floor in the garage? Humm

When you do bolt it, I would bolt it any way possible. I build closets around my safes, actual walls...zero gaps for prying, only entry is the safe door and I reinforce those, too. Neurotic, but I leave home with peace of mind. My neighbor up in SC came home, his safe was dragged across his brand new Oak flooring, gouging/ruining it, all his guns,his father's guns, gone. Remember, if you can tip a safe over, a crook owns it. Words to live by.
I agree with raising the safe in the garage, and add a freestanding dehumidifier, preferably one you can connect a pipe or hose to and drain it outside instead of being bothered dumping the bucket.

[DaFadda]

Originally Posted by Grouse

the vapor barrier will not be enough. The issue is not really the safe rusting. the issue is that the temperature changes will cause the safe to swing in and out of the dew point. That will cause condensation to form on metal objects inside the safe.

I would suggest multiple layers of wood. A pallet on a box for a start. Then be sure that what ever area you put it will have the least amount of temperature swing.

I as i said i recommend a pallet on a 4'x4' box. The inside of that box should be filled with rigid foam. Then you also need to have enough mobile desiccant.

I left mine on the 4x4 loading pallet it came on. keeps it up off the floor just enough for adequate airflow. I also have a goldenrod installed inside each safe.