List of Top-Rated Bluetooth hearing protections
There are a number of rules to follow when buying wall safes and to fully comprehend the differences between the various hidden wall safe models; you need to understand what the syntax and nomenclature used in the safe industry stand for.
The Best Wall Safes Reviews
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My Take: This is the Paragon Lock & Safe 7750 Electronic Wall Safe
Performance
I like to start with the best, and the best is a combination of security and price that gives the best NLPP. NLPP is non-linear performance price and is used by supply chain professionals in procurement for basic equipment evaluation since there are only one or two parameters to consider with a price. With wall safes the parameters are security and size, how big is the safe and how secure is it for the price asked.
The Paragon Quarter Master 7750 Digital Keypad Deluxe Home Office Security Wall Safe is as close to a perfect NLPP score as you will get for these categories of safes. This is a standard home safe that comes with basic security features including a 1/8” thick steel frame, a simple programmable Electronic Lock with buzzer that comes with LED display and has a 3 to 8 numbers combination code to choose from.
This is easy to operate and program safe, with good dimensions, the Outside dimensions are 22″ high x 16 1/4″ wide x 4″ deep, and the Inside wall dimensions are .20″ high x 14″ wide x 4″ deep.
This model is built to fit between the studs and is easy to install by yourself. The electronic lock runs on AA SIZE (1.5V) batteries, and there are pre-drilled anchor holes inside the safe with fixing bolts for securing the safe to the studs.
This model is constructed with solid steel powder coated interior and exterior, and the safe door opens to the right. The hinges are designed to hidden and tamper-proof, and there is a grey carpet mat padding on the inside bottom.
This model weighs around 39 Lbs. and comes with a 1″ Frame around the front of the Safe designed to help conceal the lines in a cut drywall setting.
Features
- Opens with a secret PIN code or included keys
- The code can be changed infinitely
- Fits between the studs
- Easy to install yourself
- Pre-drilled holes inside the safe with fixing bolts allowing anchoring
- Powder coated interior and exterior
- Constructed of 1/8″ thick solid steel
- Inside tamper-proof hinges
- Grey carpet mat padding on inside bottom
- Anchor bolts are included
- Color: Off White
Recommendations
This is an exceptionally functional safe that is both secure and rugged enough to be a great hidden wall safe that comes with a very budget-friendly price. This model is very easy to install, and the anchor holes and bolts provide a perfect fit for all wall studs. Extra security comes from the recessed welded, tamper-proof hinges, and when weighing in all the key performance factors in a performance matrix, the price per total performance delivers top marks. This model was compared to all the others and came out with a slight advantage, and in the world of security, every slight advantage is a major game changer.
My Take: This is the Stack-On Wall Safe with Electronic Lock
Performance
This 22″ In-Wall Safe is part of the popular Stack-on brand of products and features a standard sized wall safe designed to fit within a 16” stud based space in the wall.
The safe comes with two lock options to choose from including a 3 to 8 digit coded electronic system or a biometric fingerprint scanner that holds up to 20 fingerprints in its memory.
The safe itself is made from white powder coated steel with 2 steel live-action locking bolts, and the inside of the safe comes with 2 removable shelves for easier storage arrangement.
This electronics are powered by batteries and come with a low power warning light.
Features
- Fits in between standard 16″ on center studded walls
- Electronic lock stores a 3-8 digit combination
- Backlit biometric fingerprint lock accepts up to 20 fingerprints
- 2 steel live action locking bolts
- 2 removable shelves
- The keypad can be silenced
- Backup key included
- Welded-steel construction
- Mounting hardware included
Recommendations
This is another great wall safe that is simple to install, designed to fit into all standard house frames and provides excellent safety for your valuables.
My Take: This is the Viking Security Safe VS-52BLX Biometric Fingerprint Hidden Wall Safe
Performance
The Viking VS-52BLX Hidden Wall Biometric Fingerprint LCD Keypad Safe is a high-grade, high-tech., biometric operated locking system integrated with a rugged black powder coated 3mm steel frame with a 5mm door.
The frame is pry-resistant, using reinforced anti-pry steel strips, and 2 laser cut, seamlessly welded, 20 mm solid steel Locking bars, and motorized deadbolts.
The biometric sensor uses a 500 DPI optical reader and is connected to a 32 fingerprint capable database. It comes with a digital LCD keypad that provides an added 4 to 8 digit code and 2 four prong override cross keys. The memory is retained even when the batteries die.
The body comes with 4 pre-drilled anchor bolt holes.
This model’s outer dimensions are: H 19” (482 mm) x W 14” (355 mm) x D 4” (100 mm) and come with a 1” (25.4mm) outer lip for a secured and perfect finish. The inner dimensions are H 18.5” (475 mm) x W 13.5” (349 mm) x D 3.5” (95 mm). The models total weight is 39 lbs. (18 kg).
Features
- Steel frame with a Black scratch resistant coating
- Carpeted interior with built-in LED
- Biometric Fingerprint Reader and Digital LCD Keypad
- Pry-resistant
- Stores up to 32 fingerprints and 1 PIN code
- Non-volatile memory – information is retained if batteries are removed;
- 4 pre-drilled holes with anchor bolts (included)
- Requires 4 AA batteries (included)
Recommendations
This is a great biometric and digital code combo safe that sits solidly in any wall and provides excellent security features.
My Take: This is the Stack-On IWC-55 Full-Length In-Wall Cabinet
Performance
For extra-large storage capacity, you would want a cabinet that is extra-large, or in this case extra-long. This is a long 16” wide safe that fits between standard studs but comes with a 54.75” height. As such, you are given many shelves for storing a lot of valuables, or you can remove the shelves and use the safe to store long rifle weapons.
This model comes with a 3-point locking system and welded steel construction designed to secure your documents, valuables, and guns behind a solid steel door with a standard key lock.
Take heed that this is a wall cabinet, not a safe, and is secure but not rated as a safe.
Features
- 3-Point Locking
- 3 removable shelves
- 1 removable tray
- Mounts between standard 16″ on center stud walls
- All-steel construction
- Mounting hardware included
Recommendations
This is a great secured tall wall cabinet, it is long and versatile, and while it is not safe, it is a safe security box with extra-long dimensions that provides internal storage space where most safes cannot.
My Take: This is the Protex PWS-1814E Electronic Wall Safe
Performance
The Protex PWS-1814E Electronic Wall Safe is a great security device that is designed to fit within 2 wall studs perfectly. This model comes with a digital keypad, minimalistic design, ample sized carpet lined interior with 2 shelves.
This model comes with a 1” frame lip that makes it fit over any wall space neatly, providing a clean cut appearance and can be hidden behind a painting, curtains or furniture.
The PWS-1814E comes with a mechanical override key which should only be used when the batteries are dead. The system uses 4 x AA batteries and comes with a direct power source override that enables you to connect it to a stable power source.
This models dimensions are 14-1/8” (W) x 18-1/4” (H) x 3-7/8” (D) outer frame, and the inner storage space is 0.44 cubic inches provided by 14” (W) x 18-1/8” (H) x 3” (D) inner dimensions.
There are 3 anchor holes per side, and this model weighs 28 lbs.
Features
- Motorized locking bolt system will open the door automatically
- Designed to be installed between 16″ o/c wall studs
- Key lock override system
- Power override
- Dual live ¾” motorized chrome bolts
- 2 Removable shelves
- Spring loaded door
- Flush digital keypad
Recommendations
This is a nice standard wall safe model with minimalistic features designed to deliver a no-nonsense hidden performance. Installation is easy and fast.
My Take: This is the Protex WES2113-DF Fire Resistant Electronic Wall Safe
Performance
The Protex Safes’ HD-34 Fire Resistant, Burglary Safe is a non-rated fire resistant safe that claims to secure the contents from fires for up to 30 minutes. Since it is not UL rated, there is no way to prove this. However, all the other features make it an exceptional wall safe.
The other features include a 2.5″ thick door with 3/8″ solid steel anti-pry plate and 1 ¼” diameter chromed locking bolts. The locking mechanism is a standard keypad coded lock.
The fire protection comes in the form of a heat-resistant liner set in the frame and door.
This models exterior dimensions are 14-1/8” (W) x 13-1/8” (H) x 12-7/8” (D), so it fits easily between two studs. The interior dimensions are Interior Dimensions: 12-1/2” (W) x 11-1/2” (H) x 9-1/4” (D) giving you 0.77 cubic feet of space with a total weight for 52 lbs.
This is a rugged, heavy-duty large wall safe with an additional heat resistant lining.
Features
- Active chrome locking bolts 1-1/4″ Dia.
- 30 minutes fire protection (fire liner)
- Velvet lined interior. (All walls and shelves)
- Battery powered digital electronic lock
- Battery power override
- 4 Pre-drilled anchor holes (bottom)
- Bolting hardware included for concrete floors
- 2.5″ thick door with 3/8″ solid steel-plate to prevent prying
- 2 Adjustable and removable shelves
Recommendations
This is a good and inexpensive option for those concerned with fire, while it is not UL rated, it comes with a thermal resistant lining.
My Take: This is the BARSKA AX12038 Biometric Wall Safe with fingerprint scanner locking mechanism
Performance
The Barska Biometric Wall Safe uses an advanced fingerprint recognition program that lets you store up to 120 fingerprints. Now, to be honest, the average homeowner and the business owner don’t need 120 fingerprints, and when you match this with a code or key safe, how many safes do you know have 120 keys or the code is given to 120 individuals.
As such, the so-called 120 fingerprint storage is irrelevant, and I overlook this sales pitch since it is misguiding and misleading.
So why is this safe in the list?
Because it’s DOJ approved, and it’s in the list because it’s a Barska safe, which is a good brand name providing excellent security features that go beyond 120 fingerprints. Such as two motorized locking deadbolts connected to a solid steel frame and casement. Ample interior with a standard outer dimension that fits between two wall studs. The exterior dimensions are 15.5” by 3.73” by 20.73” providing 0.52 cubic feet of space, and the unit weighs 29 lbs.
Features
- Fingerprint Recognition Technology
- DOJ Approved
- Two Motorized Locking Deadbolts
- Secondary Access Keys
- Two Removable Shelves
- Steel Construction
- Pre-Drilled Mounting Holes
- Protective Floor Mat
Recommendations
This is a Barska, well known for their accurate biometric scanner controls and quality materials, it also comes with excellent customer service and support from Barska.
My Take: This is the Paragon Lock & Safe 7725 Flat Electronic Wall Safe
Performance
The Paragon Lock & Safe 7725 Flat Electronic Wall Safe is basically identical to the 7750 but with a different finish. This model also provides you with exceptional features, but the price is slightly higher than the 7750 model due to the different exterior finish, and as such, reduces the performance price ratio in favor of the 7750.
Having said this, the advantage that the 7725 has over the 7750 is that the locking mechanism is flatter and easier to conceal, hence the slight increase in price. Apart from this difference, all the features are the same.
Features
- Opens with a secret PIN code or included keys
- The code can be changed infinitely
- Fits between the studs
- Easy to install yourself
- Pre-drilled holes inside the safe with fixing bolts allowing anchoring
- Powder coated interior and exterior
- Constructed of 1/8″ thick solid steel
- Inside tamper-proof hinges
- Grey carpet mat padding on inside bottom
- Anchor bolts are included
- Color: Dark Grey
Recommendations
This is a great safe, as good as the 7750 but with a sleeker profile for easier hiding. The darker finish provides a more office style appearance, and this is a perfectly safe to hide behind a painting in your office or at home or both.
My Take: This is the V-Line Quick Vault Locking Storage for Guns and Valuables
Performance
The V-Line Cases and Cabinets is lovely compact wall safe reminiscent of hotel safes in its simplicity. This is a no-nonsense fast acting security box that comes with a simplex 5 push-button mechanism.
The safe is designed to sit flush on the wall, with a nice large frame lip and is made from 14 gauge steel. The inner dimensions of this box are 13” x 11¼” x 2¼,” and it weighs 23 lbs.
Features
- Genuine SIMPLEX five button easily programmable mechanical lock
- 3/8” thick steel welded lock block
- One adjustable felt the shelf
- Prepunched anchor holes for easy installation.
- Internal anti-pry brackets and recessed door
- Continuous welded hinge.
Recommendations
This is a nice small safe box with neat features, a no-nonsense approach to basic security requirements. The size is actually to its benefit since a lot of customers prefer small safes that are easier to hide.
My Take: This is the Mesa Safe Company Model MAWS2113E Electronic Wall Safe
Performance
As I like to start strong with the best-rated item, I like to finish with another strong item, and this is the MESA’s adjustable wall safe. This model comes with some exceptional features and comes with a great price tag too.
To start off with, this safe comes with an adjustable depth, which means you can maximize the space when you install this safe through different wall thicknesses. This model’s dimensions fit perfectly between the two 16” gap studs, and its interior space is adaptable from 0.3 to 0.7 cubic feet, weighing 40 lbs, the interior dimensions are variable with 19 1⁄2″ H x 12 1⁄4″ W x a variable 2 1⁄2″ depth to 4 3⁄4″ depth.
This model comes with a built-in interior light, and the all-steel construction houses a 2 x ¾” solid steel locking bolts. The telescopic depth adds to the overall security when using minimum space; the side walls double in overall thickness.
Features
- All Steel Construction
- 2 high strength fixed shelves with expandable shelf kit
- Advanced electronic lock with concealed emergency key system
- Heavy-duty concealed hinges help prevent door removal
- Decorative Chrome Handle with Interior light can be accessed easily by a flip of a switch
- Solid steel ¼” thick recessed pry-resistant door
- Two ¾” diameter solid steel locking bolts
- Outer flange conceals any imperfections as a result of cutting out the wall opening
- 4 Pre-drilled anchor holes provided to secure safe to the wall
Recommendations
This is an exceptional model that delivers on all fronts, from a variable depth to a solid, secure safe and locking mechanism. The price is right, and the product is excellent.
Wall Safes 101
Let’s take a look at the various standards that are used for describing the characteristics that separate a fireproof wall safe between studs and a wall mount gun safe to an in-wall safe where each variant has different characteristics and reliability features.
Standards
I will open with the statement that nothing is impregnable and it’s only a matter of time with the right tools that all safes can be breached. The question is how much time will you give the thief, and what other countermeasures are in place to secure the safe and its location while the thief tries to find it, tackle it and crack it?
There are a number of facts to face, and these include the different standards used to describe the qualities of a safe or storage box. Where a storage box is not safe, but many shysters try to sell it with safe like qualities. Remember, a fireproof box is not safe, it is a container designed to protect the contents from a limited time of extreme external heat.
Waterproof safes are designed to withstand flooding but are not impregnable, and these have a limited number of hours before the water pressure will overcome the various seals that secure the contents.
The three main categories for securing your contents are the safes body, the locking mechanism, and the various security devices that are used to secure the contents from fire or water.
Let’s take a look at the different wall safe categories using the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standards:
- RSC: This is the most basic standard and is found on most gun vaults, lock boxes, and other simple security devices. These are not safes, only steel containers that can withstand a hand tool attack for about 5 minutes.
- TL-15: The body is made of 1” thick steel, and comes with a lock that withstands a hand tool attack up to 15 minutes from the front (door).
- TL-30: Like TL-15, but will last for 30 minutes.
- TL-30X6: The X6 means that the safes entire body (all six sides) will withstand an attack for 30 minutes.
- TRTL-30X6: The added “TL” means that the safe will also withstand a torch (oxyacetylene) attack for 30 minutes on all sides.
- Class 125: When added to the above, means that the interior of the safe will not get hotter than 125° for 1-2 hours, in a fire of 1550°.
- Class 150: As Class 125 but for 150°
As I mentioned above, some manufacturers will rate their safes with a letter, such as B,C etc…this means that they have not got UL approval, and the security level of the safe is only based on the manufacturer’s discretion.
UL certification for safes
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an American testing office that provides certifications for safes are considered to be a global standard. Here is a list of the classification standards you need to check when buying a safe for a specific purpose.
Class 125 is classified for safes that can sustain an internal atmosphere of 125 °F (52 °C) and 80% humidity. This is a waterproof class and is suitable for computer media storage devices.
Class 150 is classified for safes that can sustain an internal atmosphere less than 150 °F (66 °C) and 85% humidity. This is for safes that are suitable for storing magnetic tapes and other similar products.
Class 350 is classified for safes that can sustain an internal atmosphere of less than 350 °F (177 °C) and 85% humidity. This is the basic of UL classification and is aimed at safes that will contain paper documents.
Residential Security Classifications
There is a specific class of safes for string weapons, guns, and ammunition. The UL standard is 1037, and these are their classes:
Class TL-15 is classified as safes that have a combination lock and can resist mechanical and electrical tools for up to 15 minutes. The types of tools that the safe must be resistant too are mechanical or electric tools, grinding points, picking tools, hand tools, carbide drills and devices that apply pressure.
Class TL-30 is classified as safes that have a combination lock and provide and can resist mechanical and electrical tools for up to 30 minutes. The types of tools that the safe must be resistant too are mechanical or electric tools, grinding points, picking tools, hand tools, carbide drills, cutting wheels and power saws.
Class TL-40 is classified as safes that have a combination lock and provide and can resist mechanical and electrical tools for up to 40 minutes. The types of tools that the safe must be resistant too are mechanical or electric tools, grinding points, picking tools, hand tools, carbide drills, cutting wheels and power saws.
Class TRTL-30 is classified as safes that have a combination lock and provide and can resist mechanical and electrical tools for up to 30 minutes. The types of tools that the safe must be resistant too are mechanical or electric tools, grinding points, picking tools, hand tools, carbide drills, cutting wheels and power saws, impact tools and must also withstand oxy-fuel welding and cutting torch.
Class TRTL-60 is classified as safes that have a combination lock and provide and can resist mechanical and electrical tools for up to 60 minutes. The types of tools that the safe must be resistant too are mechanical or electric tools, grinding points, picking tools, hand tools, carbide drills, cutting wheels and power saws, impact tools and must also withstand oxy-fuel welding and cutting torch.
Class TXTL-60 is classified as safes that have a combination lock and provide and can resist mechanical and electrical tools for up to 60 minutes. The types of tools that the safe must be resistant too are mechanical or electric tools, grinding points, picking tools, hand tools, carbide drills, cutting wheels and power saws, impact tools and must also withstand oxy-fuel welding and cutting torch. It can also withstand high explosives such as nitroglycerin of no more than 4 ounces (110 g) of nitroglycerin in one charge.
Metal Thickness
One of the most misused and misunderstood standards are the gauges of metal thickness, where some sellers make wild claims of the metals impregnable thickness and then use the gauge as proof of claim. However, had they checked their information, many sellers would realize how asinine their claims really were.
Consider this fact; the higher the number, the thinner the metal. In fact, anything over 14 gauge and you can most pierce it with a hammer and a screwdriver. True security comes from 1” and above, if you only need a security device and not a safe, then 12 gauges are the best option. Again, anything above 12 gauge and most children will find a way to get into it, since the level of security of the lock is usually linked to the level of security of the metal case.
Here is the thickness of the gauges within wall safe ranges:
| Gauge | Inches | mm |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.1345 | 3.416 |
| 11 | 0.1196 | 3.038 |
| 12 | 0.1046 | 2.657 |
| 13 | 0.0897 | 2.278 |
| 14 | 0.0747 | 1.897 |
| 15 | 0.0673 | 1.709 |
| 16 | 0.0598 | 1.519 |
| 17 | 0.0538 | 1.367 |
| 18 | 0.0478 | 1.214 |
| 19 | 0.0418 | 1.062 |
| 20 | 0.0359 | 0.912 |
Doors, Locks, and Hinges
Locks are also misunderstood, since a lot of security boxes have simple locking mechanisms, while a real safe has a lot of deadbolts and sliding bolts that secure the door to the frame, usually from all four sides. The different locking mechanisms include standard key locks that turn the various bolts, electronic key padlocks of various designs and configurations, biometric locks that scan fingerprints, and a number of turn tumbler locks and button pattern locks (simplex). Locks are only important if the locking mechanism is designed with a deadlock failsafe. Otherwise, they are simple to overcome in the hands of an average thief.
Hinges are also a key feature of the door, they should be hidden, an open hinge can be cut, and the combination of a hidden hinge and four-sided locking mechanism together with a thick door makes a safe more secure.
Size and Anchor
Size is important for storage space, but it’s also important for the thickness of the metal frame and door too. Anchors are key, any small safe that is not anchored can be carried out, which defies the object of a safe securing the contents. However, even a very heavy large safe has to be anchored, and this includes securing the safe in a solid wall, not some drywall with wood. Look for a concrete solution, or use the floor to hide it rather than a wall. If you have no choice, anchor the safe near a support beam where you get a more reliable security grip.
How to fit a wall safe?
Most homes are made with two-by-fours (44 x 94mm) spaced 16 inches (40.5 cm) apart. This means that the size of your safe is needed to fit within this setting. Most thieves know this, and that is why a floor safe secured in concrete is the best option. However, if you cannot or will not invest in preparing a concrete location, then you need to consider that the wall safe will be no wider than 16 inches (40.5 cm) and no deeper than 3.5 inches (9 cm). This limits your choices, but at least height is not an issue.
How to put a safe in the wall?
Installing a Wall Safe requires you first locate the wall studs, and preparing the location between them.
- You can use a stud finder tool to locate studs in a wall. If you don’t have a stud finder knock on the wall, and listen to the difference between a hollow and dull thud.
- Once you have located the studs, mark them on the wall.
- Cut out a small square using a drywall saw, make it big enough to fit your fist through.
- Put your hand into the wall and check to see there is no electric wiring or water pipes in the vicinity. If either of these is apparent, change the location. You can check for such items beforehand by looking at your walls power outlets and where the nearest water outers are located.
- Now measure the wall for the safes frame size, and use a level to mark the lines to be cut. You want one side of the safe to be next to a stud for anchoring.
- Cut the hole to the dimensions you marked and smooth the sides with a sander.
- Place the safe into the hole and fix it to the stud using the safe’s hardware. Most wall safes come with anchor holes, so place the safe into the location and mark where the stud holes will be drilled.
- Remove the safe and now drill the holes in the stud.
- Insert the safe an
- d secure the bolts into the stud.
- Insert the shelves and wiring if there are any.
How to hide a wall safe behind a picture?
All you need to do is measure the safe and buy a picture that is big enough to cover it completely, preferably at least 1 inch over each side to hide the outline of the safe.
How to install a wall safe in concrete?
As with a standard drywall safe, measuring is important, but the key to success is knowing where the support pillars, electricity, and plumbing pass through. Before you decide to start hammering away at the wall, make sure you are certain you will have enough space without encountering problems.
Take a drill, hammer or chisel or compression hammer and create a space that will be slightly greater than the size of the safe. Once you have completed the hole, smooth the sides using a standard concrete mix, and place a plywood backing to the inside wall so that the back of the safe is flush with the back of the wall. Make sure the cement flooring is 90 degrees flat, use a level or plumb.
Once you have finished adding the cement, place the safe over the still damp cement base flush with the back wall. Now fill in the sides of the cavity with sand and pebbles and then seal that over with concrete to secure the safe in place.