How to Install a Safe
Summary
– Step 1: Dig out the location of the safe
– Step 2: Case 1: Installing a screw-in safe
– Step 2: Case 2: Installation of a sealed safe
– Step 3: Finishing work
A safe is a secure place to store money, documents or valuables. The opening of this equipment is done with a key or a code to be entered on a keyboard.
Of relatively small size, the safes will fit into the walls regardless of the construction material.
There are two types of safes: screw-in safes and sealed safes. It is necessary to make a hole in the masonry in both cases, but the installation techniques are different.
Attention: the wall you choose for your safe location should not be wet or crossed by electrical wires; it must be solid and thicker than the thickness of the safe by at least 15 cm.
Equipment for the installation of a safe
Drill
Hammer
Screwdriver
Trough
Cat’s tongue trowel
Chisel
Paper pencil
Aluminum ruler 2 m
Corkscrew
Vacuum cleaner
Grinder
Spatula (knife)
Sandpaper
Here is how to install a safe at home.
1. Dig the location of the safe
First, you need to dig a hole to place the safe. The method is similar for both types of installation:
– Trace the outline of the safe on the wall.
– For a sealed installation, draw parallel lines about 3 centimetres apart. Mark these new lines with an angle grinder.
– For a screwed installation, mark the contour lines with a grinder.
– Dig out the location with a chisel and hammer.
2. Case 1: Installation of a screw-in safe
You must insert this type of safe into its reservation without leaving a gap all around.
The reservation (the hole) created is rough; it is advisable at first to make clean walls.
– Using a ready-mixed fine concrete and a spatula, apply the concrete to all the walls (inside) of the safe’s cavity.
– Once the fine concrete is dry, the embedding stage can begin.
At the bottom of this safe, there is usually a hole left free for the passage of a lag screw. A lag bolt is a large screw.
– Position the safe in its slot.
– Mark the position of the screw with a marker.
– Remove the safe.
– Drill the hole with a drill.
– Clean the area with a vacuum cleaner, don’t forget to vacuum the dust in the hole.
– Peg the hole.
– Put the safe in place.
– Screw in the screw, making sure it is large enough not to go through the hole in the safe! If not, change the screw or put a washer.
2. Case 2: Installation of a sealed safe
– Prepare a ready-to-use sealant. Stir long enough to make the mixture homogeneous.
– Apply this mixture generously to all the walls of the reservation (hole).
– Push the safe in. You may want to use a rubber mallet to press the safe against the bottom.
– Remove any excess sealant from the front of the safe.
3. Finishing work
The finishing work is the same regardless of the installation method. It consists of recoating all around the safe.
– Prepare in a small trough some finishing plaster (fine grain).
– Using a small spatula, fill in the holes left around the safe.
– Use very fine sandpaper when the coating is dry.
Caution: you must wait about two weeks for the sealant to dry properly, leaving the safe door open.
– Paint if necessary or wallpaper, depending on the room’s wall covering.
