Choosing Guide

How to choose the right safe for you

Want to buy a safe but don’t know which one to choose? What features should you take into account when making your decision?
A safe is a once-in-a lifetime purchase: find the right one for you.

First of all, let's think about location

The first question to ask yourself is: where should I put it?
There are two main safe-type options: wall-mounted and free-standing.
If you’re considering wall installation, check the thickness of the wall.  Make sure you have enough space for the safe door to open freely.

Wall safes

For peace of mind, opt for a wall safe mounted on a sturdy wall of adequate thickness.  Hide it behind items like paintings or photographs so that it can’t be seen.

Free-standing safes

Free-standing safes can be placed inside cupboards or other types of compartments.  Fixing them to a wall or floor increases security.  These are used when a wall-mounted safe is impossible or undesirable.

What features should a good safe have?

After considering size and position, the next step is comparing the features and functions available in the various models.
When choosing a safe, considering the following parameters – passive security, active security and user-friendliness – is advisable.

Passive security

This indicates resistance to cracking attempts using tools such as sledgehammers and crowbars.

Active security

This indicates resistance to cracking of the safe’s locking system (lock, combination lock, electronic keypad).

User-friendliness

This indicates how codes are stored, daily use and maintenance.

The main types of safes

Find out more about the features you require most from your new safe.

Type:

Electronic keypad

Ideal for all types of environments and uses, available in both wall-mounted and free-standing versions, equipped with a digital electronic combination lock and backlit keypad, which allows you to enter the user code even in poor light.

  • 10/12 mm-thick steel door, depending on size
  • 22 mm-diameter nickel-plated steel rotating deadbolts
  • Seals assembled with robust welds
  • Lock protective plate in carbonitrided steel
  • 4 to 12 digit code storage capacity, with more than 1000 billion possible combinations

User codes can be entered even in poor light

  • 12-digit digital electronic combination lock and backlit keypad
  • Visual and acoustic signals to check accuracy of operations
  • Low battery LED indicator
  • Powered by 1.5 V alkaline AA batteries

Key only

A practical and affordable solution for those looking for excellent-value-for-money security.  Available in both wall-mounted and free-standing versions.

  • 8 mm-thick single-piece steel door
  • 22 mm-diameter nickel-plated steel rotating deadbolts
  • Seals assembled using robotic welding
  • Lock protective plate in carbonitrided steel
  • 6-lever anti-friction lock (CISA patented system) operated by a double-bit key with variable bitting depth, with over 244 million possible combinations
  • The key can only be removed when the door is closed

Simple, user-friendly key system.

Combination lock + Key

A solution which combines the technology of a three-knob combination lock (requiring a code to be memorised) and a double-bit key lock or simple knob.

  • 10/12 mm-thick steel door, depending on size
  • 22 mm-diameter nickel-plated steel rotating deadbolts
  • Seals assembled with robust welds
  • Lock protective plate in carbonitrided steel
  • Easy-to-use anti-tamper three-knob combination lock with 32,000 possible combinations, which acts as a block on the knob lock
  • Double-bit key (or, alternatively, a knob) with 244 million possible combinations

A mechanical combination lock – which is especially easy to use – can be combined with a double-bit key lock for added security.

  • The combination lock means that a lost key found by a stranger will not open the safe
  • A key plus combination lock combination means that two people can have two different credentials, both of which are needed to open the safe

Installation tips

First of all, to ensure correct installation, safes should always be installed and assembled by professionals.  The ideal location for a safe depends on setting, available space, type of safe and, lastly, how frequently it will be used.

Take measurements carefully

Think carefully about the items you need to keep safe when deciding safe size, then consult a professional regarding installation feasibility.

Choose the right location

The optimal location for a safe is eye level or slightly higher, as it’s easier to store and retrieve items at this height, and it also makes safes more difficult to break into.

Choose a discreet location

The best location is one that is not frequently used (such as a basement or attic) so that the safe can be used unseen even when guests or strangers are in the house.

Consider having a second safe

A second safe means that thieves will take only some of your valuables, and if you’re threatened you can open the safe containing items of lesser value.