Thursday, October 31, 2019

Best Home Safes of 2019

Best Overall
First Alert Combo SafeFirst Alert Safe
  • Buoyant construction
  • Easy-to-use combination lock
  • Buoyant construction
  • Easy-to-use combination lock
Fireproof Pick
American Security AMSEC Home SafeAmsec Fire Safe
  • Extremely rugged
  • Anchors to floor
  • Extremely rugged
  • Anchors to floor
Budget Pick
SentrySafe 500 Fireproof BoxSentrySafe Fire Safe
  • Affordable
  • Apartment-Friendly
  • Affordable
  • Apartment-Friendly

A safe can make it tough for thieves to run off with your most important items. According to the Bureau of Justice, burglary remains a pervasive problem—in 2011 alone, there were 3.4 million reported burglaries.1 But, this doesn’t mean you have to transform your house into Fort Knox: simply outfit your home with the proper security measures and a safe.


Top 5 Home Safes

  1. First Alert 2092F Waterproof and Fire-Resistant Combination Home Safe | Read Review
  2. Amsec UL1511 Fire Safe | Read Review
  3. SentrySafe Fire Safe | Read Review
  4. Verifi Smart.Safe. Fast Access Biometric Home Safe | Read Review
  5. Barska Mini Biometric Home Safe | Read Review

Compare the Best Home Safes

Lock Type
Fire-resistant
Water-resistant
Mountable
Fingerprint capactity
Tamper-proof construction
General warranty
Price
First Alert 2092F Safe
Amsec UL1511 Fire Safe
SentrySafe 0500 Fire Safe

Verifi Smart Safe
Fast Access Biometric Safe

Barska Mini Biometric Safe
First Alert Combo Safe American Security AMSEC Home Safe SentrySafe 500 Fireproof Box Verifi S6000 Smart Safe product image of biometric gun safe
Combination Combination Key Biometric Biometric
Up to 1,700°F Up to 1,850°F Up to 1,550°F N/A N/A
Yes No No No No
Yes Yes No Yes Yes
N/A N/A N/A 40 30
Yes Yes No Yes Yes
5 year limited 1 year Limited Limited 1 year
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon

*Amazon.com prices as of 10/31/19 02:26 pm MST.

Best Home Safe Reviews

Best Overall
First Alert Combo Safe

#1. First Alert 2092F Safe

Waterproof, fire-resistant, and buoyant, the First Alert 2092F makes its case as a versatile safe. If you live in an area that floods often, the First Alert 2092F might be ideal for you since it can float. And forget about having to buy batteries on a regular basis—the First Alert 2092F is battery-free and has an easy-to-use combination lock for quick access. But we wish the First Alert 2092F were slightly larger to accommodate more items. If you’re a student or move around a lot, you might have better luck with a more lightweight safe.

Pros

  • Buoyant
  • Fire-Resistant
  • Battery-Free

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Small
Fireproof Pick
American Security AMSEC Home Safe

Amsec UL1511 Fire Safe

#2. Amsec UL1511 Fire Safe

When it comes to fire-resistant safes, the Amsec UL1511 is a burly yet moderately sized safe that provides reliable, tamper-proof protection. At 185 pounds, the sheer weight of this safe means that it’s mega-tough for thieves to steal. And this safe has been tested to withstand up to 1,850° Fahrenheit for two hours. Plus, its heavy-duty, recessed door is pry-resistant and tamper-proof. If you’re concerned about crafty burglars, this safe can be anchored to the floor for an added element of security. But despite the safe’s heavy constitution, its measurements are a little on the small side: 18 x 17 x 21.5 inches.

Pros

  • Fire resistant
  • Extremely rugged
  • Anchors to floor

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy
  • Unlined
Budget Pick
SentrySafe 500 Fireproof Box

SentrySafe Fire Safe

#3. SentrySafe Fire Safe

When it comes to fire-resistant safes, this burly yet moderately sized safe provides reliable, tamper-proof protection. At 185 pounds, the sheer weight of this safe means that it’s mega-tough for thieves to steal. And this safe has been tested to withstand up to 1,850° Fahrenheit for two hours. Plus, its heavy-duty, recessed door is pry-resistant and tamper-proof. If you’re concerned about crafty burglars, this safe can be anchored to the floor for an added element of security. But despite the safe’s heavy constitution, its measurements are a little on the small side: 18 x 17 x 21.5 inches.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Portable
  • Fireproof

Cons

  • Small
Best Biometric Safe
Verifi S6000 Smart Safe

Verifi Smart.Safe Fast Access Biometric Safe

#4. Verifi Smart.Safe. Fast Access Biometric Safe

This smart safe costs a pretty penny, but knowing that your valuables are safe is priceless. From the low battery alert to the night light, auto lock, and FBI fingerprint technology, the Verifi Smart.Safe. makes its case as a tech-forward safe. If you have curious, young kids, the tamper alerts notify you when Junior gets nosy about what’s in the safe. And thanks to FBI fingerprint technology, the safe provides fast and secure access to valuables or weapons. According to reviews, this safe’s batteries can last up to four years. But it doesn’t offer fire protection. If you need to stash sensitive media, like paper documents, cash, DVDs, or USB drives, we recommend a safe with fire protection.

Pros

  • Fast access
  • Long battery life
  • 40-Fingerprint memory

Cons

  • No fire protection
  • Expensive price tag
Weapons Safe
Barska Home Safe

Barska Mini Biometric Safe

#5. Barska Mini Biometric Safe

If you’re looking for a knife or handgun safe, the Barska is a great option. The relatively affordable price tag, basic features, and biometric lock make it an ideal safe for smaller weapons, such as knives, pepper spray, or handguns. Small in size, the Barska can be discreetly mounted or stashed out of sight. The convenient mounting bracket provides an added security measure and makes it difficult for thieves to run away with the safe. You can store up to 30 different fingerprints, so you can save the biometric identifiers for all ten toes and ten fingers if you please. The Barska doesn’t have an organizational shelf, which can impact storage arrangement. And while the small size means the safe can be subtly stored, it also means you can’t store much in it. Plus it’s not fire-rated, so sensitive items, such as paper documents or media, could be at-risk.

Pros

  • Mounting bracket
  • 30-fingerprint memory

Cons

  • Small
  • Not fire-resistant

Things to Consider in a Home Safe

If you do an internet search for “home safe,” you’re going to find a whole mess of options. Some are built specifically for guns, while others offer protection from fire, tampering, or water—and then there’s the lock type to consider while you’re at it. It can be overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. To start, you’ll need to determine what type of safe is best for you: floor, wall, or bedside. Then assess for the lock type, protection features, size, and budget.

Types of Home Safes

Take into account where a safe would be best stored in your house. The type of safe—for a wall, floor, or bedside—will contribute to cost and overall effectiveness.

Wall
If you have a small floor plan and can make modifications to your home, a wall safe might be a solid option for you. Wall safes can be hidden behind doors or decorations without taking up floor space. If you do opt for a wall safe, make sure that it’s mounted correctly, between studs in the wall.

Floor
If you can’t or don’t want to make alterations to your home, a floor safe is a great alternative to putting a hole in your wall. These safes can often be bolted to the floor for enhanced defense against thieves, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit in your closet, spare room, or basement.

Bedside
Bedside safes, such as biometric gun safes, are more secure than simply keeping a weapon in your night stand. These safes ensure that your gun won’t end up in the wrong hands and they open quickly should you need your weapon.

Types of Locks

The type of locking mechanism and how it’s powered can impact price, access time, and functionality during a power outage. For example, a combination lock won’t open nearly as quickly as a biometric lock, so keep in mind what you’ll be using the safe for.

Power Source
A lock can run on batteries, Wi-Fi, or an AC adapter. Be sure to check for a low battery alert or backup key if you opt for a safe that requires a power source.

Backup Key
Regardless of what type of lock you have, a backup key is particularly helpful in the event of a dead battery, no power, or if you lose a set of keys.

Biometric Scanner
This is a highly secure lock. It scans and then reads your fingerprint, and it only opens if the print matches one within the fingerprint memory.

Electronic Key Pad
Thanks to its PIN-based authentication, an electronic key pad keeps your valuables secure yet easy for you to access.

Combination
A combination lock is as basic as it gets: simply turn the dial to your combination passcode and voilà. And its’ battery-free, so you can always count on it to function. But it does require periodic maintenance. To prevent the lock from seizing, it must be taken apart, cleaned, and lubricated. Your local safe technician or locksmith can tell you more about service costs and specifics.

Types of Protection

Before you make your purchase, consider what kind of protection you want. Do you want defense against fire, water, or tampering?

Fire-Resistant
This kind of safe protects the contents from high temperatures or actual fire. Some manufacturers will specify what the safe’s maximum internal temperature is; others will not.

Water-Resistant
If you live in an area that floods frequently, you may want to buy a safe that floats and is water-resistant.

Tamper-Proof
Unless specified otherwise, safes are built to withstand a certain amount of tampering, meaning they can endure impact or other kinds of force.

Size

The size of your safe will affect where it’s stored, the type of contents it can hold, and the price tag. Tip: be on the lookout for varied forms of measurement—some size measurements will be broken down by inches or cubic footage.

Portability
While a lightweight safe is likely to be affordable and ideal for renters, it’ll also be easy for a burglar to carry out the door.

Type of Contents
Consider what kind of items you want to store in the safe. The size of the contents will determine how big or small your safe is.

Budget
The lock style, size, and type of protection that’s best for your lifestyle will dictate how much money you spend.

Proper Safe-Keeping Etiquette

How to make the most of your new safe and keep it out of the wrong hands.

Always Keep Your Safe Locked

Regardless of what you’re storing in your safe, be it a gun or precious heirlooms, you should keep your safe locked at all times. You never know when you’ll forget to rearm your safe or who will be snooping around the house (e.g., a burglar or nosy kids), so be proactive and keep the safe locked.

Don’t Make Your Passcode Easy to Find

As tempting as it might be to keep the passcode or backup key in an easy-to-remember spot, you should refrain from doing just that. You never know who could find that extra set of keys or passcode.

Pro Tip: Get Familiar with Fire Ratings

Fire can destroy valuables in a matter of moments. Some safes are fire-resistant and some are not. Fire ratings are regulated by UL, a company that issues safety certifications, so check if your safe features a UL-approved safety rating. The UL rating specifies the temperature and duration at which a safe will protect your valuables before it finally catches fire. If you do not see a specific UL rating, look for time and maximum temperature the safe is built to sustain integrity during a fire.

Don’t Showboat the Location

Take precautions as you would with any expensive product: don’t advertise or compromise the safe’s location.

Bolt and Conceal Your Safe

When it comes to your peace of mind, it’s always worth it to go the extra mile and keep your safe bolted

to the floor or secured properly on the wall.

Home Safe Extras

Here are some more tools to help round out your home safe setup.

Product
Best For

Why We Like It

Where to Find It

Gun Safe Light with PIR Motion Sensor

Eva-Dry Mini Dehumidifier

Lighting up your loot

Protecting valuables from moisture
Motion-activated LED light
Magnetic base
Cheap price tag
Spill- and mess-free
100% renewable
Cord and battery-free
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon

Sources:

1. Bureau of Justice Statistics, “Financial Loss Due to Household Burglary Increased from 1994 to 2011

*Amazon.com list price as of mm/dd/77 hh:mm MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

The post Best Home Safes of 2019 appeared first on SafeWise.

Best Sliding Glass Door Locks

Best for Security
Toledo Sliding Patio Door LockToledo Sliding Door Patio Lock
  • Antitheft design
  • Hardened steel bolt
  • Keys included
  • Antitheft design
  • Hardened steel bolt
  • Keys included
Best for Installation
Lion locksLion Locks
  • Designed simply
  • Suitable for doors and windows
  • Available in packs of 10
  • Designed simply
  • Suitable for doors and windows
  • Available in packs of 10
Best for Baby Proofing
OKEFAN baby proofing lockOKEFAN Baby Safety
  • Installs quickly
  • Comes in multiple colors
  • Has no small pieces for choking hazards
  • Installs quickly
  • Comes in multiple colors
  • Has no small pieces for choking hazards

Toledo Sliding Glass Door Lock: Tough Security for a Minimal Price

Sometimes the standard mortise locks on sliding doors aren’t enough to withstand a home invader. An additional lock can prevent invaders from damaging the lock or taking the door off the track. We picked these sliding glass door locks because they strengthen the common weaknesses found in many patio doors.

With the Toledo lock, about $40, and a few standard tools, your sliding glass door can become a lot tougher than any potential intruder. It’s resistant to bolt cutters and hacksaws so it’s a seriously tough nut to crack. For additional security, it comes with keys to lock and unlock the bolt when you want to use the sliding glass patio door.

How Sliding Glass Door Locks Compare

Product
Image
List Price *
Tools Required
Placement
Size
Units Per Order
Learn More
Best for Door Security
Best for Installation
Best for Baby Proofing
Best Security Bar
Best Secondary Lock
Toledo Patio Lock Lion Locks OKEFAN Baby Safety SK110 Security Bar LockiT Double Bolt Lock
Toledo Sliding Patio Door Lock Lion locks OKEFAN baby proofing lock SK110 security bar product image LockiT Sliding Door Bolt
$37.69 $14.87 $12.95 $20.05 $29.97
Yes No No Yes Yes
Door track Door track On glass Doorframe Doorframe
3 x 1 x 8 in. 6.1 x 4.3 x 1.4 in. 3.9 x 3.6 x 1.9 in. 30.2 x 5.4 x 4.2 in. 8.8 x 1.6 x 4 in
1 10 4 1 1
View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Home Depot

Amazon.com prices as of 10/31/19 11:28 p.m. MST.

Top Sliding Glass Door Security Locks

  • Toledo Sliding Door Patio Lock: Best for Security | Read Review
  • Lion Locks: Best for Easy Installation | Read Review
  • OKEFAN Baby Safety: Best for Baby Proofing | Read Review
  • SK110 Security Bar: Best Security Bar | Read Review
  • LockiT Double Bolt Sliding Door Lock: Best Secondary Lock | Read Review

Reviews: Best Sliding Glass Door Locks

Most Secure
Toledo Sliding Patio Door Lock

Toledo Sliding Glass Door Patio Lock

#1. Toledo Sliding Glass Door Patio Lock: Best for Security

How do you keep burglars from breaking in through your patio door? Simple. Make your patio door stronger than the burglars.

The Toledo sliding glass patio door lock bolt is made of 1 ¾-inch hardened steel and contains concealed screws. These features keep the bolt tamper resistant and in place. Its anti-theft design also includes two hidden screws that prevent tampering. This level of security requires a more involved installation, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

The only way to lock and unlock the Toledo sliding glass door lock is with the keys that come with it. This set of keys is especially helpful if you want to keep curious toddlers safely inside and away from pools or balconies.

Whether you’re looking to keep your family safe or prevent uninvited guests from getting inside, the Toledo is the best sliding glass door security lock we found if security is your primary focus.

Pros

  • Keys included
  • Boltcutter - and hacksaw-resistant metal
  • Additional concealed screws for antitheft design

Cons

  • More advanced installation
  • No additional installation help
Easiest Installation
Lion locks

Lion Locks

#2: Lion Lock: Best for Easy Installation

It takes only seconds to install a Lion Lock on your sliding glass door. There are no moving parts, no tools required, and no holes to drill. Its easy installation makes the Lion Lock an excellent choice for renters or anyone in a temporary living situation.

The Lion Lock fastens tightly with two simple thumbscrews and a secure rubber grip that clings tightly onto your door’s track. This prevents the door from sliding back far enough for someone to slip in or out.

We found one design flaw with the Lion Lock. It blocks access for those trying to get in by stopping the sliding door, but it’s easy to undo from the inside. So kids, teens, or other adults might be able to loosen the thumbscrews and open the door to go outside.

Lion Locks come in packs of 10 so you can secure your windows too. They can hold up stubborn windows or keep others closed, depending on your needs.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to install
  • Available in packs of 10

Cons

  • Removable from the inside
  • Not suitable for heavy widows
Best for Baby Proofing
OKEFAN baby proofing lock

OKEFAN Baby Safety

#3: OKEFAN Baby Safety: Best for Baby Proofing

If you live in a home with a pool or balcony on the other side of a sliding door, your child might be tempted to explore without you around. That’s why babyproofing your home is so important. Items like the OKEFAN baby safety lock are a smart way to keep littles safe without restricting your access to areas outside.

The OKEFAN Baby Safety sliding door lock is a simple peel-and-stick device that works with sliding glass doors, cabinets, and more. Stick it on the glass panel to block the sliding door. Then when you want to open the door, press down the pedal and slide back the door. We suggest installing the OKEFAN out of reach of your kiddos to avoid any accidents.

Because it’s made of plastic, this sliding glass door lock is designed to keep people in more than out. If you’re want to boost security, the OKEFAN lock can help, but it’s not as tough as our other picks.

Pros

  • Easily installed
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Easy for parents, hard for kids

Cons

  • Too big for some sliding doors

More Sliding Glass Door Locks Worth a Look 

There are so many sliding glass door locks out there to keep your home safe, we couldn’t pick just three. Here are a few other candidates to make your sliding glass door and home more secure.

#4: SK110 Security Bar: Best Security Bar

While the SK110 Security Bar requires some installation, it’s something you can finish before the commercial break’s over. The SK110 sits horizontally on your doorframe to block the sliding portion of your patio door. When you want to open the door, lift the bar and set it vertically on the other side of the door.

The SK110 also comes with an optional childproofing tab that makes lifting the bar difficult for little fingers. It can’t keep everyone inside though. Adults and teenagers can use this bar pretty easily, which is good and bad.

So while the SK110 won’t stop any teenagers from sneaking out of your home, it will block intruders from entering your sliding patio door or taking it off the track.

#5: LockiT Double Bolt Sliding Door Security Lock: Best Secondary Lock

Most patio doors have a handle with an attached lock. While this provides some security, these locks can be bypassed by someone trying to get in or out. For anyone looking to boost security to their existing lock, the LockiT double-bolt lock is our choice.

Plus, you can place the bolt as far up or down the doorframe as you like, making it a suitable choice for homes with small children.

The LockiT sliding glass door lock requires a drill and a little bit of know-how, but all its parts come in the package. Start by fastening the latch onto the door frame and lining up the lock to match it. We found in-depth video instructions as well as a user manual to help you through the process.

Before You Buy a Sliding Glass Door Lock 

Adding a security lock can help you protect the door, but you also need to protect the glass. If you’re concerned about intruders, strengthening the glass is a smart second line of defense.

Start by adding glass window film. Much like the stick-on glass protectors for your phone screen, this film keeps your glass door from shattering. You can also find window film that mimics frosted glass to lower visibility into your home.

You should also add curtains and keep your blinds and shades closed when your door isn’t in use. Otherwise, unwanted guests can see inside your home.

While they’re a last line of defense, glass break sensors are helpful during a home invasion. When an intruder shatters your glass door, the glass break sensor will notify your home security system and you. This alert tells you exactly when your glass door was broken and connects you to the right authorities to get rid of the intruder.

Sliding Glass Door Locks FAQs

How do you fix a sliding glass door lock?

Mortise locks are the most common type of outdoor or indoor patio lock. These locks are secure, but they’re also prone to breaking and bending after time. If your sliding glass door lock breaks, the best solution is usually to replace it.

Start by removing the mortise lock and handle from your patio door. There are often small screws inside holding the lock and handle to the door. Once the lock is off, look for bends or damage in the latch to determine where the problem is. If the latch is too bent, you might have to replace it with a new mortise lock.

What is the best lock for a sliding glass door?

While we chose the locks in our lineup to fit different situations, the best lock for your sliding door depends on your situation. Keep your kids and pets out of trouble by installing your new lock out of their reach high up on the doorframe.

If you want to keep intruders out, look for locks that can resist tampering and lock picking. Locks with keys are often the most secure and hardest to break. Adding multiple locks, a glass film, and a glass break sensor can create more thorough protection for your home.

How do you lock a sliding glass door from the outside?

It’s generally best to keep locks for sliding glass doors on the inside. But if you want to install one on the outside, get a lock that opens only with a key. There are plenty of ways to secure a sliding glass door from the outside and inside.

Are there smart locks for sliding glass doors?

Yes, but they’re expensive and require much more installation expertise. The Padiolok, for example, uses keyless entry through a keypad and a passcode. If you’re willing to drop the near $200 for this lock, we recommend it.

We didn’t include this smart lock in our main lineup because of the vast price difference.

How We Picked the Best Sliding Glass Door Locks 

We combed the web for the best sliding glass door locks by reading customer reviews and watching installation videos. We checked some of the web’s most popular hardware sites for the highest-rated products with plenty of reviews and highly regarded name brands. Learn more about how we rank this and all our other best-of lists by reading our full methodology.

*Amazon.com list price as of 10/31/19 11:28 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

The post Best Sliding Glass Door Locks appeared first on SafeWise.