In-floor safes/boxes

[carguy123]

I am looking for an in-floor storage box for papers, etc. It doesn't have to be a safe per se, as I will depend upon stealth for most of the protection.

My thoughts are that I want it to be of a reasonable size cube, larger than the typical safe so that I can organize or even use file folders and I WANT IT TO BE WATERPROOF. The idea is that in case of a fire the water used won't get in and destroy the contents.

I called on some safes today and they aren't water proof which surprised the heck out of me.

Has anyone seen such an animal that is designed for installation in concrete? I can't come up with anything but safes when I google.

If all else fails I guess I can get some sort of lock box and add bolts out the side to give it some purchase in the concrete.

 

[Junkman]

If you want something that is "stealth" looking, then put a piece of PVC pipe into the concrete and use a cemented cap at one end, and a threaded coupling at the other end. Then install a threaded plug, and it will look just like a plumbing clean out, so no one is going to be disturbing it, unless you call a plumber for a clogged sewer pipe. Great way to hide smaller items. For larger items, I suggest that you just purchase a fire resistant safe and put it up on concrete blocks, if you are worried about water damage. I have one that is rated for 4 hours in a fire that was given to me when the local bank branch remodeled. The combination lock on it is tired and I don't use it, but it still serves its function to keep semi valuable papers in it. For more valuable papers, I suggest that you get a safe deposit box at your local bank, or hide them in the mattress.....

 

[carguy123]

I'd thought of the fake clean out, but a friend of mine keeps his spare money in one of those and it is quite difficult to get it all out (I just wish I had the same problem).

I don't want to be running out to a bank to store papers and then there is the ongoing expense.

An obvious safe is just beggin to be carted off, plus it takes up valuable floor space. An in-wall unit is too shallow.

No, I want an in-floor box of some sort, I just can't find a way to search for one.

 

[Poltax]

First off do a google search on "floor safes". You will come up with all kinds of info, styles, & companies. If that fails then here you go

http://www.amsecusa.com

www.centurionsafes.com

www.911safes.com

 

[bmwpower]

Not all in wall safes are shallow.

http://www.csnsupply.com/Gardall-Safe-Corporation-WMS129-G-X-GF1074.html

 

[bmwpower]

floor safes

http://gardall.com/page-products-safeType-comm_infloor.htm

 

[Poltax]

My grandmother used to dig holes and bury stuff in cans a glass jars...........

 

[carguy123]

I found all those floor safes, but as I said, I am not sure I really want a safe, but more of a larger box. I called a couple of the companies and that's how I found out that safes aren't waterproof.

Price isn't really an issue, but I would also expect the box would be cheaper so I could get a larger one for the same price.

There has got to be something manufactured for just such a use. Not everyone who needs the hidden storage really needs or wants to fool with a safe.

 

[bmwpower]

I found all those floor safes, but as I said, I am not sure I really want a safe, but more of a larger box. I called a couple of the companies and that's how I found out that safes aren't waterproof.

Price isn't really an issue, but I would also expect the box would be cheaper so I could get a larger one for the same price.

There has got to be something manufactured for just such a use. Not everyone who needs the hidden storage really needs or wants to fool with a safe.

I'd look at just building one myself. Do they sell something like this in precast? I dunno.

Or just buy a suitable waterproof container (suitcase, carboy, etc) and sink it in the concrete. Then make a cover out of metal or concrete to cover the area.

..... another problem I just thought of....
If it's in concrete, would you have condensation problems inside the container? It would need to be insulated as well.

 

[carguy123]

I hadn't thought of condensation, but I wouldn't expect that to be an issue.

I will look at a locksmith Monday and see what they suggest. I know they carry safes.

Where else would you look for a lockable, secure box? Some of the safes were plastic with steel collars so I wonder if that opens up any doors? I had been thinking of steel boxes.

 

[bmwpower]

I hadn't thought of condensation, but I wouldn't expect that to be an issue.

I will look at a locksmith Monday and see what they suggest. I know they carry safes.

Where else would you look for a lockable, secure box? Some of the safes were plastic with steel collars so I wonder if that opens up any doors? I had been thinking of steel boxes.

I'm thinking any container with a locking mechanism on it (combo lock, cylinder, etc) is NOT going to be waterproof. Which is why I think you might need to have a water proof container inside a safe type device or lockable door.

You can always put some of those dessicant bags in the container, too, but you'd have to change them periodically.

 

[HOTFR8]

You can buy small ones that will bolt to a concrete floor. Easy to hide or mount in a place that is not obvious.

 

[rockwithjason]

depending on how bid of a box you want there are a couple of things you could build. For a file size box you could cut and chip out the concrete to the needed size. Dig out the hole to twice the needed depth. Fill the hole with gravel to allow drainage. set a heavy wall steel box in the hole and use angle iron to secure. Buld a lid for the box that overlaps the outside of the box so that any water will run off the outside. Use silicon to make a gasket for the lid. Use cam locks to secure the lid to the box. Make a block to fit the contrete and make it flush on grade with handle to lift it. Cover the block with identicle flooring to conceal.

 

[UnSub45]

I would go with the suggestion already made. Use a regular in floor safe and keep your files in a waterproof Pelican case inside of it.

http://pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1430

 

[bmwpower]

I would go with the suggestion already made. Use a regular in floor safe and keep your files in a waterproof Pelican case inside of it.

http://pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1430

That's the container I was picturing in my head. My father has a case like that for his cigars.

The problem is going to be getting a big enough safe to house the waterproof container.

 

[C_F]

I found all those floor safes, but as I said, I am not sure I really want a safe, but more of a larger box.

You could make a box out of heater duct, as large as you want, sink it in the wall or ceiling & put a removeable heater vent over it...even on hinges.

Of course, it wouldn't really be fire rated...

 

[iiibdsiil]

I would just build a nice wooden crate, put some Firecheck drywall around, 4 layers for 2 hours protection, get some locks for it, like the sliders you put a master lock on, and then put a Rubbermaid container inside or something of the like. It's going to be safe enough, as someone would really have to work to get it open. No matter what you do, if there is a will, there is a way (or if there is a will, there is a relative waiting to be killed), and they will get into the safe regardless.

I've heard gun people say how their gun safe that was bolted to the wall and the floor came up missing. I guess a winch from a tow truck can serve more then one purpose.

 

[gwp]

If you haven't made the pour yet this is probably what you are looking for. The container is PVC and its water tight, light weight and pretty inexpensive. The only steel is the door and flange. They make a tupperware type lid that snaps down over the door flange to 1) disguise/protect the safe dial as well as keep any water/moisture from entering down thru the door edges. Obvioiusly, if your trying to retrofit into an existing slab this type wont work too well. I've purchased and installed one of these for a friend. Pretty straight forward however you have to make sure it is anchored well to your base as it will try to float during the pour.

http://www.haymansafe.com/cat_poly.html

 

[mickeypat]

My safety deposit box costs $12 per year.

 

[russlaferrera]

What about a plastic cooler with a removable top? They are big, cheap, waterproof, don't rust. Put a plate over it for support.

 

[carguy123]

That Hayman poly safe looks very interesting. It said water resistant instead of waterproof and I didn't see anything about that tupperware type of lid but it does look better than anything I've seen so far.

The concrete floor in this section isn't poured yet so I don't have to chip or retrofit anything. I definitely want in-floor. It is more stealth & doesn't take up valuable space.

I still was thinking of more of a box where the whole top opened up for easier access, but at this point I'll take whatever I can find.

Thanx to all for their suggestions. I will go to a couple of locksmiths tomorrow since they carry floor safes. Maybe the have some other options as well.

 

[denis4x4]

I put a floor safe in concrete 20 some years ago. Too make a long story short, nobody told me that they were not water or condensation proof!

Recently, I enclosed a 16' X 50 pole barn and put a 12' X 30' addition to house my BB gun collection. I had the concrete guys double the pour on a 4' X 4' section of the slab and put an American Safety gun safe inplace BEFORE we framed the addition and enclosed the pole barn.

My only regret is that I didn't buy a bigger safe!

 

[carguy123]

What if I insulate the box with sheets of foam, would that help with condensation?

 

[rotus7]

If safes are too expensive, you might consider checking out your electrical supply house for a watertight panel box. I worked for a HVAC controls contractor. One job we had was at a water treatment plant. The boxes spec'd were to be watertight and chemical resistant, fumes etc. These were stainless steel boxes and were quite expensive for what they were, but probably less than a safe. Some were quite deep and large. You could recess the box when installing in the floor because the cover wrapped over the edges a little bit and allow for hinges.

 

[chaingang]

If safes are too expensive, you might consider checking out your electrical supply house for a watertight panel box. I worked for a HVAC controls contractor. One job we had was at a water treatment plant. The boxes spec'd were to be watertight and chemical resistant, fumes etc. These were stainless steel boxes and were quite expensive for what they were, but probably less than a safe. Some were quite deep and large. You could recess the box when installing in the floor because the cover wrapped over the edges a little bit and allow for hinges.

He's on the right track. Go to your electrical supply store and look at NEMA rated enclosures. They come in lots of sizes and ratings from dustproof to explosion proof. Yes stainless is for chemical use but most rated boxes come in steel also. Have seen them custom ordered with special lock sets also.

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

Go to a dive shop or any outdoor type place you can get water proof bags in many sizes. I have ones I take rafting and everything stays dry.
Just get a fire proof floor safe and put the water proof bags inside.

 

[carguy123]

It's not that safe's are too expensive, it's that I don't really need a safe and they aren't waterproof. They also tend to be pretty small.

I was at a Northern Tools today and found some under car boxes that looked great. Unfortunately they were about 2" to wide.

I'll check out the electrical boxes tomorrow. I like the idea that custom lock sets may be available. While stealth will be my main defense it wouldn't hurt to make it a little harder if they do find it.

I have an odd size area. It is 13.5" x 44"

 

[carguy123]

Well, shopping for electrical boxes was an experience.

None of the boxes I've found so far are waterproof when you lay them on their back which sorta precludes installing them in the floor.

I still have to search Unity and Hoffman boxes to see if they have a NEMA 6 boxes. They are supposedly the only ones that would be waterproof on their back and have some sort of front locking mechanism. Most have a side lock mechanism.

What I originally envisioned as simply weeding thru many candidates for the one that suited me the most has almost turned into a Snipe hunt. Who'da thunk it?

 

[HOTFR8]

I still say the type you bolt to the floor are a lot easier to fit and you avoid the problems of condensation etc.

 

[carguy123]

That's not an option at this location.

 

[HOTFR8]

That's not an option at this location.

OK. I have one fitted to the floor and found it very good but if it is not an option then I hope something works out for you.

 

[carguy123]

Well it looks as if a truck box will be the closest I can find. This should have been a real simple deal.

Here are a couple of things I have found and I am conversing by email with Delta to see what they might have.

http://www.tuffyproducts.com/truckbox/114.html

http://www.tuffyproducts.com/trunk/025.html

Custom boxes didn't seem to be an option due to cost differential.