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Build you own gun safe?

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by DanStew, Dec 30, 2013.

  1. Dec 30, 2013
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
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    I have been giving it thought lately to build my own gun safe for the house. Right now i have the small one that Wallworld sells, and i have had it for a good almost 20 years, but I am running out of room. So I was going to build one out of steel, just larger.
    I am wondering who else has built their own and show up some pics :)
     
  2. Dec 30, 2013
    Long&Low

    Long&Low Active Member

    Geauga County, OH
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    I've thought about high school lockers, the full length variety.

    Are you planning on making it fire proof?
     
  3. Dec 30, 2013
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
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    I dont think i am going to do fireproof, i may research it, but right now just a steel box that holds more. I dont have a high dollar collection, but that doesnt it should just burn up :)
     
  4. Dec 30, 2013
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
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    Interesting. Did a quick search for fireproofing and a few were doing drywall lining the box because it is fire resistant.
     
  5. Dec 30, 2013
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    Dan
    That's what most safe manufacturers are using...5/8" sheet rock.
    The seal around the door is special and expands when heated.
    The box is easy to make.
    What you pay for on any safe is the design and construction of the hard plate around the lock and the bolt design.
     
  6. Dec 30, 2013
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
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    I am thinking to use BBQ grill seal welting for the joints.
     
  7. Dec 30, 2013
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    A good prybar or hammer and chisel and your stuff is gone. Not recommended.

    Dan, have you looked at decent used ones or close out sales? Like Jim said, the lock and locking mechanism is paramount to any good safe.





    Sent from my iPhone
     
  8. Dec 30, 2013
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
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    I am just brainstorming. The next size up is a considerable $$. What i have now is not that high tech at all. If somebody really wants something they will get it, I am looking for a locker that will keep the average quick in and quick out robbers from getting things.
     
  9. Dec 30, 2013
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    I know a couple people that have built vaults using old bank vault doors. Might be a little more than what you need though :)
    Maybe look for an old large document safe for the door then build to suit?


    Sent from my iPhone
     
  10. Dec 31, 2013
    Turk P

    Turk P Member

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    I've been a contractor specializing in doors for a couple decades and we constantly deal with fire protection. Making a fire resistant box I think is the easy part, making it a safe is the tricky part. Sheetrock is comonly used in commercial safes but 1/2" sheetrock like that used in your home is only rated at 20 minutes. They sell 5/8" sheetrock called Firerock Type X that is rated at 60 minutes. This is true if you seal all joints correctly. If you want to build a fireproof box I would seal the joints with fire resistant caulking instead of "tape and mud". because it is easier to apply and is flexible. When it comes to sealing the door they make a fire resistant sealant tape that is rated up to 90 minutes and is self adhesive.
    tight joints or seams is the key to keeping your work and prized possessions from going up in smoke.

    As for making your firebox safe...... I know nothing. :)

    Steve
     
  11. Dec 31, 2013
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
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    I bought a liberty safe years ago. It's about 4 across, 6 high and two deep. Weighs in just under 1000lb. Simple grey finish. Needs reorg. I think well worth the cost for the fit and finish. Very fond of the 8 bolt locking system (bolts are 1" or larger), the manual dial and the notion that the lock area is supposed to have anti drill measures like bearings or something. I don't have the fancy glass guts stuff.

    Had a friend that built one. Has a huge external piano hinge type setup and a big honking padlock. No fire blocking, but it's pretty crowbar and sledge hammer proof. Weakest piece is the padlock I think.

    I believe it's either 30 min or 45 min rated, but since I keep powder and primers in it, that might be catastrophic if we have a fire... Or it's gonna be a huge surprise to someone with a cutting torch...

    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
     
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2013
  12. Dec 31, 2013
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep..

    North Central FL
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    I think I would just look for a good CL find and call it good.. I did just that this year and got a pretty much new Stack on Mechanical combination fire safe for $125.. Not sure of the actual dimensions but it's Approx 24 x 36 a 60 high.. (roughly)
     
  13. Dec 31, 2013
    CJ5Kyle

    CJ5Kyle Member

    Livermore, CA
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    I think they are called Bear or Brown Bear safes or something like that, maybe even Grizzly. Reasonably priced fire rated safes for I believe $600. Tractor Supply also sells a fireproof nice safe for $400-600
     
  14. Dec 31, 2013
    dauntless_powered

    dauntless_powered SUB Chief

    Groton, CT
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    Keep in mind that just because it is fire rated or proof it still gets very hot in there during a fire. I have seen several gun collections ruined in a fire not because of the guns catching fire but because of the heat damaged caused inside. Anything synthetic or plastic will turn into a melted gooey mess really quick regardless of fire rating. That being said I would look hard on CL for a good deal before I spent the time and money building one. I see 24 or 36 gun fire and water rated for under 400 all the time here. Two months after I spent 1500 dollars on mine the same one was in CL for 550. Really made me wish I had searched harder at the time of purchase.
     
  15. Dec 31, 2013
    Long&Low

    Long&Low Active Member

    Geauga County, OH
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    I know the high school lockers are not theft deterant, but they would do a good job at keeping away mischevious inquiring. If they really want the safe, a good two wheeled dolly and a safe is gone.
     
  16. Dec 31, 2013
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Not when it weighs in over 700 lbs. and is bolted to the floor from the inside...
     
  17. Dec 31, 2013
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep..

    North Central FL
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    :iagree: yups.. I actually went further and my safes are bolted inside into a concrete floor in a concrete (yep, all 6 sides) 9 x 12 room with a steel door in the basement.. it also doubles as the storm shelter and long term pantry.. Yep, insert tin foil hat here..
     
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2013
  18. Dec 31, 2013
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    I'm jealous, would love to have a room like that. Tinfoil or not :)


    Sent from my iPhone
     
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