How Strong Should Your Lock Box Be? What To Consider Before You Buy!

You want to be a "smart shopper" when you invest in protection for your valuables. When you consider items taken during a burglary are not recovered approximately 80 percent of the time, it only makes sense to make the right choice when selecting a lock box or strong box to safeguard the items you want to protect.

What Do You Want To Protect?

First, what are the items you want to protect? Your list may include valuables such as cash, jewelry, gold/silver coins, hand guns, cameras, watches, or maybe even controlled substances (medicines and drugs). This will help determine what size lock box you need or if you need more than one.

Next, do a quick estimate of the total value of the items in your list. WHY? To help you determine how "strong" your lock box should be and what would be a reasonable amount to spend to protect these valuables.

When it comes to lock boxes, you really do get what you pay for. Trying to protect valuables worth several thousand dollars with a $30 lock box just doesn't make sense.

Do your valuables deserve a Strong Box ("High Security" Lock Box)?

If so, you will find this list of questions useful for 1) shopping for the "right" lock box or strong box for your needs, or 2) determining if your current lock box is good enough.

1. What Is The Lock Box/Strong Box Made Of?

   You want your lock box or strong box to be rock solid - top, bottom and all four sides. Look for one made of steel (preferably heavy duty steel). Stay away from the tin, thin metal or non-metal lock boxes unless your items have little dollar value. If the box is made of a non-metal material, it is primarily for fire protection and will offer very little protection from burglary or theft.
   
   

2. What Is The Locking Mechanism Of The Lock Box/Strong Box?

   For keyed lock boxes or strong boxes, you want a high-quality 5 or 6-pin tumbler lock that is tough to pick or otherwise defeat. Most of the cheap lock boxes/cash boxes come with low-quality wafer locks that can be easily picked or forced open with just a screwdriver. For electronic locks, make sure you have a decent length code (at least a six-digit code) that is user changeable plus a key for emergency opening.
   
   

3. Are There Additional Lock Box/Strong Box Security Features?

   By additional features, I'm talking about safeguards such as: a recessed lid to prevent access by a pry bar or screwdriver that could otherwise pry the lid open; concealed/recessed hinges which shield access to the hinge pins so they can't be punched out (used to bypassing the locking mechanism).
   
   

4. What Stops A Burglar From Stealing Your Lock Box/Strong Box?

   You have to consider what is going to stop someone from walking off with your lock box or strong box if it is discovered. Look for options that allow you to fasten the box to something solid. Some of the best lock boxes attach to a steel plate (shown at right) that is fastened to a solid surface. This allows the lock box to be secured for those times you want maximum security and quickly released when you need access to the contents.

You can own the strong box featured in this article!

This strong box is manufactured in Germany by Burg-Wachter, a well-respected, long-established company. The manufacturer has stopped importing this particular strong box into the U.S. but I have located a small quantity from a supplier on the east coast. When this small quantity is gone, they will no longer be available at any price.

This strong box has all of the desireable features described above: built from hardened German steel; steel lock-down plate; 5 pin solid brass cylinder lock; recessed double walled lid, shielded hinge pins; easily converts from portable to stationary; comes with removable red plastic coin tray. Click on any picture below to see a larger image.

 

Strong Box Details >>> Size: Approximately 12" x 9" by 4 1/2" deep. Weight: 17 lbs. Turning key 90 degrees unlocks the strong box, turning key just beyond 90 degrees frees the strong box from its lock-down plate - easy portability in seconds. Perfect for the home, office or vehicle (RVs too). Priced at only $189.00. Shipping and handling is just $18.00.

Another Option - the Burg Wachter Portable Safe Box

The Box 1E Safe Box by Burg-Wachter is another lock box that can be used to safeguard valuables (important papers, cash, gold/silver coins, jewelry, hand guns, etc.) in a home or office setting (vehicles too).

This safe box is made of single-walled, solid steel. Its flat construction and top opening door allows the safe box to be installed in desk drawers, file cabinets, end tables, cupboards or other furnishings. Can be used to protect valuables in boats, cars, vans and RVs too. The self-programmable electronic lock allows up to a six-digit code that is quickly and easily changed. Operates with four AA batteries (included) and comes with two keys for emergency access.