It might feel counterintuitive to try to cut corners with your home security, but saving money by purchasing second hand items is not necessarily cutting corners, provided you're smart about it. Second hand safes can be a cost-effective alternative to their brand new counterparts. Having said that, there are some instances when a second hand safe won't be up to the job of protecting whatever you need to secure inside it. So what are some of the things you need to consider when choosing an appropriate second hand safe?
What You're Looking For
A careful physical inspection of the safe is going to be necessary. It doesn't matter if you're unfamiliar with what you should be looking for, since any flaws that will render the safe unsuitable will easily be evident. Minor scratches are purely cosmetic and will not affect the safe's ability to protect its contents. Small dents can also be considered to be cosmetic, but be wary of large dents. These could have conceivably happened when the safe was removed from its previous location, and while they might not affect the structural integrity of the safe, they could make installing the safe into a wall problematic if the exterior surface of the safe is too uneven.
Ask About the History
You should query the history of the safe. If you're buying directly from the previous owner, then this information should readily be available. Even when buying from a second hand retailer, it's not as though you will completely be in the dark. A quality reseller would know which flaws to look for and would not have accepted the safe for resale if it was severely damaged (for example, if it had been broken into in a way that damaged the lock, or if it was in a fire which warped its shape).
The Lock
Even a second hand safe that seems to be in a pristine condition is going to be worthless if the lock isn't in good working order. Whether it has a combination lock or takes a key, test the lock several times before purchasing. A safe lock is somewhat more complex than a door lock, and while a stiff lock isn't necessarily a huge problem, it will need to be disassembled with its wheel pack removed, cleaned, and lubricated. This requires the services of a locksmith, so factor this into the purchase price.
There's no reason why a second hand safe can't offer the level of protection you need. So while you're saving money, you are certainly not cutting corners.For more information, contact companies like Askwith Company.
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