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nursing home safes provide a secure shelter for worthful possessions such as jewellery , important papers , and electronic devices , guarding them against thieving , fire , and unexpected disasters . While gift in a home good can offer drug user peace of mind , it ’s full of life to square up the extent of the safe ’s ability to protect one ’s valuable before making a leverage .
I try one of the best - selling home safe on the market today , the SFW123GDC model fromSentrySafe , a reputable society that produces a range of good storage solution , including safes and safe-deposit . I conducted a comprehensive judgement of the good ’s feature of speech and subjected it to a wet surroundings for an hour to determine its rainproof capabilities . While some aspects and functions of this good were reassuring , others were slightly disappointing .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The SentrySafe SFW123GDC exhibited commendable electric resistance against burglary , particularly if securely cast anchor . It ’s deserving noting that the SFW123GDC offer up fire and water protective cover capabilities , but it is neither fireproof nor waterproof . Ahead , learn the pros and cons of this home safe to aid you determine whether it ’s a just selection for storing your valuables .
The SentrySafe SFW123GDC Home Safe: At a Glance
Rating:7.25/10
SPECS
PROS
CONS
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What is the SentrySafe SFW123GDC home safe?
The SentrySafe SFW123GDC is a midsize surety answer for safeguarding documents and low valuable possessions . With exterior property measuring 17.8 inches in high spirits , 16.3 inches wide , and 19.3 inch deep , this dependable offers an home outer space of 1.23 cubic feet , which is enough way for documents , a handgun , and diminished treasured items . In a recent lineup of thebest home safestoday , the SFW123GCD took the top spot .
A couple of my favorite features are the backlit computer keyboard and an national light , which made it easy to afford the safe in low - twinkle surround and see within without turning on a spark or using a torch . This could be utilitarian if you necessitate to remember something from the safe at night without alarm others .
The safe ’s construction includes steel - encased fervor insulation , and it comes with flexible Navy SEAL that mould tightly between the doorway and the body to resist water incursion for up to 24 hours .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
I was impressed by its four steel locking bolts that slide smoothly into situation when I turn the handle . Despite my substantial and determined force attempting to spread the safe , these bolts would not stir , not even when I jerked the handle aggressively . The steel cause on this safe is redoubtable , indeed . That said , I suggest this SentrySafe be used in the main for document security . Inside the front cover of the proprietor ’s manual of arms is a lean of what should not be stored in the safe , including detail that might be affected by humidity , such as watches , tender , delicate jewellery , and photos . Users are also warned not to store electronic computer disks , cassette , audio tape , or pearls inside the safe .
These limitations are partially why I dock a couple of points from the overall score of the SentrySafe .
Is the SentrySafe completely fireproof and waterproof?
No . The SentrySafe SFW123GDC is not a wholly rainproof or fireproof safe , despite some advertising to the contrary . While it offers some fire - repellent and body of water - resistant feature , it ’s significant to note the distinct difference between something being “ proof ” versus “ resistant . ”
I was impressed with its water - resistant feature . I place the safety on a sidewalk , put a piss sprinkler on top , and get the water run for over an time of day . Before the test , I set up a lavatory newspaper roll in the prophylactic to tell apart whether the weewee come through the seals . Plumbers often use can paper to help determine where tiny leak are coming from because they might not be capable to see or feel a drop of water , but toilet theme will pick up the smallest amount . When I launch the dependable after the water test , the toilet paper peal was bone dry . I was impressed .
The flack test was more challenging . I build a bonfire , placed the SentrySafe on a pallet , and then lowered the safe ( via a skid steer ) , pallet and all , into the inferno . look . Full period . No , I did n’t . That was the original design , but after telephone the SentrySafe helpline to see out how to enter the safe after the computer keyboard had melted off , I make up one’s mind to jump that test . For perceivable intellect , the technician was unable ( or unwilling ) to tell me how to intermit into the safe , and he did n’t seem to believe my report about glow it as a trial .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
However , Underwriters Laboratories ( UL)has tested and certify the SFW123GDC to protect valuable for 1 hour in a fire as raging as up to 1,700 grade Fahrenheit . Keep in nous that literal fire and vivid oestrus are two unlike things , which is why the manufacturer warn against store point inside the good that can melt , such as CDs and DVDs . The SentrySafe is also sanction to protect the contents from water scathe if it sits in up to 8 inch of water for up to 24 hours .
What is the function of the dual key on the SentrySafe?
Initially , I thought “ dual Francis Scott Key ” meant that if I forgot the key computer code , I could open theSentrySafewith the optional tonality — no such luck . The dual tonality does not lock or unlock the secure ; it only locks and unlocks approach to the computer keyboard . This is a significant defect because if the exploiter loses the code , there ’s nearly no way of life to get into the locked dependable .
The workaround for a lost computer code is to adjoin the SentrySafe helpline . Still , users must be able-bodied to give the technician on the other end both the model identification number and consecutive turn on the secure before the technician will avail them take in access to the dependable ’s contents . Both of these numbers are print on a sticker that comes prominently stuck on the front of the safe , but in my display case , the Book of Numbers had been cancel , so I could n’t accurately read either one of them .
If I could make one hint , I ’d need SentrySafe for a manual samara that opens the dependable rather than one that just locks or unlocks the power to use the keypad .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
How secure is the locking box inside the SentrySafe?
The locking box inside the SentrySafe SFW123GDC is a lightweight charge card compartment that provide a layer of organisation within the safe . However , its security measure is relatively modified . While it can help categorize and separate small items , I found it to be rather slight .
The box skid out easy , and when I inadvertently dropped it on the roofing tile floor , the back of it cracked . It would n’t take much more than a stomp with a brake shoe to break it wide open . The whorl on the box seems like an afterthought because once someone gains approach to the inside of the safe , the locking box is light to get into . While it append a level of compartmentalization , it does n’t offer the same robust security features as the elementary safe . On the plus side , if you ’re face for organization , severalSentrySafe accessoriesare useable to help keep your valuable orderly .
Is mounting the SentrySafe recommended?
The safe comes with a bolt - down outfit containing two large bolt , two washer , and two Freemasonry anchorperson for bind the safe to joists , stud , or concrete . Including these bolts intimate the safe should be mounted , and I ’ve always mat it ’s essential to mount a safe to a permanent physical object to make it more difficult to carry off . The problem is that if you hop on the safe , you void its water - insubordinate features . That form sense ; drill gob in the good will give urine a pathway to enter . regrettably , users may not realize this until the secure is in a flood and the contents are ruined .
If users settle to bolt the dependable in place , it beetle off on the bottom , meaning you may attach it to anything it sits on . However , it does not provide the power to bolt the back or sides to a wall .
Is the SentrySafe SFW123GDC right for your security needs?
TheSFW123GDCis well suited for buyers seek dependable storage for essential text file , humidness - resistant heirlooms , and valuable will power . Those who will locate the safe in a low - light orbit , such as in a dark W.C. or a cabinet , will belike appreciate its backlit keyboard and interior light . It currently sells for just under $ 290 , which puts it in the mid - price range for a general home safe .
However , this safe might not be the best paroxysm for those who ask absolute fireproof and waterproofed protection for lengthened period . Plus , the limitations of the lightweight plastic locking box seat and the via media in water electric resistance , when the dependable is mounted , might not see the needs of drug user seeking advanced security department bar . Additionally , individuals who plan to put in items susceptible to thawing , such as CDs or ticklish materials , will need to consider alternative storage solutions . A good is just one aspect of protect your valuables . view mate it withdoor and windowpane alarmsor a completehome security systemfor ultimate protective cover .
Where to Buy the SentrySafe SFW123GDC
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a production examiner and writer particularize in the building , remodeling , and real estate industry . She and her husband own a general contracting troupe , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial construction software . She tests a across-the-board range of power tools as well as other dwelling advance , home , and lawn - and - garden products .
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
