A few manufacturers make some models which are a combination of the two types of construction (they are rather expensive), but you can get the fire and burglary protection with an “in floor” type burglary safe installed properly – i.e. surrounded on 5 sides with approximately 3″ of concrete. There has not been a known loss by fire from a properly installed floor safe.

No!! But most are tested and are awarded a label. Most labels are issued by organizations independent of the manufacturer – i.e. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).

Since the 1960’s Underwriters laboratories has treated round, square, and rectangular doors as equal. A rectangular or square door gives much easier accessibility.

A key lock is somewhat simpler to use, but since a key can be lost, stolen, or duplicated, or the lock picked, a combination lock can be said to be more secure. Also a combination lock can have the operating numbers changed easily. The electronic lock is easier to operate and change the combo for the end user. They have been proven to be very reliable- but they do need batteries once in a while and electronics can and do fail. So I prefer the old spin dial mechanical safe lock if asked, but we sell and service plenty of the newer electronic versions and I’m slowly being convinced they are fine.

As long as we are talking about a quality lock- only by a few experts who must stay in practice at all times! There are courses on manipulation taught by experts to qualified locksmiths, but the greatest value of these courses is to teach the locksmith to diagnose the problem in a malfunctioning lock. At manipulation classes that I have attended I have seen that the average time to open a quality lock by some of the industries premier masters is at least 20 minutes to several hours. So no-not at all like they show in movies.

A relocking device is usually a piece of metal which is spring loaded and will act to relock the safe lock or take the place of the safe lock if an attempt is made on the safe by a burglar, i.e. prying the door or punching the lock. Most safes are equipped with relocking devices, some with multiple devices.

In safe construction the hinge is not a part-of the locking system, they merely serve to carry the door. The door is just as securely held in place with the hinges completely removed. Bolted hinges allow for the adjustment of the door for a good fit. Where the settling of a building, sub-soil shift or an earthquake could cause a binding of the door an adjustment is easily possible with bolted on hinges. Bolted hinge doors may be removed for more economical servicing at a safe-specialists shop.