6 Easy Ways to Make Your Gun Safe Heavier

Unlock the power of a heavier gun safe. Explore 6 proven strategies for enhanced security and peace of mind in protecting your valuable firearms.

A heavy gun safe offers numerous advantages. Its increased weight makes it a formidable adversary for potential thieves. This makes it significantly more difficult to move or break into. 

With this benefit, you’ll undoubtedly want to explore the various ways to make your gun safe heavy, and secure.

Jewelry and cash are the two most commonly stolen items, likely because of their lightness. Thieves tend to avoid heavier items as they are more unmanageable to transport.

Intrigued? Read o as we delve into 6 easy yet highly effective strategies to add substantial weight to your gun safe. 

Get ready to transform your gun safe into an impenetrable fortress today.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Making Your Gun Safe Heavier

Many people focus on the locking mechanism, material, and fire resistance regarding gun safes. 

However, making your gun safe and heavier has numerous overlooked benefits. 

Here are the top reasons why making your gun safe and heavier should also be a priority.

1. Deter Theft

A heavier gun safe is harder to move. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal. 

If a burglar has to expend significant effort to carry the safe, they are likelier to abandon the attempt. 

Moreover, a heavier safe can deter thieves simply by appearing more secure and difficult to break into.

2. Enhanced Protection

Heavier safes often come with thicker steel walls and reinforced locking mechanisms. This provides better protection against forced entry. 

It also adds security and ensures your firearms and other valuables remain safe, even during a break-in.

3. Increased Stability

Heavier gun safes are less likely to tip over. This ensures your firearms remain secure and organized. 

This stability is important if you have children or pets since unstable safe can pose a serious safety risk.

4. Improved Durability

A heavier safe often features a more robust construction. This makes it more resistant to wear and tear. 

This increased durability means your gun safe will last longer. It provides a greater return on investment.

5. Better Insulation

Heavier gun safes typically have thicker walls and better insulation. This can help protect your firearms from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and fire. 

This improved insulation ensures your belongings remain safe and undamaged, even in extreme conditions.

6. Compliance with Regulations 

Some states require a certain minimum weight for gun safes. 

By making your gun safer and heavier, you can ensure it meets these requirements and complies depending on local laws.

7. Increased Storage Capacity

A heavier gun safe generally has more space. It allows you to store more firearms and valuables. 

This increased storage capacity is especially beneficial for collectors and those with multiple firearms. It also helps to keep your collection organized and easily accessible.

Heavier Gun Safe Means Greater Security

One key factor to consider regarding gun safe security is weight. A heavier gun safe provides greater peace of mind. 

Here are the easy ways to make your gun safe and heavier.

1. Adding Weight to the Interior 

By increasing the overall weight of the safe, you can make it more challenging for burglars to remove it from your property. 

A. Sandbags 

One simple and cost-effective way to add weight to your gun safe is by using sandbags. 

Sandbags can be easily placed on the bottom of the safe. This helps distribute the added weight evenly. It makes it more difficult for thieves to tip or move the safe. 

Additionally, sandbags are relatively cheap and can be found at most hardware stores or online. 

When placing sandbags in your safe, be sure to position them in a way that does not interfere with the proper functioning of the door or locking mechanism. 

Sandbags can absorb moisture. So using a dehumidifier or silica gel packets is essential to protect your firearms from corrosion.

B. Metal Weights 

Another effective method for increasing the weight of your gun safe is by using metal weights. 

These can be in the form of lead ingots, weight plates, or even barbells. 

Metal weights are not prone to absorbing moisture and can be more compact. This allows you to maximize the space inside your safe. 

Furthermore, metal weights can be more aesthetically pleasing and provide greater permanence.

When choosing metal weights, consider the type that best suits your needs and available space. 

Weight plates and barbells can be found at fitness stores or online. Lead ingots can be purchased from specialty retailers. 

To properly place metal weights, distribute them evenly on the bottom or stack them on top of each other. Always depend on the layout of your safe. 

Avoid obstructing the door or locking mechanism. Always ensure that the additional weight does not exceed the structural capacity of the safe or the floor it is placed on.

2. Securing Your Safe from a Heavy Object 

One effective method of increasing your gun safe’s weight is by anchoring it to a heavy object. 

This adds mass and makes the safe more difficult to move. 

Here are the two popular ways of securing your safe from a heavy object.

A. Bolting to the Floor 

Bolting your gun safe to the floor is a tried and tested method to increase its security. 

Securing it to a solid surface makes it impossible for thieves to remove the safe from its location. 

Choose a spot in your home with a sturdy foundation. Examples are concrete or hardwood floors. 

Avoid areas with weak or easily damaged flooring, as these can undermine the effectiveness of the bolts.

When bolting your safe to the floor, ensure it is level and positioned correctly. Also, consider using high-quality anchor bolts and consult a professional for proper installation. 

B. Attaching to a Heavy Piece of Furniture 

Attaching your gun safe to a heavy piece of furniture is an alternative to bolting it to your floor. 

Suitable furniture options include large bookshelves, solid wood, and metal cabinets. 

These items increase the safe’s overall weight and provide additional obstacles for potential thieves.

When attaching your safe to a piece of furniture, ensure that it is stable and sturdy enough to support the weight of the safe. 

Choose a suitable attachment method. Examples are heavy-duty brackets or straps. These are essential to prevent the safe from detaching or toppling. 

Position the safe in a discreet location that is not easily visible or accessible, further enhancing its security.

This option is viable for those with limited space or without floor bolting. 

3. Modifying the Safe’s Exterior

Adding weight to your gun safe’s outer shell can significantly improve its ability to resist break-ins. Here are the two popular options: 

A. Adding a Steel Plate

A simple yet effective method is adding a steel plate to its exterior. This will not only make the safe heavier, but it will also provide additional protection against attacks from tools like drills or saws. 

To add a steel plate, measure the dimensions of your gun safe and purchase a steel plate of the same size.

When attaching the steel plate, ensure it is securely fastened to the safe’s exterior.   You can use heavy-duty bolts or industrial-strength adhesive to achieve this. 

Remember that adding a steel plate may affect the safe’s warranty. It’s important to check with the manufacturer before making any modifications.

B. Applying Concrete or Cement Coating

Another option is to apply a concrete or cement coating to its exterior. 

This method adds weight and protects against attempts to break into the safe.

To apply a concrete or cement coating, you must clean the surface of the safe to ensure proper adhesion. Then, apply the concrete or cement evenly to the safe’s exterior. 

Allow the coating to cure for the recommended time before using the safe again. This method may also void the safe’s warranty, so consult with the manufacturer before proceeding.

Heavy Gun Safe vs. Light Gun Safe

Regarding gun safes, many options are available in the market, with different sizes, features, and security levels. 

One important factor to consider is the safe’s weight, which can indicate its durability and security. 

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the key features of heavy and light gun safes.

Features	Heavy Gun Safe	Light Gun Safe
Weight	Over 750 lbs (340 kg)	Under 750 lbs (340 kg)
Security	Advanced locking (biometric, electronic)	Basic locking systems (key, combination)
Installation	Professional installation required	DIY installation possible
Capacity	Larger interior space for multiple firearms	Smaller interior space, ideal for fewer firearms
Fire Resistance	Higher fire resistance (60-120+ minutes)	Lower fire resistance (30-60 minutes)
Mobility	Limited mobility due to weight	Easier to move or relocate
Maintenance	Low maintenance due to robust construction	Regular maintenance due to lighter construction
Ideal User	Collectors, large gun owners, high-security needs	First-time gun owners, smaller collections

Conclusion

It’s crucial to remember that maintaining gun safe security is not only about preventing theft. It is also about ensuring the safety of those around you. 

A heavier gun safe not only deters thieves but also keeps your firearms and valuables safe from unauthorized access. 

Regularly assessing and updating your gun safe’s security measures will help you stay one step ahead of potential threats. Also, ensure to clean the outside of your gun safe regularly. 

As a responsible gun owner, don’t hesitate to continually evaluate your gun safe’s security features and make necessary improvements. 

By following these easy steps to make your gun safe heavier, you’ll be better equipped to protect your firearms and valuables.

FAQs 

Source

“Lead Ingots.” Www.aurubis.com, www.aurubis.com/beerse/products/lead-ingots.

‌Rivelli, Elizabeth. “Most Common Items Stolen in Home Burglaries.” Bankrate, www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/common-items-stolen/.

Rivelli, Elizabeth. “Most Common Items Stolen in Home Burglaries.” Bankrate, www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/common-items-stolen/.