You might think that a safe containing locking bolts is a safe that is secure enough to handle your priceless possessions. You might also think that locking bolts will protect in the event of a burglary. Due to the many different types of locking bolts and bolt formations the answers might surprise you. It is a common fact that most safes contain locking bolts. When you are looking to buy a safe with secure locking bolts you will want to consider some key components. Housing, material, re-locking devices and diameters are all considerable factors when it comes to understanding how well the locking bolts will secure the door. You might be surprised to know that some safes will over advertise big flashy locking bolts that look very secure but in reality are very weak and easy to defeat.
Consider the phrase “power in numbers” thinking of this simple phrase can help you determine if the locking bolts in a safe will live up to their promise. The more locking bolts there are, the more secure the safe door will be. Look for terms like “bolt coverage” For example; “This high security safe has 3-way bolt coverage” What it means is that there are locking bolts on the top, side and bottom of the door that secure into the safe body. Locking bolts with solid steel construction are going to be the best measure against cutting tools, drills and punches. Be on the lookout for bolts that look like they might be made from cheap metal or if they have welding seems in them. The diameter is very important as well. Locking bolts vary in size from tiny to 2 inches in diameter. A standard diameter is 1 inch which is enough to defeat any cutting tool and will protect against forced entry attempts. Serious safe manufacturers will have backup systems to help protect from attacks. If a burglar can manipulate the lock then the bolts become useless.
A re-locking device will protect your valuables by releasing the bolts into place if the lock fails. When the re-locking device does its job there is no way to reverse the process and a locksmith will have to come service the safe possibly drilling or cutting through to access the inside. The re-locking device is activated by a glass pain that breaks or a metal plate that gets knocked off the housing of the lock. The re-locking device holds bolts into place by a tension rod and once the rod releases the bolts slam into the safe effectively sealing the door shut. A re-locking device can be a key item when it comes to locking bolts. Some safes are useless without them. Are bolts all flash and gimmick? Or can safes be a secure fortress with them?
