Drop Safes by Brand:
Drop Safes have been around for decades but recently there have been new manufacturers, importers and misinformation from internet marketers writing drop safe reviews to make a quick buck at your expense. So what should you look for when buying a drop safe you ask? I’m here to help break down the most important features and point you in the right direction because ultimately the drop safe you choose depends on your specific needs and budget.
Lock – Drop Safe Reviews
The lock is the absolute most important component of any drop safe and this is where most drop safe reviews you read get it all wrong. They recommend the cheap safes with unrated electronic locks and key locks that are far too easy to break into. Think of the lock as the engine to the car. It doesn’t matter if you have the nicest seats, radio, wheels or body if the engine doesn’t work.
In the safe industry, Underwriters Laboratories also known as UL, tests and certifies the security and quality of locks. There are two main types: UL Type 1 High Security Electronic Locks which are the most secure and UL Type 2 High Security Mechanical Locks. When it comes to drop safes, I always recommend going with an electronic lock. These safes are accessed very frequently, often daily, meaning ease of access from a time perspective is critical.
UL Type 2 High Security Mechanical Locks
Mechanical Locks are the traditional “old school” style that don’t have any electronics or require any batteries. They use a three number combination and use a dial to spin a spindle into the lock body which is located on the inside of the safe. Some customers prefer these locks because they believe an EMP attack can wipe out their electronics. Most electronic locks are now EMP tested and they all operate on replaceable batteries, so at this point it’s really not a relevant concern. All in all, The highest quality and most reliable mechanical locks are made by S&G and Big Red.
UL Type 1 High Security Electronic Locks
In my 30 years of experience in the safe industry, locks made by NL, S&G and Securam are the highest quality and most reliable electronic locks. Ideally, look for one level up from the cheapest option such as the NL UR-2020, SecuRam Basic or S&G Spartan Direct Drive lock. You should stay away from anything that is unbranded, unrated, operates on a Solenoid or has a key override.
The reason Electronic Locks are a higher security rating is because they have significantly more possible combinations and can not be manipulated by feel the same way mechanical locks can. In all my home safe reviews you will see I repeat how important it is to have a UL Rated high security lock over and over again.
Key Locks
Low end drop safes made by companies like Barska, Mesa, Templeton and Viking use key locks that vary in quality. Viking uses a proprietary keyway that is more secure than the tubular override key used on the other brands. Key locks will never be as good as a high quality UL rated electronic or Mechanical lock but are much less expensive. So, if you decide to go with a low cost option, I would avoid anything that uses a Tubular override key. Finally, these keyways can be picked with BIC pens and other household items in seconds.
Security – Drop Safe Reviews
Drop safes are not tested by an independent laboratory like UL for a security rating. Instead, it’s important to look at the steel thickness used. Low end drop safes will be as thin as 18 gauge and high end drop safes are built up to 1″ thick. The thicker the steel, the more the security. It is that simple.
Fire Rating – Drop Safe Reviews
Drop safes are typically meant for burglary protection only. Because they use an access chute such as a front load or top rotary drop, air, heat and smoke will always be able to enter the safe. If you need a fire rated safe, I would strongly recommend not purchasing a drop safe and looking at a burglary and fire rated home safe or gun safe.
Style and Function
In general, drop safes are built very simply. They are steel boxes with an empty interior. Nearly all of them are painted black and don’t need to be styled as the entire purpose is for a business to protect their cash and deposits. Some models include internal shelves for additional storage. The main differentiator in drop safes is the style of the drop.
Front Load Deposit
The most common type of drop safe is the front load deposit. This style uses a hopper in the front or rear of the safe that looks like a mailbox. You pull open the hopper, place your deposit inside and as you close the door, it creates an open space on the inside that allows the deposit to fall into the safe. This style can have an internal locker inside the door that prevents employees from accessing the drop but can still access the main compartment of the safe.
Rotary Hopper Deposit
The second most common style of drop safes is the rotary hopper. This style uses a handle and is left in the open position. After you place the deposits into the hole, you turn the handle to allow the deposit to drop in on the other side. This style does not require the jagged teeth, anti-fish baffles on the back-side of the door.
Warranty
Warranties on drop safes usually include a minimum 1 year parts and labor warranty. Some companies require you to ship the physical safe to their warehouse for repair which is only possible on removable doors. If the safe is malfunctioning, you wouldn’t be able to remove the door. In my experience, American Security and Stealth provide the best service and warranty. They will pay for the safe technician to come out to your home and fix the safe on-site. As I always say with warranties, read the fine print.
The Bottom Line on Drop Safe Reviews
To summarize, here are the most important factors to think about when you ask the question: What should I look for when reading drop safe reviews:
- UL Rated High Security Type 1 Electronic or Type 2 Mechanical Lock from NL, S&G, SecuRam or Big Red
- Thick Steel Construction
- Minimum 1/4″ Steel Plate Door
- Hard plate Protecting the Lock
- Re-locker Protecting the Lock
- Minimum 1″ Thick Locking Bolts
- Reliable Warranty
- Minimum 1 Year Parts and Labor Warranty
- Company Pays Locksmith or Safe Tech to Fix it in Your Home and Not at Their Factory
