Topic: Ok to bolt safe directly to concrete, or offset it?

[fm500]

In this climate, is it ok to just bolt a safe directly to the cement floor in an attached garage?  Or do you need to offset it with plywood or something from the concrete?

[2big2fail]

In this climate, is it ok to just bolt a safe directly to the cement floor in an attached garage?  Or do you need to offset it with plywood or something from the concrete?

I'm not a concrete guy, nor a safe installer but I work in commercial construction and bolt down heavy equipment often.  More consistently, large transformers and electrical switch gear which is the approximate dementions, weight and material- steel. What I see in the field is,  where the base of the equipment comes in contact with cement, no special water vapor barrier is ever used.  However, 95% of the time the equipment is bolted to a concrete pad known as a "housekeeping pad".  It's a concrete slab about 3-1/2 inches tall and the footprint is the size of the base to what you're bolting down.  Formed and poured ahead of the arrival of whichever equipment it's serving.  This keeps water leaks or pipe breakage from ever comming in contact with said equipment and also prevents dirt and debris from collecting under your gear (or safe).  My guess is, if it's a large, high quality heavy safe, it's probably good for a hundred years at the bottom of the ocean so I wouldn't sweat the water vapor stuff too much. And if it were my project, I'd take a day extra and pour the pad.  They do keep things tidy! 

[Kcboats]

+1 for 2big...for transformers we just quickly nail 4 2x4 in a square and call it good.  Keeps it a little off the floor but not really needed, and then hammerdrill in a couple o 3/8 or 1/2 inch redheads and good to go.

[RGinIdaho]

I took 3 1800lb transformers off concrete the other night. I believe they had been there since '66. No rust.

[ponder]

Unless your concrete is wet, bolt it direct.  If there is any concern about ground moisture, lay a piece of plastic under the safe.

The most important thing is to make sure that a wedge cannot be driven under the safe.  DO NOT LEAVE ANY GAP under the safe.  Being it is in the garage, and accessible to a truck, some extra precautions need be taken.  Use the largest bolts of the highest grade you can find.  Use the highest rated inserts available. (Industrial Hardware in Garden City).

[Nomad]

 Have had equipment bolted to shop floor for several years and moved to a new shop no serious
problems.
 Just make sure you have a good coat of paint. Seal your bolt holes with silicone as if the water heater
or washing machine leak you are safe....

[J Mack]

As important as it is to bolt the safe to the floor I would also think about protecting the 12 gauge steel top and sides from attack or build a cabinet around the safe to disguise it from would be thieves.

[kaen3e]

despite your best intentions portable plasma cutters will handle all safe walls except a door.  food for thought.  yes. the average crackhead doesn't use these things but if you have a large collection a pro would.  fwiw

[2big2fail]

despite your best intentions portable plasma cutters will handle all safe walls except a door.  food for thought.  yes. the average crackhead doesn't use these things but if you have a large collection a pro would.  fwiw

Maybe we should tell the media that militias have switched from using firearms to defend American values and freedoms to combating tyranny with plasma cutters.  Liberal fuktard California lawyers will have Helmke on the phone and within minutes legislation will have been drafted to have plasma cutters taxed, restricted, regulated, registered, and banned.  The safe is once again "safe".

[SEVERED]

despite your best intentions portable plasma cutters will handle all safe walls except a door.  food for thought.  yes. the average crackhead doesn't use these things but if you have a large collection a pro would.  fwiw

But if your safe is in your garage or shop and you happen to own your own plasma cutter the crackhead might know enough to use it. so might have to think about where you have it along with your own tools that might help them open it.

And I really dont want to see them taxed lol they make building cars and metal work a lot easier.

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

As important as it is to bolt the safe to the floor I would also think about protecting the 12 gauge steel top and sides from attack or build a cabinet around the safe to disguise it from would be thieves.

That picture is exactly why I would never spend too much money on a safe just because it has 1/2 or 2 inch locking bolts, etc, etc.  With 1 1/2 of fire board inside it's way too easy to cut through the sides or top and circumvent the door altogether and not damage the contents.