Safe "house"

[jamestx10]

http://www.ramset-redhead.com/RH/trubolt.asp

These look like they would work good. How deep into the cement should I go?

[DanTheEldest]

Originally Posted by jamestx10

http://www.ramset-redhead.com/RH/trubolt.asp

These look like they would work good. How deep into the cement should I go?

I've seen those used on pre-existing installs we've been asked to move, and they seem to work well--but I've never used them personally, so take this endorsement with a grain of salt.

As for the depths, I'd go as deep as you can while still leaving three threads exposed on top of the nut. Drill-depth is going to vary depending on how thick the floor of your safe is and the length of the fasteners, but they should extend at least a couple inches into the cement to give the maximum benefit. I'm sorry this is so vague, but without doing exact measurements on your situation and the bolts you get I couldn't tell you for sure.

[retired]

I believe (and somebody else correct me) that they're usually at least four inches deep in the cement, so it shouldn't be a problem (theoretically), but if you decide to do it and hit metal, STOP! Move the safe a few inches and try again.

Dan, I was going to post about the post-tension slab also, but you beat me to it. Re your above statement; I spoke with the super of my tract just today about this very thing (glad the guy at the store where I bought the safe told me about this, as I had never heard about it).

He told me in a 5" slab foundation (the usual out here evidently) the cables are at the 2 1/2" or middle mark. Additionally, he told me there is a red protective seal above the cable. If you see red, STOP. He said it hasn't happened often, but some people have been injured and even killed when the cable is drilled thru and then snaps through the slab and your body.

I decided not to bolt my down. I just have to hope the 520lbs and my alarm system keep it in my home. I'm not willing to risk my life.

In Ca., it is stamped in the concrete of the garage by the garage door if it is post tension slab. Your local may differ. Be careful.

[chupacabrachus]

Originally Posted by jamestx10

http://www.ramset-redhead.com/RH/trubolt.asp

These look like they would work good. How deep into the cement should I go?

Originally Posted by Krackels

When I worked in Masonry we swore by tapcons.
http://www.concretescrews.com/

Tapcons, redheads, and all other brand-names of concrete anchors will work just fine if you're using the right screw for the job. Most of the time we just use tapcons. Occasionally when we have to use large vertical steel beams we'll use the expanding type of bolt where it fastens itself when you hammer it in, then even more when upward pressure is exherted when the nut is tightened. Those are for big jobs though

[DanTheEldest]

Originally Posted by retired

He told me in a 5" slab foundation (the usual out here evidently) the cables are at the 2 1/2" or middle mark. Additionally, he told me there is a red protective seal above the cable. If you see red, STOP. He said it hasn't happened often, but some people have been injured and even killed when the cable is drilled thru and then snaps through the slab and your body.

I decided not to bolt my down. I just have to hope the 520lbs and my alarm system keep it in my home. I'm not willing to risk my life.

In Ca., it is stamped in the concrete of the garage by the garage door if it is post tension slab. Your local may differ. Be careful.

Yeah, they're typically stamped here in AZ too, and in the same place. I had no idea residential slabs were only 5" thick. That just doesn't seem like a whole lot of concrete to support a house, but what do I know?

Regarding not bolting down your safe: one thing I've seen used successfully and inexpensively in situations like yours (especially useful in the garage) is get somebody who knows concrete, set the forms, and pour yourself an additional 5-6" or so thick platform with the rough dimensions of the safe footprint on top of the regular foundation, and bolt it down to that. Alarms are definitely a good thing to have and you probably won't have any trouble, but with a box only in the 500-lb range, I'd do all I could to physically secure it.

[retired]

Dan, my safe is in my walk in closet, not the garage. Sorry for not making that clear. I think my wife might object to have a 5" slab poured in the closet. Plus, I'd have to remove the shelf right above the safe then and lose some storage.

Good idea tho if it was in the garage.

[DanTheEldest]

Originally Posted by retired

Dan, my safe is in my walk in closet, not the garage. Sorry for not making that clear. I think my wife might object to have a 5" slab poured in the closet.

No excuses! You can just cover it with carpet--it'll blend right in.

J/K......security's an art of compromise, anyway; if it works for you and you're comfortable with your overall situation, then good luck to you sir.