When investing in a heavy duty safe, understanding the nuances of steel thickness and gauge is crucial. These factors directly impact a safe’s ability to protect your valuables from theft, fire, and other potential hazards. If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty safe but you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
While shopping for a safe may seem simple to the naked eye, there are a lot of factors to consider in order for you to unlock a high-quality option that also fits your unique needs.
Understanding Steel Thickness and Gauge
Steel thickness is typically measured in inches, while gauge is a numerical scale where lower numbers indicate thicker steel. For example, 10-gauge steel is thicker than 14-gauge steel. The gauge system can be confusing because it works inversely; as the gauge number decreases, the steel thickness increases.
Why Steel Thickness and Gauge Matter
- Security: The walls and door of a safe are the first line of defense against an attack. Thicker steel provides better resistance to cutting, drilling, and prying, making it harder for intruders to break into a safe.
- Durability: A safe with thicker steel is generally more durable and can withstand more physical abuse over time.
- Weight: Heavier safes (due to thicker steel) are harder to move, adding an extra layer of security. A thief will have a hard time leaving the premises with a safe consisting of hundreds of pounds of metal.
Evaluating Steel Gauge in a Heavy Duty Safe
When evaluating safes, you’ll often see specifications for the body and door thickness. High-quality heavy-duty safes usually have thicker steel in both areas to provide comprehensive protection.
Steel Gauge Thickness Chart
| Steel Gauge | Thickness in Fractions of an Inch | Thickness in Decimal Parts of an Inch |
| 0000000 | 1/2 | .5 |
| 000000 | 15/32 | .46875 |
| 00000 | 7/16 | .4375 |
| 0000 | 13/32 | .40625 |
| 000 | 3/8 | .375 |
| 00 | 11/32 | .34375 |
| 0 | 5/16 | .3125 |
| 1 | 9/32 | .28125 |
| 2 | 17/64 | .265625 |
| 3 | 1/4 | .25 |
| 4 | 15/64 | .234375 |
| 5 | 7/32 | .21875 |
| 6 | 13/64 | .203125 |
| 7 | 3/16 | .1875 |
| 8 | 11/64 | .171875 |
| 9 | 5/32 | .15625 |
| 10 | 9/64 | .140625 |
| 11 | 1/8 | .125 |
| 12 | 7/64 | .109375 |
| 13 | 3/32 | .09375 |
| 14 | 5/64 | .078125 |
| 15 | 9/128 | .0703125 |
| 16 | 1/16 | .0625 |
| 17 | 9/160 | .05625 |
| 18 | 1/20 | .05 |
Tips for Evaluating a Heavy Duty Safe
While the thickness of a safe greatly impacts its durability, there are other features and qualities to look out for. Here’s a good checklist to keep in mind while you’re shopping:
- Look for Reinforced Steel Construction: Some safes incorporate multiple layers of steel or additional reinforcements to enhance protection. Many AMSEC safes are filled with concrete materials to also equip your valuables with fire protection.
- Review Safe Ratings: Independent ratings like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) can provide insight into the safe’s performance in burglary and fire resistance tests.
- Evaluate Locking Mechanisms: While steel thickness is critical, the locking mechanism also plays a significant role in security. AMSEC offers a variety of manual and electronic lock options to choose from.
- Consult with Experts: When in doubt, consult with the experts at AMSEC to understand the best options for your needs.
Investing in a heavy duty safe requires careful consideration of steel thickness and gauge. By understanding these factors and how they impact security and durability, you can select a safe that provides the best protection for your valuables. Use the provided chart to compare the steel gauges listed for our variety of safes and make an informed decision. Remember, the thicker the steel, the more secure and durable your safe will be.
For further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll help you find the best safe for your specific needs.