Hollon Safes

We have just started carrying the Hollon Safes on our site. I’ve known about them for a long time however, they have always been a little more expensive than similar brands like Cobalt Safe or Gardall Safes.  That is until recently.  In the spring both companies had a huge 30% increase in wholesale prices.  Well, that made the Hollon Safes a much better deal.

Quality of Hollon Safes has always been a little better than similar type safes made from other manufacturers.  They have a tendency to put in more bolts in their safes. Take for instance the Cobalt SB-02c it has 3 bolts on the door opening side and 3 fixed bolts on the hinge side. (Gardall model FB-2013 is the same as the SB-02c) However, when you open the Hollon Safe HS-685 you see three bolts on the door opening side, 1 bolt going into the top, and another going into the bottom. PLUS a 1 inch thick locking bar that goes from top to bottom.  That is the thickest hinge side locking bar in the industry that I am aware of.

Safes Lock: Notice that Hollon Safe is equiping ALL thier safes with a Group 1 Electronic lock.  They have moved away from lesser secure Group II dials that other manufacturers are using.  The CE Digital lock comes with “LockOut” technology that has a time delay feature and is activated if the wrong number is entered more than 3 times. The lock will reset after 10 minutes for correct code entry. Did I mention is was a High security Group I lock? This is much more secure than a dial as dial can have a “Safe Dialer” machine hooked to it and automactically dial open the safe within hours!  This keypad also has an 8-bit micro processor chip with NON-Volitale memory. It maintains customer code even without batteries. Your secret code can program with 4-16 digits. (more code options) Its also free to change the code on when ever you want. Unlike dials that require a locksmith to change the combination. Cost is around $75 each time you want to change the code.  Many people ask me if a dial will outlast a keypad in a fire.  Both the dial and the keypad is ruined after a fire.  Keypads are also not suseptable to “drifting” like a dial will. (Drifting is when a dials code gets changed through use. The code maybe 25-50-75 and then it shifts and becomes 26-50-75.  But the dial doesn’t tell it shifted. You just can’t get into the safe one day)

Popular brands of Dials are Sargent & Greenleaf or LaGard.  Both established themselves as leaders in the field and were considered long lasting and made in Kentucky.  However, both companies have since been sold and both companies now make thier locks in the “eastern part” of the USA known as China.  I have found these Chinese dials to not be up to the original manufacture quality.  These locks have a nasty reputation for drift and wearing out due assembly quality and parts.  However, if you speak with your local locksmith he may not be aware of the changes and he may state that “These dials will last forever”.  (Do you know of anything mechanical that lasts forever?  Me either.) 

To wrap things up Hollon Safes are really offering a superior quality safe and has done more to protect their customers than most competitive safes.  Check out their 2 Hour Fire & Burglary Safes.

Cobalt Safes model EM-030 fireproof home safe is favorite size of mine though not the most popular of this series.  It has a relatively convient weight in that it is easy to move for a home safe and yet large enough to hold the typical household paperwork.  Such as passport, wills, deeds, trusts, etc.  If you are a pack rat though you may wish to consider a larger model.  1 hour fireproof safe protection.  Good protection from a “sticky finger” thief and pry bar resistant…… you know I just looked at the picture again and it looks like the Em-015 but know that this picture doesn’t seem to do it justice in regards to the size.  Its good one and you will not be sad you purcased the EM-o30 from Cobalt safes.  To see one or purchase one see the EM-030

Tags: cobalt safe, EM-020, Fireproof safe, fireproof safes
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Fire Fyter Fireproof Home Safe

Friday, August 15th, 2008

Still waiting to hear more about Fire Fyter’s fireproof home safe manufacturing move to China.  Supplies are still coming from here in Ohio.   But they are starting to sell out of models and most are marking them sold out in thier stores.

We wait with anticipation for to see the upcoming quality.

Tags: fireproof home safe
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Cobalt Safes model EM-016 1 hour fireproof Safe

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

 Cobalt Safes model EM-016 1 hour fireproof Safe.  Is designed the exact same as the SM-016 1 hour fireproof safe.  Except it has a keypad on it.  You will notice on the left is the turn handle to pull back the bolts.  On the right side of the keypad is the battery compartment.  It holds 4 AA size batteries.  Also has a non volatile memory.  Which means if you remove the batteries and then put them back in, you had better remember the combo because the keypad will!  Great theft deterant.

Excellant value for protection against theft and fire.  Be sure to bolt it down to your floor so it will not be carried away or leave the through bolt hole exposed.  Below is some good information on it or you can follow here to for more. EM-016

EM-016

Outside Dimensions

Height: 15 3/8? Width: 11 5/8? Depth: 12 5/8?

Inside Dimensions

Height: 12 1/4? Width: 8 1/2? Depth: 8 1/2?

Weight

54 lbs.

1 hour fireproof Pre-drilled anchor hole (2) 6 number digital lock (1) steel shelf 1 1/2? wall thickness 2 1/2?door thickness (2) 5/8? solid steel chrome plated bolts (1) stationary hinge side bolt (4) AA external batteries Non-volatile memory

Tags: cobalt safes, em-016, fireproof home Safes, fireproof safes, Safes
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Cobalt Safes EM-015 Electronic Fireproof Safe

Saturday, August 9th, 2008

Cobalt Safes model EM-015 is the same safe as the SM-015 but with an electronic keypad instead of a dial.  It does have a hole in the bottom of the safe and is designed to be bolted to the floor.  Yes, it comes with the bolt down package.  Remember, if its not bolted down.  Its not very fireproof! See the specs below.  Very good quality especially for the money.

Tags: em-015, fireproof home safe, Safes
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Fire Fyter Safes

Monday, August 4th, 2008

Sad news hit me last week regarding Fire Fyter Safes.  They are shutting down their manufacturing facility here in the USA.  Ohio will be a little worse off as unemployment will rise.  Fire Fyter is shutting down its products and starting to import the safes from China!

So they are going from making a high quality product made by American hands to importing a Chinese knock off.  We will have to wait and see if they can maintain quality standards.  I’m a bit depressed about this because Fire Fyter safes were in high demand.  Quality was there.  Why move it over seas?  They were the last low end, affordable, made in the USA safe.

Time will tell and I will let you know the quality results as they come in.

Tags: fire fyter safes, safe manufacture, Safes
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Cobalt Safe SS-031D Fireproof Safe

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Cobalt Safe model SS-031D. Is the most  popular in the line up of Fireproof Home Safes.  Its also the largest.  Why is it so popular? I’m not 100% sure.  But the comments I get on it range from “Most size for money”, “Pull out drawer and adjustable shelf”, “Its big but its not too cumbersome”.

I will say this, the picture is a fairly acurate picture of the safe except you can’t see the black pull out tray that is also included.  You can see the adjustable shelf with the door open.  You also get a good view of the bolts on the door opening side.  However, there are also fixed bolts on the hinge side to add support and strength against crow bar attacks.  Though its primary purpose is not strength against burglary but it is strength against fire!  A solid 1 hour fire rating. 

The Cobalt Safe SS-031D is steel lined hole in the bottom of the safe to bolt down to your foundation to keep the safe from being carried off.  It is important to note that when you buy a safe you are buying “Time” time against fire and time against theft.  If you live in a high crime area and you want to keep 50k of cash and jewelry in this safe, then this is not the safe for you.  This safe is made it hold important papers, some cash, some jewelry, a pistol or other medium size items.  It will hold up against a prybar attack in that it would be classified as “resistant” but not for an extended period.  You will notice I like to “under sell” most safes.  Which means I’m not going to push a safe like some kind of late night infomercial selling Ginsu Chopping Knives!  But hopefully give you as realistic picture of the safe and its intended purpose. 

That being said this is an excellant Fire safe to protect against fire and protect against “light” theft or sticky fingers as I like to say. Go here to see a model SS-031D or the rest of the fireproof home safes.

Tags: cobalt safe, fire safe, fireproof home Safes, Fireproof safe, SS-031D
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Fireproof Home Safe SM-030 by Cobalt

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

Fireproof Home Safe model SM-030 by Cobalt is the same safe as the model SM-020 only its put on its side and the hinges are are now on a different side.  Still uses the key to pull back the bolts after the combination has been dialed open. Don’t loose the keys.  I have also noticed some people leaving the safe dial in the dialed open position and only using the key to get in and out.  Though this can be done its not good to not relock the safe with the dial. 

There is also a handy pull out platic tray on this model and comes with a bolt down kit.?

Tags: cobalt safe, fireproof home safe, home safe, Safes, sm-020
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Cobalt Sm-020 Fireproof Home Safe

Friday, July 25th, 2008

 This is a picture of the Cobalt SM-020.  One hour fireproof safe.  Comes with a steel lined predrilled hole in the center and mounting hardware.  Dial lock is secure but it is not a Group II lock.  You will not be able to change the combination on this lock easily like a Group II.  Though it can be changed by a locksmith but not set to any specific group of numbers.  It just comes up random because the way the safe is designed.

You will also notice it comes with a key and no handle.  This is because the key acts as a handle and adds an extra security measure to the safe.  Security aim is to keep sticky fingers off your schtuff!  It will hold up to a small tool attack but that is not its main purpose. Fireproof and stopping sticky fingers is.

Tags: , cobalt safe, fireproof home safe, home safe, sm-020
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Fireproof Home Safe model SM-016 from Cobalt

Friday, July 11th, 2008

Fireproof Home Safe SM-016

Fireproof Home Safe model SM-016 is from Cobalt Safes.  You will also find this safe under a variety of manufactures. Such as Gardall Safes and Adesco.  However, you will notice that we have them at a much more affordable price.  You will also notice a different selection of paints on each brand because they all have a contract with the manufacturer to paint it in their colors. 

Its important to point out that this is the same safe as the SM-016.  Only its turned on its side and made to open up a different way.  But other than that it has the same dimensions.

Which ever manufacturer you purchase this safe from you will be getting a great quality Fireproof Home Safe.  Factory tested for 1 hour with bolt down hole in the center.  It even comes with the bolt to bolt it down.  VERY easy to do.  I have included a paper on our website that teaches how I do it.  

I get a lot of questions about burglary resistant.   Well, its designed to keep out “sticky fingers” (sticky fingers are people that would break in a safe but would help themselves if tempted)and it can hold up against small tools.  I would not qualify it as a high security safe.  Though it is well made.

You will notice that it comes with a dial or electronic keypad.  The dial is not a group II lock but it is a good one.  I have noticed that the dial works more like a locker lock that you may have had in high school.  I would suggest to elderly and impatient people to choose the keypad.  Its just easier to get in and out of….and if its easy, you will use it more.?

Tags: cobalt safe, fireproof home safe, Fireproof safe, sm-016
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Fireproof Home Safe SM-015

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

Fireproof Home Safe model SM-015 is from Cobalt.  You will also find this safe under several other manufactures. Such as Gardall Safes and Adesco.  However, you will notice that we have them at a much more affordable price.  You will also notice a different selection of paints on each brand. 

Which ever manufacturer you purchase this safe from you will be getting a great quality Fireproof Home Safe.  Factory tested for 1 hour with bolt down hole in the center.  It even comes with the bolt to bolt it down.  VERY easy to do.  I have included a paper on our website that teaches how I do it.  

I get a lot of questions about burglary resistant.   Well, its designed to keep out “sticky fingers” (sticky fingers are people that would break in a safe but would help themselves if tempted)and it can hold up against small tools.  I would not qualify it as a high security safe.  Though it is well made.

You will notice that it comes with a dial or electronic keypad.  The dial is not a group II lock but it is a good one.  I have noticed that the dial works more like a locker lock that you may have had in high school.  I would suggest to elderly and impatient people to choose the keypad.  Its just easier to get in and out of….and if its easy, you will use it more.?

Tags: cobalt, fireproof home safe, Fireproof safe, sm-015
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Drop Safe SDS-01k and Depository Safe SDS-01c are the same safe with the difference being how they lock. Both Depository Safes have a B Rating which is important if I’m going to put my money in it.  Also have drill resistant hardplate in the door with 4 holes in the bottom for bolting to the foundation.  Don’t fear bolting down. Its easy and quick to do. I even have a paper on our homepage that tells how I do it.

The big difference is the “K” stands for keys and the “C” stands for Combo.  The key version is just like on a safety deposit box at the bank. It will require two keys. One called a manager key and one called the guard key. 

The safe comes with a mailbox type drop that is armed with anti fish baffle.  They look alot like shark teeth on the inside the safe.  Very good at catching people sticking a coat hanger with something sticky on the end and not letting it go.

These two drop safe models are one of the most popular sizes for drop safes in the industry.  They fit cash drawers very well and hold up against pry bar attacks and burglar attacks with all the endurance of the Everyready battery bunnie.

Most people don’t need one of these LaGard LP audit locks. But if you want to track who is coming in and out of your safe.  This might be the lock for you.  You will need a laptop computer to hook to the keypad and program individual combos into the lock. But once that is done you can track up to 512 events on the safe.  Made by 8 users and 1 manager. 

This is the next step in stoping internal theft or shrinkage.  You can download the information on the keypad at anytime to your laptop and find out who’s been coming and going and at what time of day.   I can’t say enough positive items on this Audit Lock.  It really is the next step for cash management.  You can even program into it a 1-99 minute delay in order to keep the safe from being opened quickly.  Thus slowing down the process of opening and discouraging any would be thieves. 

Runs on a 9 volt battery with easy acess to change the battery should it go dead.  Also external USB port for quick download of new combos and upload of events list. 

Unit also has a wrong try penalty in case someone wants to try random guessing on what the combo is on the keypad.  This forces it to go into lock out mode for 5 mins while it resets.  If the theif continues to try and break into it during this mode.  The lock will not reset only start the count down for 5 mins again everytime the lock is touched.  Great lock. Great for management and control.

Hi Folks, I have included the CDOJ standards below. Been having a lot of questions regarding this from callers so I thought it best be  put in the blog for Valuesafes.com If anyone gets more confused feel free to call me. If you have a gun safe and would like to know if it meets CDOJ standards feel free to email me as well with the model and make of your gun safe.  The year you bought the safe would be helpfull in some cases.  Thanks, Zack

Regulatory Gun Safe StandardsDOJ regulatory standards require a gun safe to meet either:
All of the following requirements:

B-RATE SAFES (ALSO U.L. RSC, RESIDENTIAL SECURITY CONTAINERS):

B-Rate is a catchall rating for essentially any box with a lock on it. The safe industry had an unwritten standard of ¼ inch body, ½ inch door. As steel prices (and shipping costs) increased manufacturers tried many things to reduce their costs. No tests are given to provide this rating. When buying a B-rate safe, look at things such as lock work, hard plates, and relocks.

U.L. Residential Security Container rating (RSC) - This UL rating is based on testing conducted for a net working time of five minutes, on all sides, with a range of tools. See U.L. TL-15 and TL-30 descriptions below for “net working time” description.

B/C-Rate Safes

This is a catchall rating for safes with at least a 1/4″ steel body, 1/2 inch door PLUS additional 10 or 12 guage metal layers where composite fire resistant material is also deployed. No tests are given to provide this rating. Look at the lock work, relocks and other features when making your decision.

C-Rate Safes

This is defined as a ½ inch thick steel box with a 1-inch thick door and a lock. As before, NO tests are given to provide this rating. Look at the lock work, relocks and other features when making your decision.