Categories: Locks

Do Safes Need to Be Bolted Down?

If you’re buying a safe on the Gold Coast, a common question is whether it needs to be bolted down. In most cases, yes — bolting a safe down is strongly recommended and, for some uses, essential for both security and compliance.


Do safes need to be bolted down?

In most situations, safes should be bolted down to prevent them being removed or tipped over. Even heavy safes can be vulnerable if they’re not anchored properly, as thieves often attempt to remove the entire safe rather than force it open on site.

Bolting a safe down significantly increases its resistance to theft and makes it much harder to attack.


Why bolting a safe down improves security

Safes that aren’t bolted down can be:

  • lifted or carried away
  • tipped onto their back to attack the door or locking mechanism
  • removed from the property and opened later

Bolting a safe to a solid surface, such as a concrete floor or structural wall, prevents these methods and forces an attacker to try to defeat the safe where it stands.


Do all safes need to be bolted down?

Not all safes require bolting in every situation, but many do.

Bolting is especially important for:

  • smaller or medium-sized safes
  • home safes storing valuables
  • firearm safes (often required by law)
  • safes in accessible or visible locations

Very large or extremely heavy safes may rely more on weight and placement, but even these often benefit from being anchored.


In some cases, yes.

Bolting down may be required:

  • to comply with firearm storage regulations
  • to meet insurance conditions
  • to satisfy workplace or commercial security requirements

A locksmith or safe specialist can advise whether bolting is required for your specific use and help ensure compliance.


Where should a safe be bolted?

Safes are commonly bolted to:

  • concrete floors
  • reinforced slabs
  • structural walls

The location should be chosen to balance security, accessibility, and discretion. Poor anchoring or bolting into weak materials can compromise the effectiveness of the safe.


Can bolting be done during installation?

Yes.

Professional safe installation usually includes:

  • assessing the installation surface
  • drilling and anchoring the safe correctly
  • ensuring the safe remains level and functional

Proper installation ensures the safe performs as intended and avoids damage to the safe or surrounding structure.


What happens if a safe can’t be bolted down?

If bolting isn’t possible due to the building structure, alternatives may include:

  • relocating the safe to a more suitable position
  • using heavier or larger safes
  • installing additional physical security around the safe

A professional installer will explain the options rather than leaving the safe unsecured.


Learn more about Safes

To explore safe installation options, anchoring requirements, and suitable models, visit:
https://gcsafes.com.au/


Need help right now?

If you need advice on safe installation or want to ensure your safe is correctly bolted down, contact Terry’s Locksmiths here:
https://tlslocks.com.au/contact-us/

Jim Noort

Recent Posts

Rekeying vs Changing Locks – What You Actually Need After a Change of Tenancy

When tenants move out or ownership changes hands, one of the first questions property owners…

1 month ago

Are Safes Waterproof or Water Resistant?

If you’re considering a safe on the Gold Coast, you may be wondering whether safes…

2 months ago

Are Safes Insured and What Do Insurers Require?

If you’re buying a safe on the Gold Coast, it’s common to ask whether the…

2 months ago

Do Safes Need Professional Installation?

If you’re buying a safe on the Gold Coast, a common question is whether professional…

2 months ago

Are Safes Fireproof or Fire Resistant?

If you’re looking at buying a safe on the Gold Coast, you may see terms…

2 months ago

What Is a Safe and How Does It Work?

If you’re thinking about protecting valuables, documents, or firearms on the Gold Coast, you may…

2 months ago