Home Safes

Home safes are secured boxes or containers that are used to provide protection for its contents from damage or theft. They are usually crafted out of a high-grade metal such as steel and typically provide a hinged door that can be opened by disengaging the lock. Most modern day safes have a locking mechanism that is opened by either a key or combination.

The first safes appeared in the early 19th century and were most often used in businesses such as banks or jewelers. These early safes were very large and heavy but provided unique protection for valuable items and documents against burglary. Safes that could protect against fire were created in the 1820s, but safes that could protect against major fires didn't arrive for another 20 years. During the 19th century, safes were standard in every office and often the most expensive piece of office equipment. From Lock and Key to Biometric Locks Early safes often made use of a key to unlock the lock but this was eventually eliminated as the keyhole was the most vulnerable part of the safe to burglars. The combination lock appeared in the 1860s and featured numbers around a revolving dial. Eventually, thieves discovered how to crack these locks and combination locks that made use of magnetic principals were eventually incorporated.

In the early 20th century safes were designed to be drill-proof and fireproof and the time lock was also incorporated. Modern safes are considered virtually indestructible and can be impossible to break open. In addition, modern surveillance equipment can augment the functionality and protection that a safe offers. Safes in all sizes are now used in homes and businesses alike and are relatively affordable compared to the early days of valuable protection.

Modern safes also provide additional protection for media and from water and humidity. Additional models can be found that control the climate inside for even more sensitive materials. Perhaps most impressive is that commercially available safes have locks with biometric fingerprint readers that are of the same quality used by the FBI and CIA.