How to install a wall safe
We don’t install wall safes ourselves but we thought we would provide this handy guide on how it’s done.
Installing wall safes that are the equivalent of UK house brick sizes is a fairly involved process and there are points to consider.
The size of the safe you can install is restricted by the thickness of the walls.
A solid wall must be at least 9 inches thick, or it may be fitted in an 11 inch cavity wall.
It is quite likely that the only walls of sufficient thickness will be outside walls.
Chimney breasts (that are no longer used for a fire) are also potential locations for a wall safe.
Remember also that building blocks do not provide a secure fixing, and that safes should be installed away from 'weak spots' such as the edge of a wall.
(you should consult a qualified builder or surveyor to confirm the advice in this guide)
Taking into account the above advice, select a suitable site for your wall safe.
Ideally it should be hidden, but also positioned where limited space would make it difficult to attack.
Make sure there are no wires running where the safe is to be installed.
Mark the required position of the safe with a pen or pencil.
The next step is to drill a small hole through the wall.
This will indicate whether or not the wall is of sufficient thickness for the installation of the safe.
The hole in the wall must be an inch bigger on all sides than the actual safe.
Drill a hole in each corner and use a hammer and chisel to remove the plaster.
A tip from the experts at London & Home Counties Safes - spraying the opening with plenty of water keeps dust down to a minimum.
Use a drill to weaken the bricks so they can be removed more easily.
An alternative method is to drill rows of holes all the way round so the block falls out more or less in one piece.
Take care to ensure that rubble does not fall down the cavity as this can lead to problems with damp.
Line the cavity with newspaper to prevent this.
Remove as much dust as possible, and wet the wall thoroughly to ensure that the mortar will stick.
Check the fit of the safe and then mix up some sharp sand, cement and Grano dust (one part cement to three parts sand and grano dust) to secure it.
Grano dust is available from builders' merchants and will make the mortar much harder.
Lay a neat pile of mortar at the bottom of the and place the safehole on top with a wedge positioned underneath.
Use a piece of wood or a spirit level to make sure it straight.
Tape up the side of the safe to protect the hinges, and cement it in place, pushing the mortar well back.
For a smooth finish cut back the mortar and cover it with a layer of plaster or smooth cement.
With installation complete, our Securikey wall safe in four-brick size provides ample room for the safekeeping of passports, legal documents and items of jewellery.