Tips for buying a used safe

Having a safe in your home can give you extra peace of mind and better security for cash, jewelry, guns and important documents.

These items should never just be tucked in drawers or left where they can easily be taken. If you’re looking for a safe to protect your essentials, you may have noticed that buying a new one is rather pricey.

That’s why you may want to consider buying a used safe. It can provide you with the same protection for less. However, you should always exercise caution when choosing to buy a second-hand safe.

What to know about buying used safes

A second-hand safe is a great way to cut down on costs, but only if you buy from the right licensed retailer. A professional will be able to thoroughly inspect the safe prior to putting it up for resale and make sure it will provide the level of protection you desire.

Used safes for sale will still provide you with plenty of protection for your valuables. The benefit of buying it from someone that is licensed will ensure that if you lose the key or forget the combination, they can help you open it up again.

Buying a used safe is still an investment though, so you should know what you’re buying. These tips can help you choose the right used safe to meet your needs.

Consider the age of the safe

While a safe may be a safe, your desired level of security may not be adequately met through an older model. If you want the latest safety features, you will want to look for newer styles of safes.

The older ones can be effective too, and even basic safes can meet your needs. However, if state-of-the-art is what you’re after, you may want to invest in a new safe. 

Check the condition

Most safes don’t wear down, at least on the body portion of it. You may look at a used safe and see the main structure is intact. However, it’s those intricate working parts that may have experienced some decline over the years. Make sure that the locking mechanism and any other moving parts are thoroughly inspected. You don’t want to buy a used safe only for it to not be able to keep your belongings properly secured. 

Find out about the previous owner

If you can, find out more about the previous owner of the used safe you’re considering buying. Buying from an authorized retailer may mean this information is confidential, but you may still be able to find out more about its condition and why it was sold. The previous owner may have simply chosen to upgrade to a safe with newer technology.

From a private seller, you may run into used safes that are being sold because of an attempted or successful break-in. You won’t find this problem with a licensed retailer who will make sure your safe is nothing short of safe the second time around.