Are those fireproof boxes/safes from Walmart any good?

[StageLeft]

$17 buys a basic fireproof box. I know it won't stand up to an inferno, but for storing stuff like passports and a dvd or two, are they worth using? I see also that for maybe $50 you can buy a safe that will drill directly into the floor. Is that difficult to do? Is it secure? Is it a bad idea? A safety deposit box is too inconvenient, so I need something to use at home...

 

[OS]

I've wondered that too. I'll pitch in $10 for you to buy one, drop it in a drum of gasoline, and set on fire for test purposes. 😀

 

[pyonir]

I have one from Sentry and it is pretty durable...supposedly tested. I think they run about $50.

edit: One of these

 

[TheNinja]

Read the ratings on the box. I saw something similar at Targer. It said something to the effect of "Can withstand temperatures up to XXX degrees for 30 minutes". Another said, "Can withstand temperatures up to XXX+100 degrees for 1 hour". So it's not like those cheapo things can survive a huge house fire that goes on for a while but it will protect them for 30-60 minutes I believe.

Sorry don't know what xxx degrees it was and even if I did, I have no idea how hot a fire gets anyway.

 

[bradruth]

I have one that I use for my .45. I keep my Glock (when not in use) in a Brinks security safe.

 

[waggy]

i have one. but you do have to read the rateings.

the one i have was $49 and its also watertight and is gurenteed to withstand a house fire.

 

[vegetation]

I got a waterproof version which I think is a pretty important feature if your house catches fire (think about it).

 

[StageLeft]

I was thinking about the waterproof one, but I guess you only need that if the thing falls upside down or happens to find itself in a huge pool of water from the firemen. I wonder if there are any testimonials from owners of these who've undergone a house fire or something? I am definitely gonna pick one up though.

Any idea on what it means in regards to withstanding fire? By this I mean obviously even if the box "withstands" the fire properly, it's still getting fairly warm inside the casing. I wonder if it would damage a DVD, or if it's mean as a protection against things like paper instead?

Protected by the complete seal and the Survivacast insulation, the interior of the Fire-Safe® chest or file remains safely under 350°F - well below the 450°F charring point of paper, during the fire duration noted.

I wonder what a temp a DVD/CD starts to fall apart?

testimonials!

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: vegetation
I got a waterproof version which I think is a pretty important feature if your house catches fire (think about it).

heh i have seen a house fire first hand (house next door caught on fire about a 6 years ago). the house was flooded with water.

 

[Xionide]

Originally posted by: pyonir
I have one from Sentry and it is pretty durable...supposedly tested. I think they run about $50.

edit: One of these

I have the same one!

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: Xionide

Originally posted by: pyonir
I have one from Sentry and it is pretty durable...supposedly tested. I think they run about $50.

edit: One of these

I have the same one!

*checks closet*

Nuh uh. You have one LIKE it though.

😛

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: pyonir

Originally posted by: Xionide

Originally posted by: pyonir
I have one from Sentry and it is pretty durable...supposedly tested. I think they run about $50.

edit: One of these

I have the same one!

*checks closet*

Nuh uh. You have one LIKE it though.

😛

heh i have the same one! heavy little beast. but fits almost everything we need in it. though we are thinking of getting a deposit box.

 

[StageLeft]

So has anybody got any ideas as to whether these would secure optical media? Ah, I find a link