Whether you own a collection of firearms or just one that you keep for protection, a quality gun safe is a valuable investment to make. It will help prevent your firearms from ending up in the wrong hands and protect them from damage. However, to get optimal use out of a safe, you must choose one that suitably fits your needs and practice proper maintenance with it. Here are a few tips to ensure you get long-lasting safety and security from your purchase.

Gun Selection & Maintenance Tips 

1. Make Sure There’s Sufficient Space

Although you may only have a single gun, this doesn’t automatically mean you should opt for the smallest safe. Buy a size that will allow you to store all the firearms you own or may acquire in the future along with ammunition, accessories, and other valuables. Consider getting one that’s a little bigger than you currently need to ensure there’s sufficient space for the long term. 

2. Consider Vulnerability to Damage & Theft

Since the goal of a gun safe is to keep its contents secure, look for one that has adequate ratings for strength and durability, as well as fire and water resistance. A heavier safe will be challenging to steal, and those made from thicker steel will be more difficult to drill through. Ideally, a safe should hold up in a fire for at least an hour. 

3. Don’t Store It in High-Moisture Areas

When deciding where to store your new gun safe, stay away from areas that tend to draw in dampness and humidity, such as the basement, attic, or garage. If moisture gets trapped inside the safe, it will eventually cause your firearms to rust. If your residence has an issue with high humidity, a dehumidifier will remove moisture from the air. 

4. Clean & Oil It Regularly 

Gun safes should be cleaned once a month to eliminate dust and dirt that has settled on its exterior. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the safe, taking care not to rub harshly to avoid scratching the finish. Oiling the locks, bolts, and handles is also important. This will keep everything functioning smoothly. 

5. Have the Lock Serviced Often 

The lock on your safe should be professionally serviced once a year. Over time, it can become worn or dirty, causing the mechanism to fail. If this is the case, the safe will have to be broken into manually. Scheduling services from a  locksmith will prevent your safe from having to be drilled open and the lock replaced. 

 

To keep your gun safe lock in working order, turn to the trained technicians at Central Safe & Lock in Fairfield, OH. Offering more than two decades of locksmith experience, they have provided numerous residents across the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas and throughout Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana with superior security solutions. They will also assist you with any repairs or combination changes that your safe may need. Call (513) 884-1870 to schedule an appointment or visit them online for more information on their available services.