Open Up: The Fascinating World Of Locks, Keys And Safes

8 Mistakes to Avoid When a Buying a Second-Hand Safe

12 July 2017

Lumi Perala

Storing your birth certificates, bonds, power of attorney, share bonds, will, and backups to other vital documents in a filing cabinet are one of the greatest mistakes you could ever make. Such critical belongings should be stored somewhere safe where only you or a person you trust can retrieve them. Safes are therefore your best bet if you want to keep such items secure from damage or theft. However, if buying a new safe is an expensive affair for you, second-hand safes could still serve the same purpose. That being said, you need to be careful when buying second-hand safes to ensure value for money and functionality. The following are things to avoid:

Buying Online -- Today, it is possible to buy just about anything online due to the convenience that comes with such purchases. Despite the numerous advantages of making purchases over the internet, you should never buy a second-hand safe that is listed on an online store. The reason is that when it comes to second-hand safes, you want to ensure that what you are buying is what you are getting. Additionally, since you include your address when shopping online, the seller might track you down and gain access to your safe if they were a crook. Meeting in person is considered best practice because you get an opportunity to examine the product physically for any defects.

Consulting Unlicensed Locksmith -- When buying a second-hand safe, you need to ascertain whether the locking mechanism is in tiptop working condition. Since second-hand safes have had previous owners, the locking mechanism might have faults that an untrained eye might not notice. The fact that you are not an expert in matters to do with safes is the reason you should employ the services of a licensed locksmith. As you meet the seller, take along the licensed specialist to examine the safe's locking mechanism and offer recommendations.

Keeping Same Keys -- When you buy a second-hand safe, it is more than likely that the seller will issue you the safe's set of keys that the previous user was using. While you can opt to ask the seller for every set of key to the safe, you cannot be sure that they have not already made copies. Therefore, after buying a used safe, make sure that you change the locks immediately and get a new set of keys. You would not need to worry about the seller tracking you down and using any copies they made to access your valuables.

For more information, contact a business such as Askwith Company.

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