Posted: 4/10/2005 8:44:54 AM EDT
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Got my new liberty safe and moved the heavy &^%$#$ into its final resting place. I now want to anchor it into the slab and need mounting suggestions. What are the best type screws (length, width, type, etc..) to use to accomplish this? I will need to go through the carpet, padding and then into the slab. Should one pre-drill the hole and use those plastic inserts or just use straight concrete screws? Any help will be greatly appreciated. ASO544 |
Yep. One tip: Drill the hole for the anchor DEEPER THAN NEEDED. Once those anchors are in, they're in and will not come out for anything. If you ever have to move your safe, you'll be able to remove the nut, and pound the threaded post down into the hole, then remove your safe. Otherwise you'll have to lift your safe over the threaded post. |
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Your local hardware store can probably set you up with some lead or plastic concrete anchors and the appropriate lag bolts and drill diameters. Use "Grade 8" hardened bolts whenever possible and the biggest diameter that will accomidate the holes pre-drilled in the bottom of your safe. My safe came with a paper sheet drill template and instructions. |
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I guess chipping out the concrete and pouring a new slab is out of the question? In my basement I chipped out a 4 foot square, dug some dirt out, drilled some holes inside around the remaining concrete, inserted rebar, then set some light pole anchors in place. I got the anchors from work, they are what you put into the round concrete base of one of those huge light poles you see in parking lots, they are just long rods that are threaded on one end and bent into an "L" shape on the other. Then I mixed and poured concrete. After it cured I dropped the safe on it and used the matchng nuts that I got with the anchors to hold it down. It ain't going anywhere  Of course I can bring a demo saw home from work and cut the concrete around it or just cut the safe in half, but don't tell anyone 
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| They make wedge anchors in nut configuration so that you drop them in and then thread a bolt down into the them to tighten them into place. We use them for earthquake mounting and run thread rod down into them and up to the equipment or equipment rack we're protecting. |
That or Red Heads, either one will work. |
Red Heads are teh shet! I'm using them right now for a "home improvement" project.
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I was told it was wise to at least have a 4-6 inch pedestal poured above the concrete floor and then attach the safe (basement of course). The reason for this was in the event of a fire or a burst water pipe, you do not want your safe getting water inside it. Makes sense to me, especially after seeing what happened to a friend of mines basement after a water line froze and burst one winter. |
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This safe is going in my office closet and not in the basement (don't have one)......now I kinda wish I had a basement! Luckily it fit in the large walk in closet so it is nice and tucked away. I just want to have the extra security of it being mounted to the slab. Sadly, I am mechanically/construction declined. I have a brother in-law who is a contractor and can do what needs to be done, but I felt it would be wise to get AR15.com opinions on how they anchored their safes. ASO544 |
Kharn |
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Best solution is the wedge anchors. Again, be sure to put the holes thru the slab so that you can tap them out when you need to move the safe. Another option would be pre-cut all thread and injection epoxy adhesive. There are some great products like this on the market but once they are set you will have a hard time getting them out. I would again suggest the wedge anchors for this reason. If you are concerned about the bottom edge of the safe (as suggested in another post) , instead of pouring a curb around the safe....you could fire caulk around the bottom. I personally don't think its neccesary but YMMV.....good Luck |