Customer Reviews

Sentry F3300 Fire-Safe Waterproof File, Letter/Lgl, Steel, 18-1/2 by 21-1/4 by 15-1/8, Charcoal

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This is a very heavy unit. The shipping weight is about 90 pounds. It is hard to open, but the reason for that is the interior waterproof rubber gasket. So, not only fireproof, but waterproof too! Mine is in my basement, and I felt that if I ever had a fire, the basement would be flooded by the fire department - so best to get waterproof. It's got a large inside compartment - which is what I also wanted. I have one, and I am getting a 2nd one one as I like the security and protection (even if it is heavy and a bit of a challenge to open). I found a trick to opening these... just sit on it and that compresses the interior rubber gasket, and then you can get it open just fine.

I have had this item for about 9 months and I have to say that I am very glad that I got it. I store data in it on DVDs primarily, and it has brought peace of mind.

Mostly I got this particular safe because it has 1-hour fire protection and is waterproof as well. The vast majority of other safes offer half-hour protection, and for the price, this is about as good as you can get.

Some things to consider:

--This safe is incredibly heavy, around 100 pounds. It's bulky as well. It's not something you will probably sit on a shelf, more likely the floor.

--But the space inside is quite large. I have found that I should be able to fit around 800 CDs/DVDs inside it. And it has space on the side for a hanging folder as well.

--The lock can be rather clunky and could have been built better, not a major concern for me as my primary concern is fire safety. It is fair to mention that some people have complained that they could not get the lock to open and had to call the company for help. When I first got it, the lock was difficult to open and I had to put a lot of pressure on the top while pushing up on the latch. NOT recommended for an elderly person who is not able to do this properly. Now the safe opens easier.

I recommend it.

I'm so glad I purchased this item. It is heavy, so if you're not getting free shipping, you might want to get it at a store. I didn't have much trouble opening it. You have to push down on the top while you push up on the latch under the handle. Now my important documents are safe from fire and water. If anything ever happens, someone will not have to search through random boxes or my file cabinet to find the most important stuff. It's got a after-fire replacement warranty and it looks like you can get replacement keys easily.

Since we got married (a year ago), my wife and I have wanted to consolidate and organize our papers and items into one large safe (verses the 3 small ones we had). This safe provided plenty of room for file folders and additional items. It is very heavy (a theft deterent in my opinion). Funny enough, it comes with opening instructions attached to the latch. It says to apply pressure to the top and press the latch simultaneously to open. (This is because of a rubber gasket on the interior to help keep the water out) This safe has a 1 hour rating verses the 1/2 hour rated Sentry H3300 (yet that one costs more and has slightly better reviews) In my opinion this F3300 is the better buy, but to each his/her own. Overall, I am happy with my purchase.

Pros:

1 hour protection for papers, electronic devices, discs, flash drives, ect...
Very spaciacious interior
Tubular key (heavier duty then some of the other flimsy safe keys I have delt with)
Heavy: theft deterent

Cons:

Heavy: Hard to move around
Lid can be difficult to open on occasion (the trick is to remember to apply pressure to the lid.)

WARNING: this safe accepts hanging folders of sizes letter and A4. It does NOT support legal size like the product titlecsays. This is incorrect. There is a bar inside that can be adjusted but only up to letter. The safe is physically not long or wide enough to hold a legal hanging folder

Other than this the safe is very nice.

PROS
1. Heavy safe! A thief is not likely to walk off with it.
2. Substantially sized interior accomodates lots of files/items, including legal-sized documents
3. Secure locking mechanism
4. Opens easily if you read the instructions and push down slightly before lifting up the handle, and push down again when closing

CONS
1. The weight of the safe makes it hard to move by yourself. Not a big deal if you plan to keep it in one place.

This is a great deal. It is large and solid - also heavy. Looks like it would protect anything from a fire or flood. Is also not unattractive so it can be in the house and not be an eyesore. I recommend it.

Excellent product! I'm glad I purchased it. Helps me keep all my important documents in one safe place.

This safe had such mixed reviews but for the price and size I thought it to be worth a try... I have had zero problems with it. It is easy to open and has plenty of room inside.

I purchased this safe 3 years ago. After having it only a couple months, I couldn't open it. It wouldn't budge. After hours on the phone with customer service, they said they'd send me a new one. I got the new one and it was broken on arrival. So, they sent me another one. Again, after only a short time the safe wouldn't open. If I did get it open through pullings, prying, blood, sweat and tears...after I shut it, it wouldn't open again. I talked with customer service and they said that thsi safe does that and you're supposed to open it frequently and leave it open for a time to prevent the seal from sticking! What good is a safe like that? They told me they'd replace it again, but I'm through with this. I'm going to get a different one. DON"T BUY THIS SAFE!! All I'm left to show for this is sore arms and 3 safes that I have to cart to the dumpster.