Customer Reviews

SentrySafe 500 FIRE-SAFE Box, 0.15 Cubic Feet, Black

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I picked this up for a pretty good price and was pleasantly surprised to see it said Made in the USA when I got it, cool. It's big enough to hold some of my papers, data discs of family photos and a couple other things. It gives me real peace of mind whenever I leave the house that even if the worst happens I'll still have some of my most important stuff. They even offer a replacement program where they replace it for free if it does ever serve it's purpose and melt down protecting your stuff!

From their website, it will protect USB drives, CDs, DVDs, memory sticks, etc. from an average fire. I think it protects pictures adequately, but it won't protect floppies or negatives. It's maximum internal temperature should only get to about 350F, so theoretically anything that could survive a half hour in that should make it.

If you want to store things like tax records or have flood risks, don't get this; go get their hanging folder unit that's also waterproof. Another important thing to remember, this unit promises "privacy" not security, so if you need to keep stuff secure this isn't for that. You can order replacement keys for it, I think for $12, so if your kid wanted a peak or someone steals it, no protection.

There's not too much to say about functions, the only moving parts are the key slot (two keys included) and the lid which functions in both the super exciting open position and the somewhat less exciting, but equally necessary closed position. Let the good times roll!

The *only* reasons I give it 4 instead of 5 stars is the locking mechanism is a tad cheesy, though functional, and it's not wide enough to place an 8x10 piece of paper in without folding it. I'd still recommend this unit highly. It's not much money for a 1x security investment.

Overall I'd rate this box two stars, because it is indeed a box. It has an interior space you can put things in. And that's about all it has going for it. It seems to be 100% plastic, with a foam insulation in between the layers that has water content in it, which is designed to help protect the stuff inside from fire. The lock is hardly a lock at all. They should have just some sort of clasp or hasp, and give you the option of putting your own small padlock on it. As it is, the lock is just a step up from a child's diary.

Also, the manufacturing process evidently leaves something to be desired. I received a defective item. The lock mechanism was never fully assembled at the factory. The inside part of the lock was never attached to the lid, and I can tell because of the plastic tab left over from the molding process that was still connected in the spot where the lock part should have been. I tried to attach it, but there doesn't seem to be a way to do it at home. Seems someone, or some robot, just threw it in the box and sent it off anyway.

Can't someone make a decent lock box that offers a little fire protection and just a little bit of security? I'm not in the market for a real safe, just something that offers more security than a screwdriver or a paperclip can defeat. The product I want doesn't seem to exist.

And there is more room inside than I thought there would be from looking at the picture. One suggestion to would-be users: Store your booty in a ziplock bag with a little dessicant to avoid dampness from inside condensation or outside water intrusions.

This model has just enough space to keep a portable hard drive and some other documents, such as passport and other similar items. The box construction feels a bit on the cheap side. Also, it is hard to tell if the box will truly protect the contents within it during a fire - the main purpose I bought it for, but it is clear it would only keep a child from opening it forcibly. The lock is similar to that of a small file cabinet lock or mail box lock, not really strong at all. On the plus side, the box is small enough to fit under many of our furniture at home and it works good as a place to have a data back up.

The SentrySafe fireproof box is solid. It came with two keys and locks up just fine. The space inside is just right for envelopes or other small items. Lifting and carrying it is a two handed project. I like the size but a handle would have made it a perfect safe box. Without the handle the box can fit into more spaces for storage. It is a strong solid box.

How do you really know a safe works unless you've had a fire? Thank God that hasn't happened to us. This safe is small and functional. Only has room for paper and maybe some jewelry. I've got my passport, car title, birth certificates etc inside. Based on an earlier review I put everything in a ziplock bag in case of too much water damage.

Two small keys accompany it, I've just got to remember where I've put them.

Great safe for document and small items, great price... exactly what I was looking for. Haven't tested the fire-proof claim yet (knock on wood)but happy so far

My wife and I got this unit to cover the basic must have documents/keep sakes: birth certificate, passports, wedding photo DVDs, SS cards, car title. Although you can't fit a 8.5x11" sheet in there, most of these items are foldable or small enough to fit. It's great that they rate it to protect flash keys/DVDs for up to 30 minutes in heat. Also, opening hinge is 3" up, so despite not being waterproof, if you store on the floor even apartment sprinklers would hopefully not get in.

This product is great if you have items you need safe. It's the perfect size for documents and small valuables. It not only protects from fire but if you want to feel a little more secure about your valuables its perfect. Also great if you like me spend hours looking for documents when you really need them.

Just what I was looking for. Not a heavy duty safe, but I didn't want that anyway. It's a solid little box that will protect valuables from fire damage. Probably can be broken into easily enough with some elbow grease. But I haven't tried, so don't really know. I think I got a great deal for the money!