# Recommendations for protective lockbox/safe? **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [February 18, 2021, 2:06am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839 "2021-02-18T02:06:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![politoed666](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/politoed666/32/251_2.png) [@politoed666](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/politoed666)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 2:06am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/1 "2021-02-18T02:06:13Z")
With prices what they are at this point, it’s become a paramount concern of mine to find a better way to store my most expensive stuff. I do not have a safe deposit box at a bank, nor is that a desirable option for a variety of reasons. I live in a pretty secure apartment building, so theft isn’t really a concern, but I want something that might protect my most valuable stuff in the event of a fire, burst pipe, etc. Doesn’t need to be huge… Just big enough to hold a couple booster boxes, maybe ~50 graded cards, and some deckboxes. However, most of the fireproof boxes I’ve found in my own shopping around are _quite_ tiny. Any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks in advance! ---
**Author:** ![profoax](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/profoax/32/1367_2.png) [@profoax](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/profoax)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 2:49am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/2 "2021-02-18T02:49:34Z")
That sounds actually fairly large compared to most home safes. They’re meant for jewelry, a bit of cash, etc, not stacks of cards. My Stack-On lockbox, a pretty standard size that you could find at home depot could fit maybe 4 booster boxes. You may be more interested in something like a gun safe with a few shelves inside. I don’t know if there are any fireproof gun safes though. And they’re quite heavy… I hope you live on the first floor. ---
**Author:** ![ultevolution](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/ultevolution/32/1406_2.png) [@ultevolution](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/ultevolution)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 4:53am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/3 "2021-02-18T04:53:37Z")
Ironically one of the main deterrents for people buying safes is the often the same thing that deters thieves. The bigger and heavier the better. If you carried it into your house what’s to stop somebody else from carrying it out? ---
**Author:** ![admiral](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/admiral/32/27289_2.png) [@admiral](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/admiral)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 5:00am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/4 "2021-02-18T05:00:19Z")
I got mine bolted down into concrete, nobody is moving that thing without a semitruck ---
**Author:** ![KingPokemon](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/kingpokemon/32/283_2.png) [@KingPokemon](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/KingPokemon)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 5:14am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/5 "2021-02-18T05:14:55Z")
A shovel along with several 100% water proof cases like the Renegade. No threat of theft or fire. If you are like a Scott or Zack you can use multiples and dig a bigger hole as shown below. ![](https://www.elitefourum.com/uploads/default/original/3X/e/c/ecd009550d25f03e599876b713f0fcfb9ef07129.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![nickofturl](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/nickofturl/32/211898_2.png) [@nickofturl](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/nickofturl)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2021, 10:43pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/6 "2021-02-19T22:43:02Z")
> [@KingPokemon](#): > > A shovel along with several 100% water proof cases like the Renegade. No threat of theft or fire. > > If you are like a Scott or Zack you can use multiples and dig a bigger hole as shown below. > > ![](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/e/c/ecd009550d25f03e599876b713f0fcfb9ef07129.jpeg) Does the threat of tree roots growing into your case not scare you though? ---
**Author:** ![lyleberr](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/lyleberr/32/156919_2.png) [@lyleberr](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/lyleberr)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2021, 11:27pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/7 "2021-02-19T23:27:17Z")
> [@nickofturl](#): > > > [@KingPokemon](#): > > > > A shovel along with several 100% water proof cases like the Renegade. No threat of theft or fire. > > > > If you are like a Scott or Zack you can use multiples and dig a bigger hole as shown below. > > > > ![](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/e/c/ecd009550d25f03e599876b713f0fcfb9ef07129.jpeg) > > Does the threat of tree roots growing into your case not scare you though? Dont do it, I tried it once and some gophers ate all my grass pokemon cards. @politoed666, I thought many home safes didnt protect against the fire/heat levels that would damage cards? ---
**Author:** ![pulpyfan](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/pulpyfan/32/779_2.png) [@pulpyfan](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/pulpyfan)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2021, 11:38pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/8 "2021-02-19T23:38:01Z")
E4 member’s guide: [www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-101-an-introduction-to-protecting-your-collection/20784/1](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-101-an-introduction-to-protecting-your-collection/20784/1) [www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-202-data-media-safes-and-what-they-accomplish/20872/1](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-202-data-media-safes-and-what-they-accomplish/20872/1) Something like this would be my recommendation: [www.nationwidesafes.com/strong-fire-resistant-safe-1935.html#description](https://www.nationwidesafes.com/strong-fire-resistant-safe-1935.html#description) ---
**Author:** ![shinycards](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/shinycards/32/1930_2.png) [@shinycards](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/shinycards)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2021, 12:39am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/9 "2021-02-20T00:39:10Z")
You can get “fireproof” lockboxes for under $100 but it’s not impossible to carry them away and won’t actually protect your slabs and booster plastics in a big fire (plastic warps and melts at only 150-200F or so which the inside temp will eventually reach). You can get fireproof safes which are better at protecting from both theft and heat but the only fully fireproof solution is to have a data rated safe which isn’t always ideal for an apartment because they are so big and heavy with little space inside. Probably best to compromise and look for something 100-120lbs and somewhat fireproof, (like digital media level rated to keep it under 248F) then hope there is never a fire or the fire brigade has time to put it out reasonably quickly. You can also put fireproof boards around the safe to help insulate it or have a fireproof case inside it ---
**Author:** ![pikazardcollector](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/pikazardcollector/32/1034_2.png) [@pikazardcollector](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/pikazardcollector)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2021, 1:13am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/10 "2021-02-20T01:13:15Z")
For super high end stuff the safety deposit box at the bank is the best for a peace of mind. ---
**Author:** ![nickofturl](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/nickofturl/32/211898_2.png) [@nickofturl](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/nickofturl)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2021, 2:38am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/11 "2021-02-20T02:38:00Z")
Since your just looking for fire/water protection and not worried about theft then this is your best in house solution in my opinion: [www.walmart.com/ip/SureSeal-By-FireKing-Fire-and-Waterproof-Chest-0-27-cu-ft-15-9w-x-12-4d-x-6-5h-Taupe/27076818?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222223018468490&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=s&wl2=m&wl3=10375035306&wl4=pla-1105723790267&wl12=27076818\_0&wl14=sureseal%20fireking&veh=sem&msclkid=d33bcf571c701c8a5ceaaf6768ce4d53](https://www.walmart.com/ip/SureSeal-By-FireKing-Fire-and-Waterproof-Chest-0-27-cu-ft-15-9w-x-12-4d-x-6-5h-Taupe/27076818?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222223018468490&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=s&wl2=m&wl3=10375035306&wl4=pla-1105723790267&wl12=27076818_0&wl14=sureseal%20fireking&veh=sem&msclkid=d33bcf571c701c8a5ceaaf6768ce4d53) There’s other sizes so I’d want to double check exactly how much you’re storing first. This inside a fireproof safe would be ideal. Keep in mind that things that have seal will have humidity so silica packets will do the trick. You can track the humidity level with a hydrometer connected through wifi to alert you if the levels get too high or low. ---
**Author:** ![politoed666](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/politoed666/32/251_2.png) [@politoed666](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/politoed666)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2021, 2:40am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/12 "2021-02-21T02:40:30Z")
> [@nickofturl](#): > > Since your just looking for fire/water protection and not worried about theft then this is your best in house solution in my opinion: [www.walmart.com/ip/SureSeal-By-FireKing-Fire-and-Waterproof-Chest-0-27-cu-ft-15-9w-x-12-4d-x-6-5h-Taupe/27076818?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222223018468490&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=s&wl2=m&wl3=10375035306&wl4=pla-1105723790267&wl12=27076818\_0&wl14=sureseal%20fireking&veh=sem&msclkid=d33bcf571c701c8a5ceaaf6768ce4d53](https://www.walmart.com/ip/SureSeal-By-FireKing-Fire-and-Waterproof-Chest-0-27-cu-ft-15-9w-x-12-4d-x-6-5h-Taupe/27076818?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222223018468490&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=s&wl2=m&wl3=10375035306&wl4=pla-1105723790267&wl12=27076818_0&wl14=sureseal%20fireking&veh=sem&msclkid=d33bcf571c701c8a5ceaaf6768ce4d53) > > There’s other sizes so I’d want to double check exactly how much you’re storing first. > > This inside a fireproof safe would be ideal. Keep in mind that things that have seal will have humidity so silica packets will do the trick. > > You can track the humidity level with a hydrometer connected through wifi to alert you if the levels get too high or low. This is a good suggestion; I’ll probably pick up one or two of these. I actually already hoard silica packets, so that’s accounted for. Thanks a bunch! ---
**Author:** ![KingPokemon](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/kingpokemon/32/283_2.png) [@KingPokemon](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/KingPokemon)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2021, 2:50am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/13 "2021-02-21T02:50:02Z")
> [@pulpyfan](#): > > E4 member’s guide: > > [www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-101-an-introduction-to-protecting-your-collection/20784/1](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-101-an-introduction-to-protecting-your-collection/20784/1) > [www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-202-data-media-safes-and-what-they-accomplish/20872/1](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-202-data-media-safes-and-what-they-accomplish/20872/1) > > Something like this would be my recommendation: > > [www.nationwidesafes.com/strong-fire-resistant-safe-1935.html#description](https://www.nationwidesafes.com/strong-fire-resistant-safe-1935.html#description) There’s much better safes than this one. Yours is a 1hour fire safe. You can get solid 2hr safes now. ---
**Author:** ![pulpyfan](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/pulpyfan/32/779_2.png) [@pulpyfan](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/pulpyfan)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2021, 2:23pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/14 "2021-02-21T14:23:30Z")
> [@KingPokemon](#): > > > [@pulpyfan](#): > > > > E4 member’s guide: > > > > [www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-101-an-introduction-to-protecting-your-collection/20784/1](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-101-an-introduction-to-protecting-your-collection/20784/1) > > [www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-202-data-media-safes-and-what-they-accomplish/20872/1](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/safes-202-data-media-safes-and-what-they-accomplish/20872/1) > > > > Something like this would be my recommendation: > > > > [www.nationwidesafes.com/strong-fire-resistant-safe-1935.html#description](https://www.nationwidesafes.com/strong-fire-resistant-safe-1935.html#description) > > There’s much better safes than this one. Yours is a 1hour fire safe. You can get solid 2hr safes now. Got a link to a recommendation? ---
**Author:** ![dragonroll](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/dragonroll/32/381_2.png) [@dragonroll](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/dragonroll)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2021, 3:39pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/15 "2021-02-21T15:39:35Z")
Bought this a while back after my better half complained about valuable cards being scattered all over the office floor: [www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074KHWNJZ/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074KHWNJZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Don’t recall paying $305 though. Perhaps many are looking these days? 😊 This fits about 18 PSA boxes with ~20 cards each … Definitely has made a difference to my office floor. Now if the house burns down, I have bigger priorities than saving cards … ---
**Author:** ![voltagic](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/voltagic/32/1140_2.png) [@voltagic](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/voltagic)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2021, 5:19pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/recommendations-for-protective-lockbox-safe/31839/16 "2021-02-21T17:19:54Z")
Relevant post for this thread: [www.elitefourum.com/t/so-desiccant-packs-are-not-enough-to-stop-moisture-damage/23549/1](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/so-desiccant-packs-are-not-enough-to-stop-moisture-damage/23549/1) I recently drove quite far for a local deal regarding a few Shadowless cards. Upon inspecting the cards before purchase, they appeared to not be entirely “straight”. It’s hard to describe, but it wasn’t the typical curve/bend you see regularly on WOTC holos, but rather a wavey look. The card went up, then down again, then up again. It wasn’t quite as bad as the card in the thread linked above, but it was enough for me to pass up on the cards. The dude was using one of those black airproof cases. After looking into the topic a bit more I found the thread I linked, that’s the main reason I can imagine why his cards had this. Not trying to make you panic, but just wanted to share this since there’s more that comes to it, it seems. I don’t have a lot of storage experience myself, but it clearly doesn’t come down to “throw in a safe and forget about them for years and they will be fine”.