Know How it Works: The Mechanics of a Safe

Last updated 2 years ago

A gun safe allows you to have access control of your valuable and powerful possessions, like your financial information, expensive jewelry, and your guns. A gun safe works well because it combines basic principles with advanced technology.

Here's an overview of how the mechanics of a gun safe work.

Combination Safes: The correct combination will “pick up the wheels”of your combination safe when you spin the lock to the exact numbers. This expression is used to summarize the action of the drive pin causing the wheels and notches to line up perfectly. Only when this happens are you able to open the safe.

Components: Obviously, there are more components to a gun safe than just the wheels and notches. Here's a closer look at all of the components of the wheel pack, or the system of the safe that remembers your combination.

Drive pin
Fence
Wheel notch
Spindle
Combination dial
Wheel fly
Drive cam

While the principles of the combination safe are simple, the complex coordination between all of these components prevents your gun safe from opening for anyone.

Construction: In addition to the combination technology, the construction of a gun safe also factors in every possible security issue. For example,

Solid welded beams are used to strengthen the seams.
U-channel rods prevent prying attacks.
Heavy-duty hinges allow for long-term alignment.
Thick steel is used to deter a variety of attacks and destruction methods.
A hard plate is designed to prevent a drilling attack.

At Steelwater Gun Safe, we have the best gun safes available at the most affordable prices. If you'd like to see our selection of quality gun safes, then visit our website today or call us at 803-349-3038. We ship all across the country, so call us if you’re in the market for a new gun safe.