Adding a Shelf To Safe

[Black Sunshine]

I'm looking for input on how to mount a shelf inside a safe. This safe has a fire rating, so I'm thinking it's lined with sheet rock, but really do not know for sure? If any of you have experience doing this I'd like recommendations on how to mount brackets.

 

[Lobo2087]

Rather than brackets and altering the safe maybe cut 4 furring strips to the height you want, place them in corners and put shelf on top?

 

[Black Sunshine]

Rather than brackets and altering the safe maybe cut 4 furring strips to the height you want, place them in corners and put shelf on top?

That's an option I hadn't considered. I'll keep it in mind.

 

[QuietM4]

Depends on what you want to put on the shelf...in terms on weight. I've seen people use very strong 50-100lb magnets, 2 on each side plus maybe one on the back, to support a shelf. If you were just placing a couple of pistols on the shelf, that would work.

The 1x2 firing strip idea has worked for me in the past.

 

[Dogslayer]

I tried posting a picture from the inside of my Fort Knox safe. After a couple tries I think the image is to large for this forum.

 

[iammaxwell]

Haven't looked at safes in a while but from past research Fort Knox uses fire board (sheet rock) of varying thickness depending on safe's rating. IIRC.

I agree an idea of how much weight you plan to put on it makes a difference in how I would do it

 

[Black Sunshine]

The load on the shelf would be relatively light...I'm estimating 30 lbs max. Not intended for ammo. The main reason for the addition is to add some rifle rods, but also need to move some other stuff up on top of the shelf.

So if it's sheet rock, I'll just go with wall anchors of appropriate size. Sound about right?

 

[iammaxwell]

That's probably the route I would go. The firring strips would work too, but take up some internal volume.

The magnets is an interesting idea, but don't think it'll work in your case; unless your safe as an internal steel liner. Pretty sure Fort Knox doesnt do that. Its the external steel shell, then layers of fire board covered with carpet on the inside.

 

[Black Sunshine]

No steel liner...mine's pretty much like what you describe with Fort Knox.

 

[iammaxwell]

Yeah, I think just the standard expanding drywall anchor. Not the screw-in or butterfly type, since its solid and not hollow like your house wall.