How to Transform a Closet Into a Safe

When you need a secure place to store important documents or other valuables, turn a closet in your home into a safe. While you won't have the same impenetrable space that a pre-made, cast iron safe will give, the closet will function nicely as a vault that will deter most common burglars and uninvited guests. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ½-inch plywood
• Solid core metal door
• Commercial hinges
• Hammer
• Hex-head screws
• Nails
• Saw
• Deadbolt lock
• 1 ½-inch aluminum striping

1. Line the inside of the closet with the plywood. The regular sheet rock doesn't provide a barrier against intruders since it can easily be broken or kicked in. The plywood will present a solid wall.

2. Remove the old door and replace with the solid core metal door, drilling a third set of holes in the center of the hinge side and installing another hinge. Remove the other 2 hinges and put the heavier ones on, using the hex-head screws to prevent removal from the outside. Preferably, install the hinges on the inside of the closet if there is room to open the door in that direction.

3. Install the deadbolt. Choose a single-keyed lock for the exterior and install a knob on the interior. This provides security from intruders while giving you an emergency exit, should it become necessary.

4. Attach a strip of aluminum alongside the door, on either side to cover the narrow gap between the frame and the plywood for extra security. Use the hex-head screws to keep even a determined burglar from getting them out.

Tips & Warnings

• Make 2 or 3 extra keys to your closet safe and store them in different secure places.
• Remote-controlled and keypad deadbolts are available if you want extra convenience when opening your closet/safe.