How to Build Hidden Compartment Safes

The advantage of a hidden compartment safe is that it doesn't look like a safe.

Burglars want to be in and out of their crime scene as quickly as possible, so they usually look for valuables in all the usual places. Hidden compartment safes provide convenience ways to safeguard valuables. Just don't leave them out in plain view where the they draw attention attention. Hidden compartment safes are fairly easy and inexpensive to make, some for as little as $10.

Things You'll Need

• Book
• Box cutter
• Glue gun or glue and brush
• Aerosol can
• Screw top jar
• Can opener
• Flathead screwdriver
• Hammer
• Keyhole saw

Instructions

1. Convert a hardback book into a simple book safe. The hidden compartment will be about 1/3 smaller than the book, so choose the size accordingly. Turn about 20 pages in and mark a rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Cut a few pages at a time along the edges of the rectangle with a box cutter. Place something hard over the last 20 pages to make sure they are not cut through. Glue the pages together individually with glue and brush or a glue gun

2. Create a hidden vault by cutting an aerosol can and hiding a screw top jar inside it. Make sure the can is empty by continuing to press on the nozzle for about 1 minute after it seems empty. Open the base with a can opener, remove, and set aside. Pull out the feeder tube and clean the interior of the can thoroughly. Find a screw top glass jar that fits snugly inside. Glue the lid of this jar to the inside of the base of the can. After it sets, screw the jar back onto the lid and put glue around the jar. Slide the jar into the can making sure the base of the can is flush with the jar. Once the glue sets, the base will unscrew from the glass jar. Valuables can then be stored in the jar, and the base screwed back on to regain the appearance of a normal aerosol can.

3. Select a small section of baseboard behind a couch or cabinet and cut a hole in the wallboard underneath to create a hard-to-spot hiding place. Pry a baseboard from the wall with a flat head screwdriver being careful to leave the nails intact. Press the head of the screwdriver into the wallboard by the floor and hit the handle until there is a hole large enough to insert a keyhole saw. Use the saw to cut an opening along the floor between wall studs making sure to leave enough wallboard to reinsert the nails. Place valuables inside the space and press the wallboard back into place taking care that the nails go back into their original holes. Clean up all the debris created and touch up the paint if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the book safe in a bookcase with other books and the can in cabinet with others cans to avoid detection.

• Take precautions when using a box cutter and saw.

• Use a glue guns in a well ventilated place.

References

• The Art of Manliness
• 20 Killer Safes to Stash Your Valuables In
• How tot Make a Safe or Buy Secret Hidden Compartment Safe to Hide Your Valuables

Resources

• Safes: FireProof, Burglary, Wall, Drop, Gun & Floor Safes or Door Locks for Home & Office