How to Make a Super Secret Safe - for Less Than $3
by The King of Random in Living > Life Hacks
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How to Make a Super Secret Safe - for Less Than $3
In this project you'll learn how to make a super secret safe that nobody will recognize, even if they're looking straight at it.
I made a parts list for this project that you can have for free
For other project videos, check out: http://www.thekingofrandom.com
I made a parts list for this project that you can have for free
For other project videos, check out: http://www.thekingofrandom.com
Watch the Video!
Why a Secret Safe?
Sometimes the best place to hide something, is where people least expect it.
In this project we're making a super secret safe, that only you'll know about.
For this project you'll need one of these extra long, electrical gang boxes, made for existing walls. You'll also need a blank wall plate, like this.
Click Here for parts list
In this project we're making a super secret safe, that only you'll know about.
For this project you'll need one of these extra long, electrical gang boxes, made for existing walls. You'll also need a blank wall plate, like this.
Click Here for parts list
Installation
To place the safe, search around your house for a clean section of wall and use a stud finder, to locate an area between the studs.
When you've found a spot that works, measure a height that matches the outlets nearby, and add half and inch.
Next, line up the mark with the bottom left corner of the box, and trace around the sides. This is where you'll need to cut into the wall.
I chose to stick an envelope under the markings, so that when cutting into the sheetrock, the envelope catches the dust, reducing the mess that has to be cleaned up later.
It's important to cut carefully, and with shallow strokes, because there could be electrical wires behind the wall, and you don't want to cut them by accident.
When you've found a spot that works, measure a height that matches the outlets nearby, and add half and inch.
Next, line up the mark with the bottom left corner of the box, and trace around the sides. This is where you'll need to cut into the wall.
I chose to stick an envelope under the markings, so that when cutting into the sheetrock, the envelope catches the dust, reducing the mess that has to be cleaned up later.
It's important to cut carefully, and with shallow strokes, because there could be electrical wires behind the wall, and you don't want to cut them by accident.
Securing to the Wall
When it's all cut out, you should find that your blue box pushes in perfectly, and rests flat against the wall.
When you adjust the screws in the corners, you can see that it tightens the flaps at the back, securing the box tight to the wall.
At this point you can start loading your safe, with something important. Perhaps some stamps you want to save? A set of spare keys? ..what about emergency ammunition?
When you adjust the screws in the corners, you can see that it tightens the flaps at the back, securing the box tight to the wall.
At this point you can start loading your safe, with something important. Perhaps some stamps you want to save? A set of spare keys? ..what about emergency ammunition?
Hiding Your Treasures
Whatever you put in there, when it's all tucked away, simply add the cover plate, and screw it together.
Chances are, no one will ever guess there's anything hidden inside.
If you want to go one step further, try pushing some furniture in front of the cover, because out of sight, means out of mind.
Now, if the time comes where you need to open your safe, but you don't have a screwdriver, no problem. Just use the prongs from a plug. The blades fit perfectly into the screw-heads, allowing you full, and unlimited access.
Chances are, no one will ever guess there's anything hidden inside.
If you want to go one step further, try pushing some furniture in front of the cover, because out of sight, means out of mind.
Now, if the time comes where you need to open your safe, but you don't have a screwdriver, no problem. Just use the prongs from a plug. The blades fit perfectly into the screw-heads, allowing you full, and unlimited access.
Easy Access & Modifications
Now there are plenty of modifications you can make to this thing.
For example, if you plan on using this a lot, and can't be bothered, with unscrewing it every time, try drilling out the screw holes with a 9/64" drill bit. Then add a dab of super glue, to where the screws meet the cover plate.
This way the screws will be held fast in place, and now you can just line up the holes, and press it together, in an instant.
If you want this to blend better with the surroundings, try adding an outlet to the front of the box, and a finishing plate over that. Now your secret safe looks like all the other outlets in your house.
Have you got so much stuff that you need a bigger safe? Try upgrading, to a double-gang. This gives you nearly twice the storage space, and installs just as easily as the others.
For example, if you plan on using this a lot, and can't be bothered, with unscrewing it every time, try drilling out the screw holes with a 9/64" drill bit. Then add a dab of super glue, to where the screws meet the cover plate.
This way the screws will be held fast in place, and now you can just line up the holes, and press it together, in an instant.
If you want this to blend better with the surroundings, try adding an outlet to the front of the box, and a finishing plate over that. Now your secret safe looks like all the other outlets in your house.
Have you got so much stuff that you need a bigger safe? Try upgrading, to a double-gang. This gives you nearly twice the storage space, and installs just as easily as the others.
Easy, Free, and Pre-existing!
As a final thought, if you don't want to spend the $3 on materials, or cut holes in your walls, just look for one of these cable jacks around the house.
The cable's protected, there's plenty of space inside, and it's a great place for hiding things, like your list of computer passwords.
Not only is this option free, but chances are, you've already got them all over the house.
The cable's protected, there's plenty of space inside, and it's a great place for hiding things, like your list of computer passwords.
Not only is this option free, but chances are, you've already got them all over the house.
Well now you know how to make an easy, secret safe, for hiding important stuff.
If you liked this project, perhaps you'll like some of my others. Check them out at www.thekingofrandom.com
If you haven't seen the video yet, you can still check it out below.
If you liked this project, perhaps you'll like some of my others. Check them out at www.thekingofrandom.com
If you haven't seen the video yet, you can still check it out below.