How to Anchor a Wall Safe

Cutting Instructions

• 1

  Measure the back of your safe with a building square or a tape measure. Most wall safes have a 1-inch flange on the front that sits flush against the wall. Therefore, don't measure the front of the safe; measure the flange-less backside.

• 2

  Determine approximately where you want to place your safe, and use an electronic stud finder to locate the wall studs in that area. The safe will be mounted between two studs, so locate the right-side and left-side studs within the area in which you want to place the safe.

• 3

  Use the stud finder to locate the inside edge of the right-side stud and, using a building square, draw a vertical line along the inside edge of the stud. The length of the line should match the length of the back of your safe, typically around 21 inches.

• 4

  Draw a horizontal line, using the building square, from the top of your vertical line toward the left stud. The length of the line should match the width or the back of your safe. Repeat the process for the bottom of your vertical line.

• 5

  Use the building square to draw another vertical line connecting the ends of your two horizontal lines. When you're finished, you should have a rectangle drawn on your wall that matches the dimensions of the backside of your safe.

• 6

  Using a jigsaw, cut along your pencil lines, and remove the rectangular section of wall. You now have a properly sized cut hole for your wall safe.

Mounting Instructions

• 7

  Place your safe into the hole you cut into the wall. The hinged side should be flush against the edge of the right stud. The flanges on the front of the safe should be flush against the wall.

• 8

  Mount the safe to the wall stud. While a friend supports and stabilizes the safe, use your drill with a Phillips bit to drive wood screws into the stud through the pre-drilled holes in the safe. Use as many screws as there are pre-drilled holes, as the right stud will be supporting the weight of the safe. Tighten the screws so the safe is flush against the wood, but don't over-tighten, as you can cause the stud to crack.

• 9

  Install wood screws into the left stud through the pre-drilled holes. There may be a gap between the edge of the safe and the wall stud. This is normal as the left side only provides additional support for the load-bearing right side.

• 10

  Drive additional wood screws into the wall through the pre-drilled holes in the front flange. The flange should be flush against the wall, and the screws should be flush against the flange.