Do cupboard safes need regular maintenance?

Cupboard safes are among the most popular types of safe because of their size and flexibility in terms of where they are used. You can use a cupboard safe in a home or a business in various locations in order to enhance security, restrict authorisation and to protect valuable items. However, it is important that a safe is looked after so that it is properly functional and can provide the security features you need on a 24/7 basis. This means that as well as protecting your valuable items, you are also able to access them.

Common maintenance issues experienced with cupboard safes include the locks sticking or failing or the structure of the safe being compromised. It is essential therefore that you don’t simply locate your safe and then forget about it, and that you prepare a robust maintenance schedule which addresses some important factors that could lead to a cupboard safe failing to meet your security needs. In this guide we will look at the various maintenance tasks you should carry out to ensure your cupboard safe is effective and remains so long term.

Why cupboard safe maintenance is important

If you don’t look after your cupboard safe via regular maintenance tasks you may encounter:

Lockouts – Not being able to access your valuable items. This can occur through locks or keypads seizing, or batteries dying on digital locks.
Security issues – If bolts or locks are ineffective or there is rust or corrosion impacting on the structural integrity of the safe, this could compromise your security and leave you vulnerable to security issues.
Damaged valuables – The wrong location or the wrong type of safe can lead to rust and corrosion, possible water and fire damage and the contents of a safe being damaged.
Insurance compliance – It could be a requirement of your insurance policy that a safe is regularly serviced and maintained in order for the policy to be valid and your contents insured.

Essential maintenance tasks for a cupboard safe

Clean – Remove dust and debris from the safe, both internally and externally, in order to prevent a build-up which could damage the safe.
Check the lock – Whether you have a digital safe or a manual key safe, you should regularly check the lock and test it to ensure it doesn’t stick. If the safe isn’t used very often, testing the lock ensures it doesn’t seize up and can be accessed whenever you do need to.
Lubricate – Check the hinges and bolt mechanisms and use a suitable lubricant to ensure they are moving freely.
Inspect – Check the external and internal structure for signs of rust, corrosion or impact damage.
Check the contents – Review the contents to establish what still needs to be kept in the safe. This may help with maintaining weight levels and not overloading the safe. You should also ensure that the contents are not damaged. A safe that may be exposed to moisture may require silica gel packets, for example, if paper documents or other valuables could potentially become damaged. Or you may need a safe that is resistant to water. This review can also help to ensure you still comply with insurance requirements.
Batteries – For digital locks it is sensible to change batteries periodically to reduce the chances of the batteries dying and you being unable to access the safe. Some safes have low-level battery indicators, and the battery should be changed immediately if this is showing.
Location – You should also review whether the location of your cupboard safe is still suitable. Is the safe getting damaged? Is it too exposed and visible? Is it exposed to moisture or a fire risk? Do too many other people use the cupboard and therefore are aware of its location? It should be relatively easy to re-locate a cupboard safe, so it is important that you consider the suitability of a chosen location and whether this still provides the security levels you need.

Professional cupboard safes from MB Direct

So yes, cupboard safes do need regular servicing and maintenance in order that the safe still serves its primary function. Cupboard safe maintenance ensures you can always access the safe when you need to, that you are always maximising your security levels, that your valuable contents are always protected, and that your safe complies with insurance policy requirements. You can talk to our sales team about cupboard safe maintenance, and we can help you choose the right cupboard safe for your needs. You can browse our range of cupboard safes and order online today.