How to Install a Wall Safe

Before you start installing the wall safe, it’s important to find the right location for it. You’ll want to install your wall safe somewhere in your home off the beaten path, like a closet or bedroom. 

Once you have a general location for your safe, try to avoid installing it anywhere near plumbing or electrical work in the wall. Out of an abundance of caution, turn off the breaker before cutting into any drywall, even if you don’t think it's close to wiring.

Use a stud finder to find an exact placing for your safe. Most standard wall safes are 16 inches wide, making them a perfect fit between your wall studs, which are placed 16 inches apart.

Once you find the studs, mark them on the wall with a pencil.

With studs located, draw out the dimensions of the safe on the wall between the markings. This is where you’ll cut and install the safe. 

Use a tape measure to find the exact distances and draw the outline. Double-check these lines are level using a level. 

Note: Some wall safes will come with a template you can use to mark the wall instead of free measuring. In that case, line the template up with the marked studs and thumbtack the corners of the template onto the wall. Remote the thumbtacks and template, then draw straight lines between the pinholes.

Carefully following the lines, gently saw through the drywall using the drywall knife. If you meet resistance, double-check that you are not sawing into wires or plumbing. If you do, consider installing the wall safe somewhere else. 

When you cut all four sides of the safe markings, the square piece of drywall should pop out, leaving you with a cavity approximately the size of the wall safe.

Gently place the wall safe into the hole, noting if it is level and fits snuggly into the wall. If the safe is not level or doesn’t fit tightly, consider using shims to level it out. 

Use the power drill to install the shims on the sides of the studs to even out the hole for a better fit, if necessary.

Your wall safe should include mounting hardware. Using the power drill and screws included, mount the wall safe by drilling the screws into the interior side walls of the safe into the studs. Ensure each screw is tight and secure in the studs to prevent a thief from yanking the safe out of the wall. 

With your safe safely installed, it’s time to add the shelves (included with the safe) and store your valuables. Remember, a safe only serves its purpose if you actively use it.