Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 12/31/2008

Question
Who manufactures these assemblies? I am building a prototpe home safe and would like to incorporate this added security in my design. It needs to free spin when locked and be able to lock at least 8-10 bolts to the frame. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
John,

Sorry, but no one manufactures assemblies like you are asking for as stand-alone kits.  They manufacture them for their safes.  If you have a particular design in mind, I would suggest contacting that safe manufacture to see about getting parts.
If you are designing the safe around your handle design, work it one piece at a time until you have the assembly that you want.  If your safe design is good enough you might try to sell the design to one of the manufactures.

There have been variations of similar designs over the years.  Most manufactures have chosen not to use it as complicated - costs more money, and simpler - costs less to build.  Generally a design of this type does not add security to the design of the safe.  

I understand why you would choose something like this.  Theoretically, if the bad guys want into the safe they figure bypassing certain components will gain them access.  If they can knock the lock off, the handle should turn, or if they can punch the handle into the safe, slightly, it should be able to bypass the lock, turn and open the safe.  

Well manufactures figured these problems out years ago and took steps to eliminate the problem.  For instance, most handles use a stepped arbor that can not be punched into the safe, it also incorporates a breakoff joint just below the outer skin of the door, so that in a forcing attempt, the handle will shear off, making it that much more difficult for the bad guys.
Locks also have break of joints and relocking triggers and devices.  In the break-in attempt, these items lock the safe securely shut.

Again - simple is more cost effective, and in many cases more secure.

Work backwards from the door.  Build your door, hinges and framework.  ensure that the door operates smoothly and securely.  Next add the boltwork, making sure that the bolts slide smoothly past the framework to allow the door to open.  The handle or operating mechanism is next.  This ensures that you can operate the bolt work from outside of the safe.  Finally you add the lock(s) to your prototype.  If you are interested in added security you can have multiple locks.
Now that you have a "basic" door, you can start to add the extra security items, for instance a drill resistive barrier plate that protects the locking mechanisms, relocking devices that will release, if the safe locks or locking mechanism is attacked.  Finally make sure the door has 4 sided locking.  You don't want someone to cut your hinges and simply roll the door open the opposite way!

If you are still interested in a handle mechanism similar to a "spinning handle" you might check with Liberty Safe of Utah (www.libertysafe.com)  Their handle doesn't spin but it does incorporate a "clutch" mechanism.  If the burglars try to force the handle the clutch will release allowing the handle to turn.  This transfers "force" away from the locking mechanism, by releasing the clutch when torque is applied.  Remember though most manufactures are not interested in helping someone design something, using their product.  It isn't personal, its business!  You may have to sign some type of release, stating if you use their product, you will only offer the design to them for production.

As far as the locks go, let me know what you need and I can give you price and availability.  I have most locks in stock, if I'm out at the time, I can usually have something within a few days.

Hope this helps a little, let me know if I can help more.

Andy
andy@securitysafeusa.com