SentrySafe 1160 Fireproof Safe Box: In-Depth Review

The SentrySafe 1160 Fireproof Safe Box with Key Lock offers a reliable, budget-friendly solution designed for everyday homeowners who want peace of mind without investing in a large, immobile vault. In this detailed review, we will explore everything from the safe’s specifications and performance to customer feedback and potential drawbacks, helping you make an informed decision.

Key Features and Specifications

The SentrySafe 1160 boasts a set of thoughtfully designed features that balance functionality and simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of the safe’s key specifications and components:

Product Specifications

Feature	Description
Brand	SentrySafe
Model Number	1160
Color	Black
Lock Type	Key Lock (Privacy Key Lock)
Capacity	0.25 Cubic Feet
Interior Dimensions	3” H x 13” W x 8.75” D
Exterior Dimensions	6.3” H x 15.3” W x 12.1” D
Item Weight	16.9 lbs (Approx. 17 lbs)
Mounting Type	Floor Mount
Special Features	Fireproof, Durable, Resistant
Included Components	1 Fireproof Lock Box, 2 Keys
Handle	Yes (Convenient Carrying Handle)

Certifications & Ratings

• UL Classified Fire Endurance: 1/2 hour at 1550°F
• ETL Verified: Protection for digital media including CDs, DVDs, memory sticks, and USB drives for 1/2 hour at 1550°F

This makes the SentrySafe 1160 a dependable choice for protecting important items like passports, birth certificates, social security cards, cash, and small electronics.

Performance

Fire Resistance

The core selling point of the SentrySafe 1160 is its fireproof capabilities, which have been independently tested and verified. With UL and ETL certifications, it provides 30 minutes of fire resistance at temperatures up to 1550°F. This performance is especially impressive for a safe of its size and price range.

The thick walls and insulated design allow it to maintain internal temperatures at safe levels, ensuring that paper documents and digital media remain undamaged during exposure to fire. While it does not offer water resistance, it is capable of surviving in high-heat environments long enough for emergency personnel to arrive or fire suppression systems to activate.

Security and Lock Mechanism

Equipped with a privacy key lock, the SentrySafe 1160 offers a basic but functional level of security. The dual-key system (two keys provided) helps ensure redundancy, though it should be noted that this safe is not designed to prevent theft from a determined intruder. It does not come with a digital keypad or biometric access—this is a classic key-turn mechanism.

The safe’s locking latch keeps the lid sealed tightly, and more importantly, the key lock helps ensure that the lid does not pop open during a fire, which can occur in non-locking containers due to pressure buildup.

Some users have experienced issues with keys sticking or requiring extra pressure, which may indicate slight inconsistencies in manufacturing or batch quality.

Portability and Design

One of the standout features of the SentrySafe 1160 is its portability. With built-in carrying grips and a manageable weight of 17 pounds, the safe is ideal for use in apartments, dorm rooms, and small homes. Its low-profile design allows it to fit in drawers, under beds, or within closet shelves.

However, this portability also has a downside: ease of theft. While it protects against fire and unauthorized casual access, the safe can easily be picked up and carried away unless bolted down or hidden.

Customer Feedback

General Reception

User reviews of the SentrySafe 1160 are generally positive, especially in terms of build quality, fire protection, and practicality for home use. Here’s a summary of what customers typically highlight:

Positive Feedback

Aspect	User Sentiment
Fireproofing	Highly appreciated; users feel confident
Build Quality	Sturdy construction; thick walls
Paper Fit	Fits 8.5” x 11” documents with ease
Portability	Convenient and lightweight
Value for Money	Reasonably priced for its protection

Constructive Criticism

Concern	Details
Lock Quality	Some keys stick or require finesse
Not Waterproof	Vulnerable to flooding or dousing
No Bolting Option	Can be easily stolen if not concealed
Limited Capacity	Not suitable for larger items

Many customers appreciate that the interior is large enough for standard documents, with some able to fit envelopes, passports, birth certificates, and a small number of valuables such as jewelry or USB sticks.

Common Use Cases

• Home storage for legal papers
• Keeping backup hard drives and flash drives safe
• Secure storage of emergency cash
• Fireproof box for college students in dormitories

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the SentrySafe 1160 Fireproof Safe Box has its strengths and limitations. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help weigh your options:

Pros

Feature	Benefit
Fireproof Protection	UL & ETL certified for fire safety up to 1550°F
Compact Size	Fits easily in small spaces or hidden locations
Affordable	Budget-friendly price for essential fire protection
Easy to Use	Simple key lock system with no tech learning curve
Portable	Integrated handle makes it easy to carry
Paper-Sized Storage	Perfect for standard-size documents

Cons

Feature	Drawback
No Waterproofing	Contents may be vulnerable to water damage
Limited Security	Not resistant to theft if left in plain sight
Small Storage Capacity	May not fit bulky items or large document folders

Final Verdict

The SentrySafe 1160 Fireproof Safe Box with Key Lock is a solid entry-level fireproof storage solution. For its size and price, it offers one of the best fire protection ratings available, especially considering its UL and ETL certifications. If your goal is to safeguard paper documents, small electronics, or valuable keepsakes from fire, this compact chest will do the job reliably.

However, it’s important to understand its limitations: it is not a theft-proof safe and lacks water resistance. It’s also not ideal for storing high-volume or oversized items. But for those looking for a budget-conscious, compact, and easy-to-use fireproof box, the SentrySafe 1160 is an excellent choice.

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