Protex Safe Fingerprint Wall Safe (FW-1814Z) Review

  • Written by: Amanda Myers

Editor rating: 5/5

The only safe in our list that goes into a wall space. It will appear flat on the wall and can be concealed by a curtain, carpet, frame, furniture, mirror and more. Out of all the safes that we have on our list, this one is going to be the hardest to find. Since the screws are bolted inside the safe to the wall studs, I think, in my opinion, this safe is also the hardest to actually remove from its position using a crowbar. This is the main quality of the product but it has a lot more to offer. It has other features that make it even more appealing, useful, and effective. For more details, please continue reading.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Solid and heavy
  • Mounting hardware included
  • Comes with a flange
  • Front is flat and crowbar resistant
  • Easy to program
  • Store up to 30 fingerprints
  • Automatic opening spring loaded door
  • Lined interior
  • Beeps can be turned off
  • Beeps if battery is running low
  • Backup override key included
  • Includes a power override battery box
  • Installation would require some effort
  • Not very deep interior
  • Not for bulky items

Features

INSTALLATION

Just like most safes, this safe is also mountable with screws. However, you will need to put the safe into a hole on a wall. This takes extra effort but not very much. In fact, it is fairly easy. Furthermore, you will love the outcome because the safe will appear flat on the wall.

How does it work:

  1. Make sure the wall space is free of studs, plumbing or electrical wires.
  2. Cut a hole in wall space.
  3. Put the safe into the hole.
  4. The flange will automatically cover the rough drywall cuts.
  5. Open the safe and put the screws in the pre-drilled holes.

Rest assured, the mounting hardware comes with the safe. When you start, the process may take up to one hour but if you are handy it can only take up to 30 minutes. If you need more help, you could ask a carpenter to do it for you. Or you can pay the installation fee together with the safe so that Protex will install the safe for you. Lots of options. It's all up to you!

How to install the safe into a wall space

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

The construction of the safe is solid, heavy, pry reisistant, and well-thought out. The wall and the door are thick so they won't easily break. The flange feature sticks perfectly on a flat surface so the safe won't easily be removed from its position using a crow bar. The front portion sticks out of the wall while the rest of its parts are hidden behind the wall.

However, the interior of the safe is not deep. It is narrow so you cannot put items flat on the shelves. You will have to put them vertically so that they would fit. Please refer to the picture below as an example of how it would like.

The safe has a reliable fingerprint scanner with a keyhole for backup access. In case you forgot to replace the batteries, you can use the external battery that comes with the safe so that you'll still be able to open the safe with your fingerprints.

Finally, the safe uses two large motorized locking bolts that automatically opens after the biometric successfully reads your fingerprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off the beeps?

Does it comes with a backup key?

Does the safe forget the fingerprints when the battery is removed?

Is it fire rated?

Where can I put the batteries?

When battery runs out, can I still access the safe with my fingerprints?

How far does the door swing open?

How thick is the steel?

How long are the screws?

How thick is the flange?

How does a flange work?

Does it have shelves?

What are the interior dimensions?

What is the weight of the safe?

What type of batteries is used for the safe?