Gardall 3018 U.L. 2-Hour Fire and Burglary Safe Review

The Gardall 3018 U.L. 2-Hour Fire and Burglary safe offers a balanced solution that can effectively reduce the risks of both fire and theft. Made by the brand known for their durable and dependable safes, Gardall’s expertise is evident in this model.

We provide an unbiased, in-depth look at the Gardall 3018 and cover everything from its fireproof capabilities to its security features, offering you and potential buyers a clear understanding of what this safe has to offer.

Safe Ratings:

Key Specifications

Here's a table summarizing the key specifications of the Gardall 3018 U.L. 2-Hour Fire and Burglary Safe:

Fireproof Features

The Gardall 3018 U.L. 2-Hour Fire and Burglary Safe boasts an impressive fireproof rating, having been tested to withstand extreme temperatures. Here are the key details regarding its fireproof features:

• Fireproof Rating: The safe has a UL 2-hour fire label. It means the safe has been furnace-tested to endure temperatures up to 1850°F for a duration of 2 hours. During this test, the internal temperature of the safe remained below 350°F. This ensure the protection of contents against extreme heat.
• UL Certification: This rating is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a reputable independent organization known for their rigorous testing standards. The UL certification always adds an extra layer of trust and reliability to the safe's fireproof capabilities.
• Protection Level: With such a high fireproof rating, the Gardall 3018 safe is particularly suited for protecting a wide range of items from fire damage. These can include important documents, electronic media, jewelry, cash and other valuable possessions that could be irreparably damaged.

Security Features

The Gardall 3018 U.L. 2-Hour Fire and Burglary Safe is equipped with a variety of security features designed to protect against theft and unauthorized access. Here are the key security aspects:

• Robust Construction: The safe features a thick 4-1/4” door with a recessed anti-pry design and walls that are 2-1/2” thick, providing strong resistance against forced entry.
• Multiple Locking Bolts: It includes five active bolts that lock in three directions, with massive 1” diameter round bolts extending deep into the safe's body.
• Anti-Drill and Anti-Pry Measures: The safe is equipped with an independent re-locker and hardplate to prevent drilling attacks on the locking mechanism.
• Burglary Rating: It comes with a UL Residential Security Container (RSC) Burglary Rating, indicating its ability to withstand specific burglary attempts.
• Additional Security Measures: The safe has a solid chrome-plated handle with a shear point to prevent forced opening through handle attack.

Security Features Summary Table:

Locking Mechanism

The Gardall 3018 U.L. 2-Hour Fire and Burglary Safe offers various options for its locking mechanism, catering to different preferences for security and ease of use. Here's a breakdown of the lock types available and their characteristics:

1. Mechanical Dial Lock: This lock type is a classic and time-tested option. It requires the user to input a combination by turning a dial, typically involving a sequence of numbers. The mechanical nature of this lock makes it highly reliable and less dependent on electronic components. Which can be an advantage in situations where electronic reliability is a concern. It's ideal for those who prefer a traditional approach and don't mind the extra time it takes to dial in the combination.
2. S&G Electronic Lock: The S&G electronic lock provides a more modern approach to safe security. It offers the convenience of quicker access, as users can simply enter a digital code on a keypad. This type of lock is preferred for scenarios where you need to access the contents quickly. Electronic locks also often come with features such as multiple user codes, and they can be easier to operate. However, they do require battery power, which means users need to be mindful of battery life.
3. Key Locking Mechanical Dial Lock: This option combines the features of a mechanical dial lock with an added key lock. The key lock serves as an additional security measure, requiring both the correct combination and the physical key to open the safe. This dual-lock system offers an extra layer of security, making it more challenging for unauthorized users to gain access.

Locking Mechanism Summary Table:

Lock Type	Features
Mechanical Dial Lock	Classic, reliable, combination-based security
S&G Electronic Lock	Quick access, modern electronic system
Key Locking Mechanical Dial Lock	Additional key lock for enhanced security

Build Quality and Additional Features

The Gardall 3018 2-Hour Fire-resistant safe demonstrates exceptional build quality and numerous additional features:

• Build Quality: The safe has a thick 4-1/4” door and 2-1/2” thick walls, offering substantial protection against forced entry and fire damage. The anti-pry design of the door and the solid chrome-plated handle with a shear point enhance its security. The inclusion of an independent re-locker and hardplate provides robust protection against drilling attacks.
• Interior Features: The interior is lined with a plush suede-like material, protecting jewelry and other delicate valuables from scratches, while adding elegance to the safe's interior.
• Shelving and Organization: It includes three adjustable shelves, allowing for customizable storage solutions for different item sizes and shapes, optimizing the use of available space.
• Color and Trim Options: The available color options are Granite, Sandstone, Black, Burgundy, and Hunter Green, with some colors requiring additional lead time and cost.

Warranty

The Gardall 3018 U.L. Rated safe comes with a manufacturer's warranty that provides an added layer of assurance for the buyer. Here are the key details regarding the warranty:

• Warranty Duration: The safe is covered by Gardall's limited one-year warranty​.  This warranty period is standard for many safes and covers defects in materials and workmanship.
• Scope of Warranty: The warranty typically covers any defects in materials and craftsmanship. It's important to note that the warranty may not cover damages resulting from misuse, accidents, or unauthorized modifications.
• Lifetime Replacement Guarantee: In addition to the one-year warranty, Gardall offers a lifetime replacement guarantee, but this is specifically applicable in cases of fire damage​

Price

For the Gardall 3018 2-Hour Fireproof and Anti-Burglary safe, the original retail price is set at $3,530.00. However, it's currently available at a more accessible price of $2,647.50. This discount represents a substantial saving of $882.50, making the safe a more attractive option for those who value security and quality.

This adjusted price point positions the Gardall 3018 as a more desirable and competitive choice, especially considering its advanced fireproof and security features.

Final Verdict