First Alert 3040DF Digital Security Box, Black/Silver
by First Alert
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List Price: Our Price: $59.00 You Save: $13.99 (19%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $47.99 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of First Alert 3040DF Digital Security Box, Black/Silver
Customer Review: Very limited protection
Summary: 2 Stars
I'm not exactly sure what this box is supposed to protect against, but whatever it is, it doesn't do it very well.
The top and sides of the box feels somewhat sturdy, but the bottom feels like it's made of sheet metal. Anyone who's ever worked with sheet metal knows how trivial it is to cut, bend, or punch a whole in. Further, there's a very noticeable "give" in the bottom of the box, so it feels like I could have actually pushed it in and detached it if I accidentally stepped on it. Needless to say, getting into the box once one has possession of it almost a given for anyone who's at all determined.
The cable also offers very little protection. The cable is thinner than a bicycle-lock cable, and the loop on the end of it is half as thick as the cable itself. If you cut the loop, the entire cable becomes unfastened to whatever it was secured to so, essentially, the cable is only as thick as it's weakest part (the loop.) The loop is maybe a quarter inch thick, so you can get through it with a pair of good wire-cutters, which any thief worth the name should have with him.
On the plus side, the convenience of having the security coded lock is nice. I haven't had any problems with it.
I'd imagine that this box would prevent a smash-and-grab type of theft. It may also be useful if you wanted to secure something in your office cube from a sticky-fingered contractor or cleaning staff, or some other very casual thief. Maybe it's good for keeping things out of childrens hands.
I would not recommend it for your car. I would hope a car safe would take at least 10 minutes for a thief to get out, and this doesn't meet that criteria.
Customer Review: Likely to deter casual theft
Summary: 4 Stars
This product is useful if you need to leave your laptop or other valuables locked in your car while you're on the move. The lock is a 15mm (9/16 in) wide by 1mm thick metal bolt that latches shut when you turn the lock wheel on the top of the box. The lock can't be cut from the outside of the box, but there is room to insert a screwdriver between the lid and the box. I have not attempted to pry open the box by force but I can comfortably insert a 3/16 in flat head screwdriver about 9/16 in under the lid.
The locking cable is 4.5mm thick but the loop section is only 3mm. Since the cable is only as strong as its weakest section, the cable is effectively 3mm thick.
The electronic lock has a five-digit keypad with key override. A four-digit code gives you a mere 625 combinations, but after three unsuccessful attempts the box will not accept further tries for four minutes (you can still use the key during this period).
In summary, I'm not sure how resistant this box is to an attempted break in, but it will certainly stop an unequipped or opportunistic thief from simply walking away with your valuables. I would recommend it for mobile security, but for home use I recommend paying for something more substantial. It is light enough to carry to and from your car. If you don't need a box this large, the Honeywell Digital Locking Steel Box #3035D is a smaller version of this product and is significantly cheaper.
Customer Review: Does the job!
Summary: 4 Stars
The first thing I noticed was First Alert merely put a sticker with their name over the name of the actual manufacturer, Honeywell.
I'd say overall this box is the best one for carting around secured contents. It's not bulky and heavy like the fire resistant types, and the handle is the perfect touch in making it into basically a briefcase. The digital lock is cool, and there's plenty of room inside the box. The cable for attaching the box to something is a unique feature, and another reason why this is the best box .
the not so greats about this box are that it's not a strong box by any stretch. You can get break into it barehanded if need be. Another problem is the batteries are frequently shifting just enough for the keypad not to work. Usually a good smack, and things are back to normal. Another issue is that it doesnt handle even small falls very good. Almost every box I've had startsed closing crooked immediately after the first fall. One time to my horror, it popped open in the middle of the street.
But the smooth days far outweigh the mishaps, making this the best overall security box you can find.
Customer Review: A Nice-looking Metal and Plastic Box
Summary: 2 Stars
I had this item given to me, so I shouldn't complain -- but I will.
It's a nice looking box, but I wonder where the "security" bit comes in. The sidewalls may be sturdy, but it has a thin welded base and is only fire retardant at best. Don't be fooled by the "Honeywell" imprimatur. In today's world many trusted brand names can be "borrowed" for a fee (like "Singer" and "Raleigh" (cycles)). There ought to be a law against this practice. The "Honeywell" on this pretty box is used under licence by the real manufacturer, a company called Sisco, and the item is made in China.
So, two stars: one because I got it gratis; one because it's not very secure at all.
Customer Review: P.O.S. - and S does not stand for safe.
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought this safe specifically because it has a combination lock along with a backup key. I don't want to have to carry the key along with me all the time to access the safe.
And yet, I do; because the combination lock failed to unlock the safe after about the first week or so. I reset the combination many times. it is the right combination and the light even flashes , but the lock does not undo.
Meanwhile it would be easy to pry into and it is rather cumbersome for the backseat. I suggest you look elsewhere.