I just bought a heavy-duty gun safe and want to secure it by drilling it into the floor of my townhouse's second floor. What's the best approach to do this safely, and how can I avoid hitting any electrical wires or plumbing while drilling?
3 Answers
Honestly, drilling into the second floor can be tricky! If you're unsure about what’s under there, you might want to rethink this DIY venture or call in a pro. You definitely don’t want to hit any wires or accidentally create a disaster, like a surprise safe in your neighbor’s living room below! Just a little food for thought!
For bolting that safe down, make sure to drill into the floor joists. Generally, electrical wires are run through the center of the joist and should be at least 1.25 inches from the edges. Measure the distance carefully, considering the thickness of your subfloor and the safe’s base, to determine the appropriate bolt length for a secure fit.
It's important to drill into the floor joists for extra support when securing your safe. Use a stud finder to locate them before drilling, and steer clear of the space between the joists where wires and plumbing could be hiding. This will keep your safe stable and prevent any damage below.