Two factors to consider when determining appropriate body thickness are the sophistication of the burglar, and your budget. While no safe is burglar-proof, the thicker the walls and the door of the safe, the longer it will take the burglar to gain entry. 1/8" (10 Gauge) is the minimum body thickness we recommend. UL testing shows that a metal thickness less than 12 GA. steel (.105”) can be defeated with a cold chisel and hand sledge hammer in less than 5 minutes. Remember, the lower the number, the thicker the steel, so 14 GA is thinner than 12 GA. For 12 GA and thicker metal, grinding and cutting tools, which make more noise, are required.

Against a burglar with the right tools, 1/8" steel provides about 7-10 minutes protection,¼” provides 10 to 20 minutes, and 3/8”provides about 20 to 45 minutes. The average residential burglar is not usually equipped with the right tools and is in a hurry so an 1/8" should be adequate. If, however, you are storing a large amount of cash or valuables in your safe, you should consider 1/4", 3/8" or thicker steel door and walls, in addition to a quality alarm security system.