How to Bolt Down a Safe at Home in India — Floor & Wall Anchoring Step-by-Step

An unbolted safe is just a heavy box that a thief can carry out your door. The bolt-down step takes under 30 minutes and turns your safe into a permanent security fixture. Here's exactly how to do it.

Why Anchoring Is Non-Negotiable

The most common way safes are stolen in India is simple removal — two people pick it up and walk out. Even a 30 kg safe can be moved by two adults in under 60 seconds. Once a burglar has your safe somewhere private, they have unlimited time to open it. Anchoring eliminates this entirely.

What You'll Need

• Hammer drill (can be rented or borrowed)
• Masonry drill bits (for concrete/stone floors) or wood drill bits (for wooden floors)
• M10 anchor bolts (usually included with Royal Safe Co. products)
• Wrench or socket set
• Spirit level

Floor Anchoring (Most Common in Indian Homes)

Step 1: Choose your location

Pick a corner or alcove where the safe is least visible. Master bedroom wardrobes and study room corners are the most common. Avoid placing near exterior walls if possible.

Step 2: Mark the anchor holes

Place the safe in position and mark the floor through the pre-drilled anchor holes in the base. Most safes have 2–4 anchor holes.

Step 3: Drill into the floor

For concrete/marble floors: Use a masonry bit at hammer drill setting. Drill to the depth recommended for your anchor bolt (typically 60–80mm). Clear dust from the hole.
For tiled floors: Start with a tile drill bit to avoid cracking the tile surface, then switch to masonry once through the tile.

Step 4: Insert anchor bolts

Drop expansion anchors into the holes. Place the safe over them, thread on the nuts, and tighten firmly with a wrench. The anchor expands inside the concrete as you tighten, creating a grip that cannot be pulled out without breaking the floor.

Step 5: Test it

Try to move the safe. If properly anchored to concrete, it should feel completely immovable.

Wall Anchoring (For Lighter Safes)

Smaller safes (under 20L) are sometimes wall-mounted inside wardrobes. Use toggle bolts for hollow partition walls, or masonry anchors for solid brick/concrete walls. Wall mounting is less secure than floor anchoring for heavier models.

Living in a Rented Flat?

Many tenants avoid drilling into floors. In this case, place the safe in a heavy wardrobe and use ratchet straps or a cable lock to secure it to the wardrobe frame. It's not as secure as floor anchoring but far better than nothing.

Every Royal Safe Co. safe ships with an anchor bolt kit and installation instructions. Our team can also guide you through installation over the phone: +91 98214 56877.