Safe Space Episode 11: TXTL Rated Safes & More

Learn about ultra-secure models like the TXTL-60X6, often used by residential customers to protect high-value items. Explore what to consider when choosing between electronic and mechanical locks. Discover the most common regrets customers have.

Safe Space Episode 11 dives into some of the most common questions we encounter.

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Episode 11 Discussion Questions

0:50: Tell us about people or businesses who have gone to the 66 level and why. (A question from SuperDutyOHV304)

4:05: Dial lock or electronic. How should somebody choose?

6:42: If you could only recommend one thing for new buyers to remember, what would it be?

11:18: If you were buying a safe today, what would your good, better, and best picks be and why?

14:07: What's the first thing a customer should think about before they even step into the showroom?

16:22: If someone moves, what should they know about relocating their safe?

18:57: What's the biggest mistake people make when using the safe?

22:30: When should someone consider upgrading to a higher-end safe?

25:40: What does a professional delivery from us actually include, and how do we price it out?

Episode 11 Discussion Question Synopsises

0:50: Tell us about people or businesses who have gone to the TXTL-60X6 level and why. (A question from SuperDutyOHV304)

FIRST OFF: A TXTL or Super Diamond from ISM is considered the world's highest security safe. The Super Platinum is the highest UL Listed Safe. But the TXTL is basically an explosive-rated, bomb-proof safe.

People who invest in a Super Diamond usually do so because they protect something extremely valuable, financially or emotionally. Often, they’re replacing something irreplaceable. The last customer who bought one was securing items worth millions.

While the TXTL is a more expensive safe, it’s not a huge price jump compared to the Super Platinum. Some people buy these high-security safes for business purposes, but most TXTL buyers are residential customers who just want the best protection available.

These safes don’t carry a UL rating, which can make insurance tricky. But in the past, we have worked with some customers and their insurance companies to custom-build safes that meet their needs and still get approved.

We have a TXTL in stock, which is rare. Not many places let you see and feel a TXTL Super Diamond from ISM in person. It’s built like a tank, with every option and reinforcement you can imagine.

4:05: Dial lock or electronic. How should somebody choose?

One of the most common questions we get—probably every day—is, “Which lock should I choose: mechanical dial or electronic?” It’s a big topic, and it depends on how the safe will be used and who’s using it.

For home use, one spouse tends to get into the safe regularly, like once a week, while the other might only access it a few times a year. In those situations, an electronic lock is usually the better choice. It can be frustrating or hard to operate if someone isn’t familiar with using a dial. In cases such as this, we recommend a UL-listed electronic lock for most residential customers. They’re simple to use and reliable.

In business settings, electronic locks are the clear favorite. They offer features like time delays, lockouts, and support for multiple users—things you just don’t get with a mechanical dial.

So, who is a mechanical lock best for? People who are concerned about things like EMP attacks or solar flares, or who just want the most dependable, no-power-required option. Most of us at Northwest Safe have dial locks on our safes because we use them daily and are comfortable with them.

Ultimately, it comes down to how often you’ll use the safe and who’s using it. We even have a dial lock on a display so people can try it out. That way, we can help match the right lock to your needs based on comfort, ability, and setting.

6:42: If you could only recommend one thing for new buyers to remember, what would it be?

In the safe industry, people often say the most important thing is to “buy big enough.” But honestly, what matters even more is matching the safe to what you’re putting inside it—both in terms of dollar value and sentimental worth. Think about what you own now and what you might store in the next 10–15 years. Your safe should offer the right level of security and fire protection for that.

In business, insurance coverage depends on what’s being protected. That same mindset should apply to home safes, but many people don’t make the connection. We want customers to buy the right safe—not the most expensive one, but the one that truly protects what matters.

A safe is your last line of defense. Alarms, cameras, and gates are great, but if someone breaks in or a fire breaks out, the safe is what stands between disaster and your valuables.

Unfortunately, most big-box stores only sell basic, lightweight models because they're easier to move and stock. They often don’t have staff who can explain why better safes exist.

We’ve seen it time and again—after a break-in or fire, no one buys the same safe again. They always upgrade. So ask yourself: if you knew a fire or burglary would happen tomorrow, what safe would you choose? Buy that one now—before you need it.

11:18: If you were buying a safe today, what would your good, better, and best picks be and why?

These selections are based on David Jr. and Kael’s personal collections right now.

14:07: What's the first thing a customer should think about before they even step into the showroom?

One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying a safe is only thinking of one place to put it. Before you visit a safe store, take time to plan out two or three possible locations in your home. Think about what makes the most sense for how you’ll use the safe—especially if it's for quick access or home protection.

Ask yourself:

• Will it be easy to reach?

• Is it part of your daily routine?

• Will both you and your spouse be able to use it comfortably?

Common locations include:

• Master closet

• Office

• Garage

Each of these three popular places to install a gun safe comes with its own pros and cons.

Be sure to measure each possible space before coming into the store. That way, you won’t waste time or accidentally buy a safe that doesn’t fit. Also, take inventory of what you’re locking up now and what you might store in the future, including your spouse’s items.

The goal is to make a smart, long-term investment. Choosing the right location, size, and level of security—and making sure the right people are involved—can make all the difference in finding a safe that truly fits your life.

16:22: If someone moves, what should they know about relocating their safe?

We help people move safes all the time—across town, across the state, to nearby states, or even across the country. If you're planning a move, the first step is to fill out our safe move form. That helps us figure out if it actually makes sense to move your safe.

In some cases, it doesn’t. For example, if you own a basic entry-level safe and you're moving across the country, it may cost more to move it than it’s worth. You might be better off buying a new safe at your new location.

But if you own a high-end safe—something worth $3,000 to $5,000 or more—then moving it is usually a smart choice. We can help by palletizing it, packaging it properly, and shipping it to a dealer near your new home.

Before you move, think about the value of your safe. Is it time for an upgrade? We offer trade-ins, and moving is a great chance to get a bigger or better safe.

You’d be surprised how many homebuyers don’t want safes left behind. We’ve been paid to remove vault doors and safes because the new owners didn’t want them, yet everyone has something worth locking up.

18:57: What's the biggest mistake people make when using the safe?

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a safe is choosing one that’s too small. Most buyers underestimate how much space they actually need. They see a “24-gun” or “30-gun” label and assume that’s how many firearms will comfortably fit—but that’s rarely true.

Gun capacity ratings are often misleading. If you plan to store only long guns, you’ll still want to cut that number in half for a more realistic idea of space. And if you’re also using shelves or storing items like handguns, ammo, or documents, cut that number in half again. For example, a “24-gun” safe may realistically hold only 6 long guns once everything’s in place.

Part of the problem is marketing. Safe manufacturers often add extra cutouts in racks to make it look like the safe holds more. While those extra cutouts do offer flexibility, they can also give customers the wrong idea about how much space they’re actually getting.

The best advice? Don’t rush the decision. Take time to research and understand your storage needs—whether that’s for firearms, documents, or valuables. Think about size, security level, fire protection, and placement. Educating yourself before buying will help you make a smart, long-term investment.

22:30: When should someone consider upgrading to a higher-end safe?

As your collection of firearms and valuables grows, so does the importance of choosing the right safe. Firearms alone can be expensive, especially when you factor in optics. Add in cash, precious metals, or collectibles, and the value can add up quickly.

We recommend matching your safe to the value of what you're protecting. If you're storing $20,000–$30,000 worth of items, you should have at least a mid-range safe. At $50,000–$75,000, a high-end safe like the Liberty LX or Browning 60 series is the minimum. Once you're above $75,000, you really need something like a Fort Knox with AR500 steel.

Think of it like buying a house or truck. If your family grows, you need a bigger house. If you’re towing something heavy, you don’t buy a small pickup—you go for a Super Duty. Safes are similar: more protection, space, and strength as your needs increase.

Most people outgrow their first safe, and that’s okay. You might keep your original safe for everyday use and upgrade to a larger, more secure one for long-term protection. It’s all about planning ahead and protecting what matters most.

25:40: What does a professional delivery from us actually include, and how do we price it out?

People often ask what professional delivery and installation actually includes—and how it’s priced. In the safe industry, “delivery” usually just means dropping the safe off at the curb. But when you choose in-home delivery from us, it’s a full-service experience.

We don’t just leave your safe in the driveway. Our team:

• Brings it into your home, whether it’s going on the ground floor, upstairs, downstairs, or into a tight space

• Levels it

• Removes all the packaging

• Anchors it (if requested)

• Walk you through how to use your lock and safe

Our trained installers treat your home carefully, protecting doorways, floors, and walls throughout the process.

We also go the extra mile. If a safe is too big for a doorway, we’ll remove handles and locks, get it through safely, then reassemble everything. Most places don’t do that.

Pricing depends on the safe’s weight, delivery difficulty (stairs, tight turns, long driveways), and distance. It can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, especially for large or custom installs. But customers often say afterward it was worth every penny.

In short: We don’t just deliver safes. We install peace of mind. And our delivery crew? They’re the best in the business.