Viking Security Safe VS-52BL Biometric Safe Fingerprint Safe Hidden In Wall Safe

Good, solid wall safe. When it arrived the keypad didn't work, but an email to their customer service group pointed me to a wiring harness that apparently worked its way loose from the circuit board, and fixing the problem was as simple as plugging the harness back onto the contact pins on the board. It has adjustable shelves inside which is pretty nice, and a set of LED lights at the top that provide a little illumination. The safe is deep enough to accommodate small valuables, jewelry, prescription drug bottles, and so forth. Construction seems pretty good overall, a few of the welds seemed a bit messy but, as you'll never see them once you finish mounting the safe, it doesn't really matter so much.My only real criticism is the lack of mounting instructions. While this won't be much of a problem for those of us who are relatively handy, I think the safe would greatly benefit from the inclusion of some installation instructions. Below are a few tips from my installation experience.As far as tools are concerned, plan on needing: a drill with a 1/2 inch drill bit (I found the 3/8 bit was just a hair too small to accept the stud anchors, and wasn't keen on hammering them in place), a socket wrench set that includes an extension rod (this is particularly important for those of us with big hands, two of the mounting bolts are a little tricky to get at with the door open), a drywall cutting knife, a pencil and a level to mark where you're going to cut your hole. You'll also need something sharp to punch through the fabric lining the inside of the safe so you can push the mounting bolts through.Cut a template of the safe out of the shipping box (once you know everything works properly), so you can play with where you want to locate the safe without needing to heft the safe itself around.The 1/2 inch drill bit will make a slightly larger hole than you need for the stud anchors, so have a couple toothpicks handy so you can wedge the toothpick between the anchor and the stud, which will tighten up the anchor in the hole and you don't have to worry about shoving the anchor through the stud when you begin to screw the bolts in. Once the anchor is good and tight, just cut the rest of the toothpick off so it's flush with the stud.And, naturally, make sure you check for electrical where you're going to mount the safe (don't forget to check the room next door too, if it's a shared wall). Cutting into a live electrical wire isn't much fun. :)

Looks great, installs easily, mine had a bad sensor that they replaced.

I purchased this safe six years ago and have had no problems. It was pretty straight forward with the installation. The fingerprint scanner has always worked without any issues. The only issue I would point out is the amount of storage space. I do not need a large amount of storage space so this safe works well for me. It can fit a handgun and I can say I have never had an issue with it falling out while opening the safe. Any item bigger than that would most likely not fit. If you are just storing some personal documents and small belongings this safe is perfect.

This safe worked as indicated. We tested fingerprints multiple times, including ones we hadn't programmed. It opened when it should and stayed locked for unregistered prints. The key is very sturdy. I feel confident that this would keep firearms safe from children. However, the locking mechanism is really big and takes up about a third of the interior. The safe overall is a big size and finding art or a frame to hide it under was difficult. Also, the firearms wouldnhave had to be balanced on the grip and muzzle and we were concerned that opening the door could cause them to fall out. So, it just wasn't the right fit for us. But it definitely worked like it was supposed to as far as the locking mechanism!

My safe arrived warped. I laid it flat on the floor and it rocked from side to side. The warp affected the installation so that one corner sticks out about 1/4” farther than the others. The included hardware is useless for wooden stud installation. Had to get wood screws and use washers to secure it between studs. Had to remove door to drill pilot holes and install wood screws on hinge side. Reinstalling door is a huge pain and requires at least three hands. Very disappointed. This is the fourth Viking Wall safe I’ve installed and definitely the poorest quality. All others were pretty straightforward. If you have the space, go for the VS-52BLX. It has more room to work inside and more space to store your goodies.