In this guide (10 sections)
- Our top picks
- Comic book safe fit: CGC slabs vs raw books
- The best safes for comic books, reviewed
- Which safe for comic books should you get
- How to check a safe for comic books before you buy
- Rusty staples and humidity in a comic book safe
- Fire, water and theft limits of a comic book safe
- How I picked these comic book safes
- Our verdict on the best safe for comic books
- Questions safe buyers ask
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How we picked these
- Review themes from 1,305 verified-buyer and owner reviews on retailer sites, so every pick shows what buyers praise and complain about.
- 42 owner posts, user discussions and expert reviews read across 8 sources.
- Every spec checked against 14 maker and retailer pages.
- We did not test these products ourselves, and we say so. All sources are linked at the end of this guide.
Our top picks
Best overall · 3.5/5SentrySafe SFW123DSB
Best for a bigger slab collection · 3.8/5SentrySafe SFW205CWB
Best waterproof file safe for raw comics · 2.9/5SentrySafe HD4100
Best dial safe for raw comics from a second brand · 3.0/5First Alert 2087F
Best small fire chest for raw keys · 2.5/5SentrySafe CHW20221
The short answer
- Best overall: the SentrySafe SFW123DSB, UL Classified for 1 hour at 1700°F and ETL Verified for water, holds about 23 CGC slabs standing by my math.
- Best for a bigger slab run: the SentrySafe SFW205CWB, same ratings, about 36 slabs lying flat in its 2 cu ft interior.
- Raw books only: the SentrySafe HD4100, First Alert 2087F and SentrySafe CHW20221 miss a 12.9-inch CGC slab by a fraction of an inch but take raw comics.
- Fire insulation gives off moisture that rusts staples, so add silica gel and a hygrometer to any comic book safe.
Picture a row of CGC slabs on a bookshelf, the key issues you would grab first in a fire. For most collections, the best safe for comic books is the SentrySafe SFW123DSB: UL Classified for one hour at 1700°F, ETL Verified for water, and tall enough to stand about 23 slabs once the shelf is out. I sized five fire-rated safes against a real slab, because most letter-size fire boxes miss it by a fraction of an inch. For graded cards, my safe for sports cards runs the same math.
Comic book safe fit: CGC slabs vs raw books
A safe for comic books has to clear a CGC comic case, about 8.13” wide by 12.9” tall and 0.54 inch thick. The Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) grades raw comics up to 10-1/2 x 7-5/8 x 1/4 inches. I divided each interior by those sizes; bags, boards and desiccant lower the real count.
| Model | Fire rating (certified by) | Water rating | Interior (H x W x D) | CGC slabs (my math) | Raw books (my math) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SentrySafe SFW123DSB | 1 hr at 1700°F (UL) | 8 in, 24 hr (ETL) | 13.8 x 12.6 x 11.9 in | About 23 standing | About 50 |
| SentrySafe SFW205CWB | 1 hr at 1700°F (UL) | 8 in, 24 hr (ETL) | 19.6 x 14.8 x 11.9 in | About 36 flat | About 78 flat |
| SentrySafe HD4100 | 1/2 hr at 1550°F (UL) | 72 hr flood (ETL) | 11.5 x 12 x 8.1 in | None square-on | About 48 |
| First Alert 2087F | 1 hr at 1700°F (UL) | Maker claim | 12.88 x 10.38 x 12.25 in | None square-on | About 49 |
| SentrySafe CHW20221 | 1/2 hr at 1550°F (UL) | 72 hr flood (ETL) | 4.4 x 12.8 x 8.5 in | None | About 17 flat |
The best safes for comic books, reviewed
Every safe for comic books below carries a UL fire rating, and I name who certified each water claim. Specs come from the makers; owner notes from maker sites and Walmart.
SentrySafe SFW123DSB: Best safe for comic books and a short run of slabs
3.5Best Safe Spec Score out of 5
- Security (lock and build)6/10
- Fire protection9/10
- Access (speed and ease)6/10
- Capacity7/10
- Value8/10
I scored it high for fire (UL, 1 hour) and water (ETL) and fairly for capacity, since slabs only fit standing; owners' dial complaints cost it access points.
What we like
- UL Classified for 1 hour at up to 1700°F (927°C)
- ETL Verified water resistance, 8 inches of water for 24 hours
- 13.8 inch interior height clears a 12.9 inch CGC slab standing up
What we don't like
- Owners at Walmart and Home Depot say the dial often takes several tries
- Too narrow for slabs lying flat; the shelf has to come out
- Sealed body traps moisture without a desiccant
What owners and reviewers say from 9 reviews and posts we read
Praised for
- Solid, heavy build that feels secure for the money
- Enough room for papers plus valuables, with a shelf
Common complaints
- The combination dial often needs several attempts to open
- Moisture and even corrosion inside without a desiccant
Read on: Walmart customer reviews: SentrySafe SFW123DSB · Home Depot reviews: SentrySafe SFW123CS 1.2 cu ft dial safe · ConsumerAffairs: SentrySafe reviews
Who it's for: Collectors with up to about 23 CGC slabs or 50 raw keys who want an hour of UL fire protection and a water rating; it weighs about 86 lb and the dial is slow.
The SentrySafe SFW123DSB is a 1.23 cubic foot fireproof and waterproof safe from SentrySafe with a dial combination. SentrySafe lists it as UL Classified for one hour at up to 1700°F and ETL Verified for 24 hours in 8 inches of water. The top CGC forum thread on comic safes starts with a collector eyeing this SFW123 family for 10 to 12 slabs.
Its 13.8 inch interior height is why I rank it first. Slabs stand with under an inch to spare and line up like books: 12.6 inches of width divided by 0.54 gives about 23. Flat they will not fit, since 12.9 inches beats the width and the 11.9 inch depth. Raw books stand the same way, about 50.
What I’d watch: Walmart and Home Depot owners often need several tries on the dial, and a ConsumerAffairs owner found moisture inside, so add a desiccant on day one. It weighs about 86 pounds.
SentrySafe SFW205CWB: Best safe for a bigger CGC slab collection
3.8Best Safe Spec Score out of 5
- Security (lock and build)7/10
- Fire protection9/10
- Access (speed and ease)6/10
- Capacity9/10
- Value8/10
I gave it top capacity marks because slabs lie flat in stacks; the slow dial and delivery-damage reports keep access and value from the top.
What we like
- UL Classified for 1 hour at up to 1700°F (927°C)
- ETL Verified, 8 inches of water for 24 hours
- 14.8 x 11.9 inch floor takes a CGC slab lying flat
What we don't like
- Owners on SentrySafe's site report units arriving damaged
- One owner says the dial would not move
What owners and reviewers say review themes from 381 owner reviews, plus 7 posts and reviews we read
Praised for
- Sturdy build with a spacious interior
- Good value for the space, per SentrySafe store reviewers
Common complaints
- Units arriving dented or damaged
- A dial that would not turn on one unit
Read on: SentrySafe store reviews: SFW205CWB (28 reviews) · SentrySafe owner reviews: SFW205CWB (353 reviews)
Who it's for: Collectors with 25 to 40 slabs or a mix of slabs and raw keys; at about 125 lb it needs a solid floor and two people to move.
The SentrySafe SFW205CWB is a 2 cubic foot fireproof and waterproof dial safe from SentrySafe, my pick once a collection passes two dozen slabs. It carries the same UL hour at 1700°F and ETL water rating as the SFW123DSB, with six 1-inch live-locking bolts.
The difference is the floor. At 14.8 by 11.9 inches it takes a slab lying flat, and 19.6 inches of height stacks about 36. Standing in a row gives only 27.
SentrySafe store reviewers call the SentrySafe SFW205CWB sturdy and roomy for the money. On SentrySafe’s own site, owners post photos of dented units and one dial that would not move, so inspect it on delivery. It weighs about 125 pounds.
SentrySafe HD4100: Best waterproof file safe for raw comics
2.9Best Safe Spec Score out of 5
- Security (lock and build)3/10
- Fire protection6/10
- Access (speed and ease)8/10
- Capacity5/10
- Value9/10
I rate it best for water and value; the 30-minute fire rating, privacy lock and no room for slabs keep fire, security and capacity lower.
What we like
- ETL Verified against flood damage for up to 72 hours
- UL Classified for 1/2 hour at up to 1550°F (843°C)
- 11.5 inch interior height lets raw comics stand like files
What we don't like
- Slabs miss: 8.1 inch depth and 12 inch width are just under a slab
- Owners report a plastic closing latch and a key that snapped in the lock
What owners and reviewers say review themes from 715 owner reviews, plus 8 posts and reviews we read
Praised for
- Well built and secure for papers
- Fire and water protection that fits owners' needs
Common complaints
- A plastic closing latch that feels cheap
- A key that snapped in the lock, and a heavy box to carry
Read on: SentrySafe owner reviews: HD4100 (715 reviews)
Who it's for: Collectors with raw keys in bags and boards who worry about water; a CGC slab does not fit, and the key lock is privacy protection only.
The SentrySafe HD4100 is a fireproof and waterproof file box from SentrySafe, my pick for raw comics in a home that floods. It is UL Classified for 1/2 hour at up to 1550°F and ETL Verified against flood damage for up to 72 hours.
Raw books stand like files: 10.5 inches tall in an 11.5 inch interior, about 48 across the 12 inch width. Slabs do not fit square to the walls: the 8.1 inch depth is 0.03 inch short of a slab’s width, and no side clears its 12.9 inch height.
Owners on SentrySafe’s site call the SentrySafe HD4100 well built, but complain about a plastic closing latch, a key that snapped in the lock and its 39 pounds. Treat the key lock as privacy only.
First Alert 2087F: Best dial safe for raw comic books from a second brand
3.0Best Safe Spec Score out of 5
- Security (lock and build)6/10
- Fire protection7/10
- Access (speed and ease)5/10
- Capacity5/10
- Value7/10
I like the UL hour and battery-free dial; the unverified water claim, slow combination and no room for slabs cost it points.
What we like
- UL Classified, interior under 350°F for 1 hour at 1700°F
- Mechanical dial plus emergency override keys
- Bolt-down 2087F-BD version keeps its seal when anchored, per First Alert
What we don't like
- Waterproof seal is a maker claim with no lab named
- Walmart owners say the combination takes practice
What owners and reviewers say review themes from 104 owner reviews, plus 10 posts and reviews we read
Praised for
- Large, deeper-than-expected interior for the money
- Not digital, and keys give quick access
Common complaints
- The combination takes practice to open
- Interior size not listed, and one unit arrived damaged
Read on: Walmart customer reviews: First Alert 2087F (104 reviews)
Who it's for: Collectors who want a second brand and a mechanical dial for raw books; its interior is 0.02 inch shorter than a CGC slab, and the water claim is First Alert's own.
The First Alert 2087F is a 0.94 cubic foot waterproof fire safe from First Alert with a combination dial and override keys. First Alert rates it UL Classified for one hour at 1700°F with the interior below 350°F. The waterproof seal is First Alert’s own claim; I found no lab named.
Its 12.88 inch interior height is 0.02 inch short of a CGC slab, and no other side clears 12.9 inches. Raw comics stand easily, about 49 across the depth.
Walmart owners like the deep interior and battery-free dial; complaints are a combination that takes practice and one damaged unit. Measure your books before ordering the First Alert 2087F.
SentrySafe CHW20221: Best small fire chest for a few raw keys
2.5Best Safe Spec Score out of 5
- Security (lock and build)2/10
- Fire protection6/10
- Access (speed and ease)7/10
- Capacity3/10
- Value9/10
I rate it well for value and water protection; a privacy lock, a small interior and no room for slabs keep security and capacity low.
What we like
- UL Classified for 1/2 hour at up to 1550°F (843°C)
- ETL Verified against flood damage for up to 72 hours
- About 20 lb, light enough to grab on the way out
What we don't like
- Owners on SentrySafe's site say rounded inner corners curl papers
- One owner says the key would not go fully into the lock
What owners and reviewers say review themes from 105 owner reviews, plus 8 posts and reviews we read
Praised for
- Light and easy to carry
- Easy to operate, with enough room for key papers
Common complaints
- Rounded inner corners make papers curl
- A key that would not go fully into the lock
Read on: SentrySafe owner reviews: CHW20221 (105 reviews)
Who it's for: Collectors who want their top raw books in one grab-and-go box or nested in a bigger safe; a CGC slab misses by 0.1 inch and the key lock stops no thief.
The SentrySafe CHW20221 is a 20 pound fireproof and waterproof chest from SentrySafe for the raw keys you would carry out first. It shares the HD4100’s ratings: UL, 30 minutes at 1550°F, and ETL, 72 hours of flooding.
The 12.8 inch interior width misses a slab by 0.1 inch, but raw books lie flat, about 17 in a stack. Owners on SentrySafe’s site like how light the SentrySafe CHW20221 is; others say rounded inner corners curl papers and one key would not seat. A burglar can carry it off, so I’d hide it or nest it inside a larger safe.
Which safe for comic books should you get
The right safe for comic books depends on whether you store slabs or raw books, and how many.
- Up to about 23 CGC slabs: SentrySafe SFW123DSB.
- 25 to 40 slabs: SentrySafe SFW205CWB.
- Raw keys in a flood-prone basement or ground floor: SentrySafe HD4100.
- Raw books in a battery-free dial safe: First Alert 2087F.
- A few raw keys in a grab-and-go box: SentrySafe CHW20221.
How to check a safe for comic books before you buy
A safe for comic books is sized by its interior, so measure one of your own slabs against the maker’s inside dimensions.
- Measure a slab’s width, height and thickness; current CGC comic cases run about 8.13 x 12.9 x 0.54 inches.
- Find the interior height, width and depth on the maker’s page, and remember shelves or drawers come out of that space.
- Check that one interior side clears 12.9 inches and another clears 8.2 inches, either standing or lying flat.
- Divide the remaining side by the slab thickness, then drop two or three slabs for desiccant room.
- Check who certified the fire and water ratings; the safe buying checklist covers the rest.
Rusty staples and humidity in a comic book safe
A fire-rated safe for comic books blocks heat but can hold moisture, and staples rust first. After inspecting rusted staples from two collectors’ fire safes, CGC wrote, “Many fire resistant safes contain insulation, which in turn, contains water crystals; thus the high content of moisture.” CBCS forum members repeat the warning.
- Put silica gel packs or a rechargeable dehumidifier in the safe; our gun safe dehumidifier guide compares rechargeable units.
- Add a hygrometer and aim for steady readings; the Library of Congress suggests about 35% relative humidity for paper.
- Air the safe out every few weeks and recharge the desiccant.
- Keep the safe in a room with a steady temperature, never an attic or damp basement.
Worried about over-drying? One CGC member who logged his gun safe wrote, “I have observed that generally the humidity inside the safe matches the humidity in the room.”
Fire, water and theft limits of a comic book safe
A safe for comic books with a UL fire rating buys time for paper, not a cool interior for plastic slabs. A UL Class 350 one-hour label means the inside stays less than 350°F for one hour at 1700°F. A CGC case’s outer shell is SAN plastic, so treat that as a delay for slabs.
Water matters as much, since fire hoses soak whatever survives the heat. A CBCS member put it simply: “You need to make sure your fireproof safe is also waterproof.”
Theft is the other risk. A CGC member noted that around 90 pounds is easy to move: “someone can definitely walk out with that one.” My guide to bolting down a safe covers anchoring. For boxes of slabs, forum members often use a large gun safe, and some keep top books in a bank safe deposit box.
How I picked these comic book safes
I started from the safes top fireproof safe roundups recommend and kept only models whose interior I could check against a comic. Comic search results are mostly forum threads, so I read the CGC and CBCS threads for collectors’ problems, then 42 owner reviews across SentrySafe, Walmart, Home Depot and ConsumerAffairs. My rubric is on how we score.
From our notes: The First Alert 2087F missed a CGC slab by 0.02 inch, and that number reshaped this list. I had expected letter-size fire boxes to take slabs. Then I ran the interiors: the HD4100 is 0.03 inch too shallow, the CHW20221 0.1 inch too narrow. Only the two larger SentrySafe models cleared 12.9 inches, so I split the picks into slab safes and raw-book safes.
Our verdict on the best safe for comic books
The best safe for comic books on that shelf of key slabs is the SentrySafe SFW123DSB, shelf out, dehumidifier in, bolted down. For deeds and passports, my fireproof document safe picks cover more sizes.
Questions safe buyers ask
Will CGC slabs fit in a fireproof safe?
Only in the bigger ones. A CGC comic case is about 8.13 by 12.9 inches, so the safe needs about 13 inches of interior height or a floor at least 12.9 by 8.2 inches. The SentrySafe SFW123DSB and SFW205CWB fit; most letter-size file boxes miss by a fraction of an inch.
Is a fireproof safe bad for comic books?
It can be if you skip moisture control. CGC traced rusted staples on collectors' books to moisture from fire-safe insulation. Keep silica gel or a rechargeable dehumidifier inside, check a hygrometer, and air the safe out now and then.
What humidity should comics be stored at?
The Library of Congress suggests about 35% relative humidity for works on paper in a cool, stable room. Comic storage guides often say 45 to 50%. What matters most is a steady reading, so log it for a few weeks.
Is a gun safe good for a comic collection?
For boxes of slabs, many CGC and CBCS forum members use a large gun safe bolted to the floor with a dehumidifier inside. Check who certified its fire rating and keep your top books in a smaller fire box inside it.
Safe deposit box or home safe for valuable comics?
Collectors use both. A bank box keeps a few top books off-site, but ask the bank about humidity and what its coverage includes; for the rest, a home safe plus collectibles insurance is the common setup.
Why you can trust this guide
- Products are checked against manufacturer specifications, user manuals and long-term owner reports.
- Each pick is scored on the Best Safe Score: security (lock and build), fire protection, access, capacity and value. Scores come from published specs, independent ratings and owner reports, not hands-on testing.
- We never accept payment for placement. Affiliate commissions do not affect rankings.
Last reviewed . Read our research process and editorial policy, or report an error.
Sources
- SentrySafe SFW123DSB product page
- SentrySafe SFW205CWB product page
- SentrySafe HD4100 product page
- SentrySafe CHW20221 product page
- First Alert 2087F-BD bolt-down safe (maker store page)
- Office Depot: First Alert 2087F-BD specifications (internal size)
- First Alert 2087F-BD / 2092F-BD operation guide (PDF)
- The Collector's Resource: getting to know your CGC comic book cases
- CGC: collectibles we grade (comic book size limits)
- American Security: fire ratings explained (UL Class 350)
- Library of Congress: care, handling and storage of works on paper
- CGC Forums: important information about storing comic books in fire proof/resistant safes
- CGC Forums: CGC slabs storing in a safe
- CBCS Comics forum: safes for comic
Reviews and discussions we read
- Walmart customer reviews: SentrySafe SFW123DSB
- Home Depot reviews: SentrySafe SFW123CS 1.2 cu ft dial safe
- ConsumerAffairs: SentrySafe reviews
- SentrySafe store reviews: SFW205CWB (28 reviews)
- SentrySafe owner reviews: SFW205CWB (353 reviews)
- SentrySafe owner reviews: HD4100 (715 reviews)
- Walmart customer reviews: First Alert 2087F (104 reviews)
- SentrySafe owner reviews: CHW20221 (105 reviews)
Best Safe Editorial Team
Research & editorial
We research home safes, gun safes and fireproof safes for people protecting firearms, documents and valuables: lock types (mechanical dial, electronic keypad, biometric, key), steel gauge, bolt work and pry resistance, independent fire ratings from UL or Intertek (ETL), how fast you can get in under stress, bolt-down options and legal storage rules. Every guide follows our published research process and editorial policy.
