Is an old safe with asbestos dangerous?

[capn]

I just bought this small safe at an auction. I love it, but when I got home I realized there was some "sand" at the bottom and I thought it might be from concrete inside, but now I'm thinking it could be asbestos. The front has "Fireproof" hand painted on it.

If I clean it up, is this dangerous to have in my bedroom or to use?

Could really use your guys' help.

Thanks!

[cogar]

It is only dangerous for you iffen someone thinks you got a lot of cash money stashed inside of it. Other than that "NO", clean the inside, paint it and use it.

[mart]

Cogar is correct !! Asbestos is only dangerous,,if the particles are fine enough to breathe over an  extended period (years) !!  That is why the people affected are workers that have been exposed to airborn particles !! This other stuff is hype !! I have played in attics with asbestos as a kid, helped install it and rip it out many times, and probably torn Johns Manville siding off enough houses to kill me if all that were true !! I am 64 and quite healthy !! Currently lawyers are the ones benefitting from all this BS !!!

[Rauville]

Don't worry...those old safety boxes were NOT filled with asbestos. They used a "Gypsum / Cement Plaster" mix to provide the fireproofing. Gypsum is a common ingredient in your everyday shampoos.

[capn]

OK, cool. Thanks guys!

[capn]

Do any of you guys have any recommendations for a high quality, safe clear coat or sealant I could use inside the safe without hurting the value?

[KC]

Or, it could be very dangerous if you are Wyle E. Coyote.....  

[bigwull]

This is not a very secure looking ,.."safe"...the lock is external...and by the looks of it...it would have had a padlock.,furthermore,it is designed to be encased in a wall, or floor...as for hurting its value....what value....

[KC]

Love these old wall safes!  It is interesting that it requires a separate lock!

You can just lightly sand the inside and spray with any clear coat or repaint with any color you desire.

[capn]

This is not a very secure looking ,.."safe"...the lock is external...and by the looks of it...it would have had a padlock.,furthermore,it is designed to be encased in a wall, or floor...as for hurting its value....what value....

I've seen this exact safe sell for $300 on ebay, unpainted. And this one is all hand-painted on the outside (worn off, but there).
I think it has some value...

[capn]

Love these old wall safes!  It is interesting that it requires a separate lock!

You can just lightly sand the inside and spray with any clear coat or repaint with any color you desire.

Thanks KC! That's probably what I'll do

[mart]

Most all the dollar general stores have a clear acrylic spray sealer !! I have used it often as a protective coat !!

[bigwull]

This is not a very secure looking ,.."safe"...the lock is external...and by the looks of it...it would have had a padlock.,furthermore,it is designed to be encased in a wall, or floor...as for hurting its value....what value....

I've seen this exact safe sell for $300 on ebay, unpainted. And this one is all hand-painted on the outside (worn off, but there).
I think it has some value...

The mind boggles....$300..you say....well...this is what you,d get over here for $300

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Small-Antique-Safe-Withy-Grove-Manchester-/141102818336?pt=UK_HaG_Lock_Safes_GL&hash=item20da622420

[bigwull]

Most all the dollar general stores have a clear acrylic spray sealer !! I have used it often as a protective coat !!

of course you are an expert when it comes to dollar stores.... ...me..i,d be digging a hole in the wall,..stick it in..then paint it a nice bright colour...

[capn]

This is not a very secure looking ,.."safe"...the lock is external...and by the looks of it...it would have had a padlock.,furthermore,it is designed to be encased in a wall, or floor...as for hurting its value....what value....

I've seen this exact safe sell for $300 on ebay, unpainted. And this one is all hand-painted on the outside (worn off, but there).
I think it has some value...

The mind boggles....$300..you say....well...this is what you,d get over here for $300

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Small-Antique-Safe-Withy-Grove-Manchester-/141102818336?pt=UK_HaG_Lock_Safes_GL&hash=item20da622420

Completely different things...
But anyway, I'm not planning on selling it so it doesn't matter.