When I purchased this item, there were 3 neutral/negative reviews citing flimsy construction, bad latches, textured finish, and no handle. So, I was wary when I purchased for $38.99. Before buying, the product seemed right for me because it has 5 cash slots and 5 coin slots and the cash and coin area are all one piece (not hinged in the middle with 4 slots).
The product I received is sturdy and the locking mechanism works fine. As far as not having a handle, it is big enough to carry under the arm or to lay flat in a box. As far as the textured finish, it does have that which will obscure finger prints. I don't plan on taping anything to it, and haven't tried, so I don't have any comment on the surface adhesion except that it seems slippery even though there is a small sticker on the bottom of the box from MMF Industries which is adhering just fine (haven't tried to remove it yet). I don't think regular scotch tape would hold well--packaging tape might, and of course stickers will.
The plastic tray is mostly snug in the steel box, and it stays in place when grabbing money. I wanted to see if the money would scatter all over with the lid closed and flipped upside down--it didn't, but some dimes moved to other trays. With it carried vertically (tipped on its side), the money (cash and coin) didn't move to other slots, so that is good enough for my needs. I would be careful not to keep it upside down or shake it vigorously as the coins I imagine would move around a little (you might see a few dimes and possibly other coins in other trays, or going below the tray).
The coins are easy to get from the coin slots, and the cash can be grabbed well enough as there is back-front space between the cash and the plastic walls (side to side the cash is snug in the cash slots, but not tight).
I like the latch because I can close it without locking it and reopen it without a key. The finger latch works well. The box is light enough and the finger mechanism strong enough that I need to hold the box so that it doesn't slide when moving the latch, which is what I expected. A lunch box and other kinds of metal boxes work the same way.
The lock is mechanically sound, made of thin metal and the keys are thin (they are smooth, not shaped) but that is OK for my needs. They work. I don't know how many times things could be locked and unlocked. All of the latch, lock and lid parts are metal, not plastic. The lock slots need to be aligned with the key before inserting the key, and then inserted and turned clockwise to lock. To unlock, insert the key and turn counter-clockwise.
The lid stays open in a vertical position, which is handy. I thought it might need to go all the way back on the table, but it stops about 5 degrees past vertical, which is just right for my needs. The lip of the lid is 1/4" which is larger than what the photo reveals, so the lid is sturdier than what I imagined. When closed, the lid is slightly bowed toward the latch, so it doesn't provide the tightest seal, but it looks and works fine, with very minimal and unnoticeable play. There are no gaps with the lid closed and it sits well enough. The lid could be pried up from one side or the other, and it is bendable with some force, but it is not flimsy.
This box is not a "strongbox," nor is it fire proof, which is fine for my needs. I would not say this box is "heavy duty" nor flimsy. The box weighs around 1 pound (about 1/2 kilogram). The box seems it will last for a long time, and the lock seems as though it will hold well, if not abused or forced.
In summary, a good purchase for $39 from Amazon (free shipping), and nothing was damaged. After the purchase, Amazon allows comments on the packaging. The packaging was just right--it came in a box within a box.
| Brand | MMF Industries |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 7.25"D x 10.25"W x 2.25"H |
| Lock Type | Key |
| Color | Gray |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Metal |
| Special Feature | Durable |
| Mounting Type | Freestanding, Tabletop |
| Control Type | Key Control |
| Included Components | Keys |
| Item Weight | 2.45 Pounds |
| Alarm | Lock |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Chamber Width | 10.25 Inches |
| Manufacturer | 0 |
| Item Weight | 2.45 pounds |
| Item model number | 221F10GRA |
| Material Type | Alloy Steel, Metal |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Size | 2.5"L x 10.5"W x 7.6"H |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 221F10GRA |
