bonsaii Safe Box with Key Lock, Steel Security Lock Box, 0.23 Cubic Feet, 9.06" W x 6.69" D x 6.69" H, Small Hidden Safe for Cash Jewelry

I picked up the Bonsaii small safe to solve a simple problem: I needed a compact, mountable box to keep passports, spare cash, and a few small valuables out of sight and out of reach. After a few weeks of living with it—installing it, stashing things, and using it daily—I have a clear picture of what it does well and where it falls short.

Design and build

This is a tiny safe—9.06 x 6.69 x 6.69 inches on the outside, with an internal space of 8.98 x 6.46 x 6.61 inches (about 0.23 cubic feet). The footprint makes it easy to tuck away on a shelf, inside a closet, or under a desk, and the low profile makes it simple to disguise behind books or storage bins.

The body is SPCC steel, and while it’s not thick plate steel, the construction feels solid for a budget lock box. The door seats cleanly in the frame, and the hidden hinges mean there’s no exposed pin to punch out. A thin floor mat is included to keep metal-to-metal contact from scuffing items and to stop small pieces of jewelry from skittering around.

Fit and finish are better than I expected at this price. Edges are decently clean, the paint is even, and the door tolerances are tight enough that there isn’t an obvious gap to exploit with casual prying. That said, this is still a lightweight safe by design. It’s sturdy in the sense of day-to-day handling and tamper resistance against casual snooping, not in the sense of withstanding a crowbar and unlimited time.

Locking mechanism

The Bonsaii uses a traditional flat key lock, and the basicness is a feature, not a bug. There are no batteries to fail, no keypad to wear out, and no learning curve. The keys are cut cleanly, the cylinder turns smoothly, and the bolt engages positively. For most homes and offices, that simplicity is welcome—less to maintain, fewer points of failure, and no fuss when you need quick access.

A common-sense note: keep the spare key somewhere truly separate from the safe’s location. If you plan to hide the safe in a predictable place (like a bedroom closet), don’t also stash the spare key in the same room.

Installation and mounting

Out of the box, you get pre-drilled holes on both the back and bottom, plus two expansion bolts. That gives you flexibility: mount it to a wall, the floor, or the underside/top of furniture. Mounting is essential for a safe this size. Unmounted, any thief (or curious roommate) could pick up the entire box and deal with it later. Bolted down, it becomes a much more frustrating target.

My setup process:
- Decide on a discreet location with solid material behind it—into a wall stud, the side of a heavy wooden cabinet, or masonry.
- Mark the mounting holes through the safe, remove the safe, drill pilot holes, and then secure it with appropriate hardware. The included expansion bolts are geared toward concrete/masonry. For wood, I used robust wood screws with washers.
- Check door clearance before final tightening, especially in tight spaces like shelves, so it can open fully without obstruction.

This isn’t complicated, but taking the time to anchor it correctly is the difference between “lock box” and “lock box that’s actually effective.”

Capacity and organization

The internal space is small but usable. Here’s what I comfortably fit:
- Four passports, a small envelope of cash, a car title folded twice, and a couple of jewelry boxes.
- Portable SSDs and USB drives.
- Prescription meds that I wanted out of reach.

What does not fit: letter-size documents (8.5 x 11 inches) flat, or anything bulky like a tablet in a thick case. You can roll or fold documents, but if you regularly store paperwork, move up to a larger safe. Also worth noting: there’s no internal shelf or light, so it’s a single open cavity. The included floor mat keeps things quiet and scratch-free, but small pouches or a tray organizer can make the most of the vertical space.

Day-to-day use

The experience is straightforward. Insert key, turn, open door. The door opens and closes cleanly, and the latch feels consistent. Because it’s compact, it’s easy to hide in places that blend into daily life—in a linen closet behind towels, under a desk behind a cable tray, or inside a storage cube on a shelf. The quiet operation and simple mechanism make it low-friction to use, which matters if you’re getting in and out a couple of times a week.

One small tip: drop a silica gel packet inside if you’re storing sensitive documents or electronics. It’s not a sealed container, but humidity can creep into any enclosed metal box, especially in basements or bathrooms.

Security considerations

This is a pry-resistant design with hidden hinges and a door that seats flush. Those are the right boxes to tick for a safe in this category. Still, perspective matters:
- There’s no fire or water rating. Don’t rely on it to protect against fire damage or flooding.
- It’s not a high-security safe. Given enough time and tools, a determined attacker could get into it. That’s true of almost any small safe, but it’s worth stating plainly.

How to get the most security out of it:
- Bolt it down. This is non-negotiable if you want to deter grab-and-go theft.
- Keep it hidden. Concealment buys time, and time is a crucial security layer.
- Don’t store keys nearby. Common sense, but easy to overlook.
- Use it as part of a layered approach. For high-value items, pair it with home security basics: good door locks, cameras, and common-sense routines.

What it’s best suited for

• Keeping kids, guests, or roommates out of personal items.
• Discreet storage of passports, spare keys, a little cash, small jewelry, and sensitive small electronics.
• Use in a home office or bedroom where space is tight and installation options are limited.

If your needs include frequent, one-handed rapid access (e.g., a biometric handgun safe) or protection for important paper archives, this is not the right category.

Build quality and value

Within the “budget, compact, key-lock” segment, the Bonsaii feels like a strong value. The steel is thick enough to inspire confidence without making the unit cumbersome, and the hardware choice—hidden hinges, a clean-fitting door, and a simple lock that works every time—hits the practical sweet spot.

The included expansion bolts, floor mat, and straightforward manual make the first-time setup easy. There’s mention of long-term technical support, which is nice, though in practice a mechanical safe doesn’t need much beyond good installation and basic care.

Maintenance and care

• Lubricate sparingly. A drop of graphite in the lock cylinder once or twice a year keeps operation smooth. Avoid oily sprays inside the lock.
• Wipe it down occasionally to prevent surface rust in humid environments.
• Keep a desiccant pack inside if you’re storing electronics or paper.
• Test both keys. Store the spare key offsite or in a different room from the safe.

The bottom line

The Bonsaii small safe is exactly what a compact, budget-friendly lock box should be: simple, sturdy for its size, easy to hide, and easy to install. It’s not a fire safe, it’s not a high-security vault, and it’s not meant to be. Used appropriately—bolted down and tucked away—it provides genuine value by keeping everyday valuables organized and inaccessible to anyone who shouldn’t have them.

Recommendation: I recommend the Bonsaii small safe for light-duty security in homes and offices where space is tight and simplicity is a virtue. It’s a practical, affordable way to deter casual access to passports, cash, meds, and small valuables. If you need fire protection, water resistance, or resistance to determined attacks with tools, step up to a larger, rated safe—but for everyday peace of mind in a compact package, this one earns its keep.