Mechanical or Electronic Lock (for safes)

[kwando]

What is your preference?

Electronic keypad or mechanical combo for safes?

And Why...

[smchop]

Depends on your situation. I have small children so main safe is mech. combo out of preference but pistola safe in bedroom is electronic keypad for quick access.

[TFOGGER]

Mine has an electronic lock, and I'm very happy with it. Pros: Easy to change combo, locks out everyone after 3 missed attempts (15 minutes), easy to operate, even in the dark (as long as you know where the buttons are). Cons: dependent on a 9 volt battery (which will literally last for years, unless you're into the safe a dozen times a day), virtually impossible for a locksmith to open if you forget the combo or something goes wrong with the electronics.

I guess it's down to personal preference, but I find the electronic to be convenient, fast, and reliable.

[Troublco]

I don't like the idea of having to change a battery in a safe lock. Murphy will make sure that when I absolutely have to get something out the battery will be dead and I won't have a spare around the house. I also have the touchpad access pistol safe in my MB closet, but it has a key access for backup. At least with a manual lock on my main safe all I have to do is remember the combo and if I forget it, I have the combo saved elsewhere.

[Irving]

I've only got the electronic pistol safe for bedside. However, it took like 6 AA batteries, but I've had the same ones in there for over two years now and I'm in the safe at least twice every day.

[sniper7]

I have only had electronic. If you have kids don't tell them the combo. If you are in need of a gun in a hurry (not going to keep one bedside--probably because of kids), then electronic is the way to go. I can be in my safe within 2 seconds. a mechanical would take probably 3-5 times that at a minimum.

[sniper7]

I don't like the idea of having to change a battery in a safe lock. Murphy will make sure that when I absolutely have to get something out the battery will be dead and I won't have a spare around the house. I also have the touchpad access pistol safe in my MB closet, but it has a key access for backup. At least with a manual lock on my main safe all I have to do is remember the combo and if I forget it, I have the combo saved elsewhere.


the 2 safes I have all the big ones and electronic. both powered by a 9v. they pop out super easy from the bottom. If you are concerned about it being dead, you can tape or attach or lay an extra battery on the top of the safe. in the event the battery is dead, then you can swap it within 10 seconds piece of cake. it will take you that much time just to open a mechanical lock.
plus the ones I have let you know when they are starting to go dead so you can change them out easily.

[Elhuero]

awesome thread, I was wondering about this the other day.

[Ridge]

I dont own a safe, but I'd prefer a mechanical lock (combo or key) over an electronic, because batteries fail when you need them most.

[SA Friday]

I have um, er... more than two safes. The electronic safes all have key back-ups. I won't own a spin combo safe ever again. If it doesn't have a touch pad, I got it for free.

Years and years of experience here. You want uber difficult safe to get into, go ahead and get a spin dial safe. You want something you are going to get into regularly, get something with a key pad.

I cannot comment on just how many spin dial safes were cut open when I was in the Air Force, cough, cough (hundreds), cough.

[cebeu]

I have electronic now, and there certainly pros-n-cons to each but...I'm going back to mechanical on my next safe.

[theGinsue]

I have um, er... more than two safes. The electronic safes all have key back-ups. I won't own a spin combo safe ever again. If it doesn't have a touch pad, I got it for free.

Years and years of experience here. You want uber difficult safe to get into, go ahead and get a spin dial safe. You want something you are going to get into regularly, get something with a key pad.

I cannot comment on just how many spin dial safes were cut open when I was in the Air Force, cough, cough (hundreds), cough.

I'm with SAFriday here. I've worked with MANY GSA approved 2, 4, and 5 drawer safes with both mechanical and digital dial locking mechanisms. I've also worked with many non-GSA keypad safes through the years. The only safes I ever had to get drilled open because of failures were the mechanical and digital dial safes. This is a costly and time-consuming process.

I personally have keypad safes (okay, for the "safe" experts what I have are not officially "safes" but "security containers" but the manufacturer/retailer called them safes.). I love them and they are quick and easy to access.

If you are concerned about the battery failing, I recommend that you use top of the line batteries like Energizer Lithiums or similar Duracells and replacing them every Spring and Fall during the Daylight Savings Time changeover like you are supposed to do with your smoke/CO2 detectors. It really isn't necessary, but if it gives you extra piece of mind, why not.

[newracer]

Electronic failure is a lot higher than mechanical, that being said I have both. The safe next to my bed is electronic with a hand shaped keypad for easy quick access even in the dark. My larger safe in the bsement is a mechanical dial.

[RYAN50BMG]

My Browning door has an S&G keypad. I like it better than my old spin dial safe. It's easier to change the combo and you can put several "combos' in it for different users, but since you can't audit the lock, this isn't really a big selling point.

[kwando]

Good info here... asking because i will be buying safe for xmas...

[theGinsue]

Actually Kwando, this thread has come at a perfect time. I have another thread here about a co-worker who will be getting guns from his dad soon and he will be looking for a safe as well. The info you're getting in this thread will help me to help this guy.

[CareyH]

I have a mechanical on mine, and I like it. once you spin the dial a few dozen times you actually get pretty fast at it. over all I think its what ever you like.

[Irving]

Simon, get that Revolver safe that is round with the small flat door.

[kwando]

stu - too lazy to look for it... post a link