I've always felt the old style mechanical locks just MUST be "better", but I've found a good deal on a big safe, which has an electronic lock.
So I'm looking for opinions to ease my worried old mind - are the scary electronic locks actually OK?
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I've always felt the old style mechanical locks just MUST be "better", but I've found a good deal on a big safe, which has an electronic lock.
So I'm looking for opinions to ease my worried old mind - are the scary electronic locks actually OK?
Tag for later. In the same boat and interested. I can’t shake the idea that a mechanical backup method of entry is a good thing.
My beef with the electronic locks is that I already have enough crap that takes batteries in my life- smoke detectors, remote controls, garage door openers, etc. just to name a few.
Adding another device to my life that requires batteries would just aggravate me.
They have ones that just blow up Ray.
Sheesh
Focus kids, focus! Safe locks, not "devices".....
After having mechanical locks for more than 20 years, one is very frustrating, the other is getting to be more so. The old safe I have to put the combo in 2,3 or 4 times sometimes. Punching in the code on the new digital safe is really nice.
Appreciate the input, thank you! I may be swayed.....Quote:
Originally Posted by encorehunter
I'v had zero issues with mine, about 12 years in. I'm in the thing a couple of times a week at a minimum, battery lasts about 3 years, easy to change.
The safe I have had an electronic lock and a key that can bypass it. I keep one key in my dads safe and one key in my safety deposit box. Change the battery once per year and I’m good to go. And it is much easier than using a dial. But just my option.
This is my experience with a different type of safe lock. Had mine for less than a year though. Don't count on being able to open a mechanical lock with any speed in an emergency.Quote:
Originally Posted by encorehunter
I've spoken to a couple different stores which specialize in gun safes. They strongly suggest the mechanical dial rather than an electronic lock. Colorado Safe Outlet moved my safe recently and said I should never have a problem with my mechanical and I made a wise choice. The electronics are nice and easy but I had a friend with an electronic lock safe which died and he was he was going he was not happy.
Good luck in your search and decision.
I really like the dual/redundant lock on my Fort Knox safe.
Electronic keypad for quick access.
Mechanical dial for backup should the electronic keypad ever fail.
A lithium 9v in the electronic lock lasts multiple years and takes all of 30 seconds to change.
Have your cake and eat it too...
https://www.amazon.com/SecuRam-SafeL.../dp/B0791VK444
Why would anyone store safety related equipment where they couldn?t get to it quickly?Quote:
Originally Posted by Irving
If you suddenly realize you need something from your safe in a big hurry then maybe that item shouldn?t have been locked up in the safe to begin with.
Just saying.
I agree, but it should still be said.
My recollection was that the electronic locks have short warranties.
No issues with either of mine. Easy to change the combo too.
Hmm. This made me look into some of the electronic locks. I kind of dig the ones without a keypad that work through Bluetooth with your phone.
I had concerns when I was shopping for my safe so I chose one with redundant locking mechanisms. I'm glad I did. If the electronic dies for any reason I can still get in. Most people have zero issues with electronic mechanisms though.
Maybe I'm a little paranoid.
Love the electronic, never looked back. Easier for me to get into, so it means I don't leave things laying out as often as when I had the old dial. One of the redundant ones would be nice if you want a backup.
Get a redundant lock.....'nuff said.
Funny the gripes on electronic locks. Really all the electronic locks that come on residential "safes" are very low end. Depending on what brand, both mechanical and electronic, warranties range from 1yr-2yrs.
Although I'm not in CO anymore, I can drop ship almost any lock to you guys. Problem is you'll have to install it or hire a locksmith. It really isn't that hard!!
Opie - recommended safe, best bang for buck, redundant lock, $2k or under?
Thing is, I'm not "shopping" for a safe, I've found one that's on sale for a good price - one certain safe - and I have the cash. A Liberty Colonial 50. But it has an electronic lock on it. Not redundant.
I'm just wondering about those locks, and I do realize it could be changed out later.....
It'll work for now, just try to replace it once warranty is up.
Always an option down the road.....Quote:
Originally Posted by 00tec
The mechanical lock on my liberty safe failed after 4 years. Would take 3,4,5,10 tries before it would open the damn safe. Replaced it with the Securam keypad with mechainical backup. Mucho better.
What’s a good electric w/key or mechanical back up cost to swap out with a factory lock?
https://www.amazon.com/SecuRam-SafeL.../dp/B0791VK444Quote:
Originally Posted by CS1983
I believe Opie had these a bit cheaper before. I would contact him and get one shipped to you over the amazon people.
For what it's worth, I am in the same boat. Need to swap mine soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by rondog
On one of my safes I have the electronic lock with a key for backup. I've never had any issues with it, certainly faster to open than the one with a dial. Only issue is that I sometimes type in my ATM pin rather than the actual combination.
Are e-lock combos usually 4 digits, or can you choose? Mine are more digits. Can you choose debut pins that are longer than 4? If so, I should change mine.
Safes are usually 6. I dont have a pin other than a 4 digit
Both are 6 for me
My S&G lock is 8 digits
Depends on manufacturer and the model of lock. There's locks that allow the user to create combos from 4 to 9 digits. There's locks that allow supervisor and user codes, dual or single control, time delay, audit options etc.
For a basic e-lock for RSCs it's usually a 6 digit combo..
Are those SecuRam locks something that an average Joe can install himself?Quote:
Originally Posted by opie011