Mechanical or Electronic Lock (for safes)

[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