Armory Sponsor
Posted: 5/7/2011 8:00:36 PM EDT
| Whats the pros and cons of a electronic lock vs a standard lock. Looking at getting a safe and was wondering. |
|
Three guys came to install my safe. One of the guys mentioned how similar our setups looked: ammo cans, gun safe, etc, but mentioned how he prefered his electronic lock to the mechanical lock I had....to which the lead tech then said, "yeah, and I'll be over at your place sometime in the next year or two to drill it open [when the electronic lock fails]."
We couldn't find the combination to my safe during the install, and even after a call to the mfg, that combination didn't work. The tech had a disheartening look on his face and asked me for some details about the safe construction. So I asked him if he could simply open the lock by manipulation since it's only a Group II lock, he shook his head and said, hell no, we'll need to drill. So, I'm gussing manipulation isn't as easy as it sounds. In the end, we got the combination to work...somebody had transposed two digits. I'm guessing it takes about ten seconds to open my dial lock. I'm the only one with the combination, the only one who needs the combination, and I would be absolutely thrilled if my daughter were interested enough in mathematics to try to crack the combination...but alas, she isn't. So, the mechanical dial suits my needs just fine. Electronics are nice because you can have multiple combinations, and readily change combinations. About the EMP thing, I'm guessing that's more of a joke than anything, but... There's only a narrow cressent shaped band where semiconductors should be affected. I wouldn't worry about it unless you lived in a certain area, and even then, I wouldn't worry too much. |
|
ELectronic locks have the same security level as a dial lock on most models. Some model elocks are actually less security than a dial lock. All these opinions are based on the viewpoint of a person who knows how to drill a lock. Dial locks have better reliability and longevity than an electronic lock. That observation being made by a person who services locks for people who are locked out of their safes. My boss has been in business 23 years and every employee at the store has chosen a safe and put a dial lock on it, including myself. I do have one other safe at home for my wife to use with an electronic lock on it, but I know how to drill it and get it open if it fails. I also picked the least troublesome lock made to put on it.
Long story short, unless you can't see, you can't hold a steady hand, and your in the safe several times a day, then get a dial lock. |
|
Quoted:
ELectronic locks have the same security level as a dial lock on most models. ........... I do have one other safe at home for my wife to use with an electronic lock on it, but I know how to drill it and get it open if it fails. I also picked the least troublesome lock made to put on it. Long story short, unless you can't see, you can't hold a steady hand, and your in the safe several times a day, then get a dial lock. Snop, We have a similar setup. My large Sturdy safe has a dial lock, and I have a smaller Sturdy with their Securam e-lock. (Terry explained that they have had better reliability with these over S&G e-locks. So the Securam comes with a 1 or 2 year guarantee (I have to check the waranty again) and I plan to have it replaced shortly before then with a more reliable lock. If you don't mind telling us, what e-lock did you chose? Thanks Dave |
|
S&G ZO2 is what we have. I also like the 6120.
I have had nothing but problems with Securams, I would actually say that lock is my least favorite out of any lock period. All my manufacturers warranty the S&G locks for 5 years. Securams have a 1 year warranty with everyone we use. |
| Electronic locks are much faster and easier to access if/when they work. I had a GunVault 5900 where the selenoid failed. Luckily a few smacks with the hammer as I input my code allowed me to open the safe one last time. Good thing I didn't NEED my gun at that moment I found out it was failing. The electronic locks, even with a key backup are not reliable. That key backup works like a switch-it's electric too and therefore susceptable to the same problems. I will never purchase another GunVault or Cannon product again. |
Armory Sponsor