Myths Vs Reality: Which is Better? A Digital or Combination Safe Lock?
Can you change the lock on your safe from a dial locks to an electronic lock? Yes you can. But are you ready to? Do you feel comfortable making the change?
Do You Even Need to Decide Between a Mechanical & Digital Lock
The debate between with safe lock is better, a combination lock or a digital lock, is strong. One is entirely mechanical; the other much easier to use. But there are myths associated with both.
With today’s technology, Bayside Locksmith & Security recommends upgrading to a digital safe lock from a combination lock for the ease-of-use provided by the digital safe lock. If you are ordering a new safe, get the digital safe lock.
The digital safe lock is better than the combination lock because:
* You get in fast. If you need to access the safe quickly, there’s no better way than a user code.
* If a dial fails, you’re drilling the safe and replacing the dial. If an electronic lock fails, many times you can simply replace the key pad to get in. No drilling. A much less expensive option.
Safe Lock w/ Audit Trail
Myth: Mechanical locks don’t fail.
Reality: They do. Without regular maintenance the combinations of those locks tend to drift with time and at some point, the owner can no longer get in. For example, if one of your numbers is “45” and you notice you have to dial “45 1/2” instead of “45” it’s time to get your safe dial serviced before it’s too late.
Myth: If my batteries die, I’m locked out of an electronic safe.
Reality: Most new safes have the batteries placed in the face plate on the outside of the safe. Those that don’t either have temporary ways to get power to the keypad or a key override.
Myth: Electronic locks fail too often, and I’ll be in for costly repairs later.
Reality: We see both types of safe locks fail. The main advantage for an electronic lock is that if the electronics on the keypad do fail, most can simply be swapped out by the owner of the safe. You don’t even need a locksmith in this case. If a dial fails, you are definitely hiring a locksmith to drill and repair the safe.
EMP Rated Safe Lock
Myth: An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) will wipe out me electronic lock.
Reality: You can now get EMP-rated electronic locks that can withstand EMPs.
Myth: Biometric lock technology is poor.
Reality: Biometric safe lock technology has been improving for years, but it’s true, we still don’t like them, and we don’t recommend them in most cases.
We see them often result in false negatives (a registered user not being able to get into the safe) or false positives (a non-register user getting into the safe). You see biometric locks a lot in the cheaper brands of safes.
Mechanical & Electronic Duel Lock
Myth:You need to choose between a dial and an electronic lock.
Reality: You don’t! There are safe locks that contain both keyed entry and a dial combination. If one fails, no matter which one, you can use the other method to get into the safe.
Changing a safe lock is something you will want to hire a profession to do. You don’t want your lock installation failing because you’ll need to hire someone to drill the safe to get you back in. If you do try this on your own, never close the safe door without thoroughly testing your install and proper operation of the safe lock several times.
Ready for an electronic lock? Call us today!!
Thanks,
Todd Theroux
