AmSec & Sturdy (Electronic vs. Dial Lock)

[Triumph]

I would like to access my safe (RSC) frequently and was planning on the electronic lock.

I know some of the members are not fans of the electronic lock but for quick, easy & frequent access it is attractive.

Terry at Sturdy Safe mentioned something about using a hybrid approach with two locks. One for quick & easy access coupled with a dial lock for increased security. He said the dial would be dormant until I engaged it. I'm not sure if I understood that correctly.

Any one know more about what Terry was talking about? Also comments on electronic vs. dial.

 

[btn]

I have a dial. It now takes me under 10 seconds to open, quicker if I turn the lock the first few revolutions after locking.

 

[heeler]

I played with both locks and it takes me on an average 12-15 seconds to get into my BF with the combo lock and 5-6 seconds on store models with the electronic pad.
That being said if I owned a cheap 12 gauge safe with a cheesy composite door It would not bother me to use the electronic because since the door is so flimsy when the lock finally failed,and it will one day,drilling it would not be so troubling to me.
On the other hand to have to drill a hole in that nice 1/2 inch plate door of my BF or the 5/16th plate door on the Sturdy would give me an ulcer.
Since these locks combo come keyed you could always dial the first two numbers of the combination,lock the dial with the key,then unlock it turn to the final combo number and be in just as quick as the electronic.
I know every one is different but for the life of me I cant understand why some one would want to place a lock on a safe that they absolutely know will die on them(or should know) and put them through the grief of drilling the door on their expensive safe.

 

[a1abdj]

I prefer mechanical locks over electronic locks based on reliability alone. The only advantage a mechanical lock has over an electronic lock is its reliability, but electronic locks have several advantages over mechanical locks.

You can change your own combination on an electronic lock without voiding the warranty. Combinations on a mechanical lock must be made by a locksmith to keep the warranty intact. In some cases safe manufacturers will back their customers up, and honor the warranty anyway.

Combinations on electronic locks can be changed very quickly from the key pad. No need for tools or to remove the cover of the safe (if required).

Some electronic locks can have more than one combination. One that's easy for you to remember, and one that's easy for each other person getting into the safe.

Although mainly for commercial customers, there are other things electronic locks can do that mechanicals have trouble with: Time delay entry, audit trails, panic/hold up alarm functions, etc....

Electronic locks today are much better than electronic locks of 15 years ago. Failures are still common, but not nearly as much as they were (and many of today's failures are on older locks still in service). There are a few companies that build very reliable electronic locks (manufacturers you've probably never heard of).

As far as AMSEC specifically. They are such a large company, that they are the only US safe manufacturer that owns their own line of UL rated locks. I actually use them on other manufacturer's safes occasionally because they are reliable as far as electronic locks go. I have several in use at a local bank where they are abused every day.

There are ways to make opening a mechanical lock faster. The way the numbers are set can make a big difference, but still provide the full security the lock offers. There are also ways to make the lock faster, but reduces the security the lock offers.

There are also ways to install two locks on a safe where either lock will open the safe. You can also use a redundant lock which is a single lock with double function.

 

[Keizer]

As far as AMSEC specifically. They are such a large company, that they are the only US safe manufacturer that owns their own line of UL rated locks. I actually use them on other manufacturer's safes occasionally because they are reliable as far as electronic locks go. I have several in use at a local bank where they are abused every day.

That's what I am using on my AMSEC, and love it. I also love being able to change the combo in short order. There was one time I had to give the combo to my sis in law to retrieve something for me. Later when I got home, I changed it up.

Terry at Sturdy Safe mentioned something about using a hybrid approach with two locks. One for quick & easy access coupled with a dial lock for increased security.

I find it odd that Terry would mention that a dial lock would be for "increased security". An electronic lock is actually more secure than a dial.

 

[Triumph]

That that gives me a lot to think about. I would be inclined to cancel the idea of getting a digital if there is even a chance it might fail on me. Calling the locksmith to come drill my Sturdy or AmSec BF is not something I want to do. I plan to get a 7250 or 7248 to hold a bunch of personal property other than guns. I will be accessing the safe on a daily basis & don't want to ever be locked out.

Guys - any comparisons of the different mechanical locks that Sturdy & AmSec offer?

 

[Cesiumsponge]

If the option is available, an auxillary high security key lock works too. Leave the dial or electronic lock unlocked during the day and use the key for quick access. If you're going to step out for a while, just lock both locks.

 

[a1abdj]

I would be inclined to cancel the idea of getting a digital if there is even a chance it might fail on me. Calling the locksmith to come drill my Sturdy or AmSec BF is not something I want to do.

Mechanical locks can fail too. Drilling isn't the end of the world either, so long as it's somebody who knows what they're doing. Safes can often be drilled open and placed back into service with no visible evidence of entry.

Guys - any comparisons of the different mechanical locks that Sturdy & AmSec offer?

I don't know what Sturdy offers, but know that AMSEC has access to just about every manufacturer you could think of.

Most of the locks used on gun safes are on the entry level end. The S&G 6730 and LaGard 3330 are the workhorses of the industry.

If the option is available, an auxillary high security key lock works too. Leave the dial or electronic lock unlocked during the day and use the key for quick access

They do make UL rated key locks with the same footprint as the mechanical and electronic versions. They keys are big though. This used to be a fairly common set up in jewelry stores, but most are getting away from that and going to a mechanical lock with an electronic day lock.

 

[Triumph]

a1abdj - what is your recommendation on a mechanical lock for the AmSec? Which one comes standard & is there a better option within a reasonable cost difference? It would have to be an option that could be ordered on the safe from AmSec. I am dealing with the same supplier as heeler. The dealer will order the safe from AmSec with the options I ask for but they do not sell different or install any lock themselves.