Gun safe locks-spin or electronic?

[FlyinBryan]

we have an american security gunsafe. it has the mechanical dial. once i got used to it (had it about 20 years) i can get into it in about 10 seconds.

its 795lbs empty but there is a few hundred lbs of stuff in it.

overall ive been very happy with the dial system. it has an almost industrial feel to it when you spin it. lot of weight in the dial.

i feel very comfortable with the dial while were not home (and the fourteen 1-1/4" thick hardened bolts)

 

[helz_mcfugly]

you should sell that safe to me and go buy a new one with a keypad.

 

[OOOXOOO]

One more for mechanical, safes should not be necessary to open quickly.

 

[MinnMooney]

I've had nothing but problems with my cheap Stack-On safe with an electronic lock. It works less than 50% of the time so I have to do the combination 2,3 or more times occasionally. It's frustrating. The "warranty" covers it IF I disassemble and remove the locking mechanism myself and mail it in for repair (@ my expence). It'll be gone for 4-6 weeks while my "safe" sits with a huge hole in the door completely unsecured. Great warranty!

A better brand of safe and a spin dial is in my future.

 

[kcshooter]

safes should not be necessary to open quickly.

Not always true.
The single gun safe next to my bed better be able to open quickly!

 

[Khornet]

My Ft. Knox

came with electronic, though I ordered mechanical. I decided to live with it. Easy to use, easy to change the combo. But I hated that it beeps with each keystroke. And after 3 years it began to require 3 attempts to open, despite fresh batteries.

Since I could never know when it was going to fail completely, I couldn't live with it. I got a mechanical lock and installed it two weeks ago. Much better. Silent and reliable. I just can't trust an electronic device with my guns. Yeah, I can't open in the dark. That's why I have flashlights.

 

[jakemccoy]

Some people mentioned that maintaining a mechanical lock is important. How exactly do I do that? Do I squirt it with oil every now and then? What do I do?

 

[woad_yurt]

I prefer the ol' mechanical dial I have to any digital anything. I have a brand new van and I have had quite a few problems with all of the electronics. Presently, Max AC is dead. Before, my gas gauge would jump around like it had epilepsy. It's all been related to the electronics. I love a PC on my desk but hate it on almost anything else. Digital stuff is too fragile. The house I'm working in now has a garage opener with a digital code access. It is a pure pain. It never works on the first try no matter how hard or easy or careful I am.

PS: My other vehicle is a 1962 Plymouth Valiant. It always works.

 

[sailortoo]

I second jakemccoy's question - maintenance is important - nowhere have I seen any instruction/direction on proper maintenance! I have wondered about internal wear over time, on a mechanical rotary dial lock mechanism. I would guess some graphite type "slickum" would be best, but no direct access to the innerds.
sailortoo

 

[Car Knocker]

My safe has an access door on the inside of the safe door. 4 screws.

 

[a1abdj]

Some people mentioned that maintaining a mechanical lock is important. How exactly do I do that? Do I squirt it with oil every now and then? What do I do?

You don't. It's not rocket science, but it is very easy to mess something up which will result in a lockout. It will also void any warranty.

Call a local locksmith who specializes in safe work. It shouldn't cost much more than $100.

They will inspect the lock for wear, clean, properly lubricate, and torque to spec. If they notice something is wrong, they may suggest you replace or rebuild the lock. Personally, I would replace the entire lock as opposed to rebuilding one.

I was just called out the other day to change a combination on a safe at a grocery store. The safe had never been serviced. When I removed the back cover of the safe, I noticed the lock was crooked. All four screws holding the lock in place had come loose, with two of them coming completely out. They were probably within a few days of a fired relocker, and a $500 safe opening.