Key lock for safe

[jim357]

I see that some high security safes use two locks, a regular combination and a key lock. I am not talking about the key lock for the dial, but a second lock on the safe that uses a large key to open it. How secure is that type of lock and is it a bad idea to use that as the only lock on a gun safe? Thanks, Jim

 

[a1abdj]

I'm not a fan of key locks as the sole lock on a safe because keys have a tendency to be lost.

Many secondary key locks that you see on high security safes are UL rated high security key locks, and some versions would retrofit fairly easily.

 

[RedAlert]

I'm gonna take a guess and suggest the key lock is used during the day when the safe is opened and closed frequently. The key would be speedy compared to having to dial the combo each time access was needed. Then at the end of the day, the safe is closed and the combo lock is also engaged for the night.

Ralph

 

[a1abdj]

I'm gonna take a guess and suggest the key lock is used during the day when the safe is opened and closed frequently. The key would be speedy compared to having to dial the combo each time access was needed. Then at the end of the day, the safe is closed and the combo lock is also engaged for the night.

You are correct.

Electronic locks are also taking the place of these key locks more and more.

 

[jim357]

Yes, I was thinking of the high security key lock. The type used as a second lock on the high security safes. Is this lock more or less secure than a mechanical combination lock. Except for the very large key, if it was as secure or more secure than the combination lock, it seems like it might be a decent choice. What about this? Jim

 

[a1abdj]

For your purposes, it should be equally secure. The weakness of key locks is the ability to pick them, but these types of locks are not easy to pick without specialized tools.

There have been safe manufacturers that have used these locks as the sole lock on a safe.

The type of lock you would be looking for would be 6800 series S&G, or a 2200 series Lagard.