When shopping for your safe, you are likely to have questions about what type of lock is best for you. You may wonder how reliable safe locks are and what happens if yours breaks or you lose your combination. And finally, whatever safe lock you choose, you want to be sure that if something goes wrong with it, it's covered by a warranty. This guide will help answer any questions you may have about safe locks and help you make an informed decision.
Most safe locks come in one of two types: mechanical or electronic. The type of lock you choose should be based on how you will use your safe and your personal preference.
Mechanical Locks
Mechanical locks are great and probably the type of lock that first comes to mind when you think about safes. This type of lock is tried and true and normally has a long lifespan.
The problem with mechanical locks? There have been few changes in their technology since their invention in the 1800s. If you make a mistake when entering your combination, you'll need to start all over again. If you ever need to change your combination, you'll likely have to hire a locksmith to change it for you.
Electronic Locks
Electronic locks are rated as a Group 1 lock with high manipulation resistance, which means it has 999,999 possible full combinations. You can choose your own combination and change it anytime you want. You also have the ability to program multiple combinations for more than one user. Electronic locks offer fast and easy access, even in the dark.
Electronic locks provide protection even if they keypad is removed. The locks' memory will also retain your combination when you change the battery or the battery fails.
At the end of the day, the decision really comes down to preference. Electronic locks offer boosted security but many prefer the simplicity of mechanical locks.
Biometric safe locks are gaining popularity among safe owners. This lock type can be a bit more expensive but the major advantage is that you only need to tap your finger on the lock's sensor to open your safe instead of keying or dialing a combination code.
A finger swipe can be a much faster way to get your gun safe open in an emergency. So, if speed is an issue, a biometric lock might be something to consider.
Overall, biometric locks can be reliable and offer enhanced security features when properly designed and implemented.
It is important to register your safe after accepting the delivery. This ensures that if you lose your combination or key, that the manufacturer will be able to verify ownership.
If you have registered your safe, you can request a combination or duplicate key directly from the manufacturer.
If you did not register your safe, you'll need to call us to review your options for cracking the safe.
Absolutely! You can upgrade from mechanical to electronic or go back to the basics and change out your electronic lock for a mechanical one.
We recommend reaching out to an A-1 Locksmith safe expert when you want to change your lock to ensure the work is done properly. All safe lock options are listed on our website.
Safe lock warranties vary by manufacturer. Most manufacturers offer a standard 5-year warranty on both mechanical and electronic locks with the option to upgrade to an extended or lifetime warranty.
If you have specific questions regarding your safe's brand of lock, please refer to the corresponding FAQ Warranties page.