User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 2:13:30 PM EDT
[#1]
You can change the combo on the dial.
Are you concerned with the electronics or the battery? Batteries are usually accessible from the exterior of the lock. I prefer mechanical myself. Electronics, while extremely reliable, fail without warning. If you are a tin foil kinda guy, how you gonna protect it from EMP? My suggestion is this. Tell the place selling the safe to switch the locks. If they won't, go somewhere else. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 2:17:21 PM EDT
[#2]
my safe has the dial lock, having to dial the combo each time ist so bad.
i have never seen anyone complaining about the electronic combo. for 500 bucks less i would go with the e-lock. i am sure the e-lock has some kind of warranty, and has been tested. the granite finish looks better in my opinion. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 2:17:46 PM EDT
[#3]
I have a electronic lock.. I like it as it is quick to acces if you need to.
just my $.02 |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 2:19:52 PM EDT
[#4]
Try opening your safe in total darkness. The electronic lock is faster and you can punch in the combination by feel.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 2:22:16 PM EDT
[#5]
worry more about spending money on thicker steel.
doors are relatively secure regardless of the lock type (i prefer the plain mechanical combo...but that's all in what you like). sides, back, top and bottoms are easily swazall'd into on the 10-12 gauge boxes. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 2:22:43 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted: Try opening your safe in total darkness. The electronic lock is faster and you can punch in the combination by feel. Correct! I have a Cannon safe with an Elock and can get into it in about 2 seconds...I wouldn't go to a dial lock now if the safe was half of an Elock model. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 2:24:16 PM EDT
[#7]
I use to have a combo, now I have electronic and like it allot better. Quick to open.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 2:25:34 PM EDT
[#8]
My safe came with a dial, changed it to a keypad, never looked back. I think it was around $100 to change it over, plus I sold the dial lock back to the vendor.
What can I say, I'm used to punching keypads all day at work :P |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 2:33:23 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted: You can change the combo on the dial. Are you concerned with the electronics or the battery? Batteries are usually accessible from the exterior of the lock. I prefer mechanical myself. Electronics, while extremely reliable, fail without warning. If you are a tin foil kinda guy, how you gonna protect it from EMP? My suggestion is this. Tell the place selling the safe to switch the locks. If they won't, go somewhere else. EMP? bah no need EMP requires a long line to pick up the inductive charge and deliver it to the component to be effected by it. which means if a EMP goes off powerlines will pick it up and send it to your house and toasted any active electronics. however it will only affect ones PLUGGED into the house electric. since the safe wont be it will need to be far, far, far closer to ground zero to be affected on its own. and if that happens.. you have bigger problems that getting to your guns... like living for another 2 minutes. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 3:07:48 PM EDT
[#10]
Try opening that electronic lock after the safe has been sitting in the middle of a fire for half an hour...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 3:15:48 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted: Try opening that electronic lock after the safe has been sitting in the middle of a fire for half an hour... No thanks, I'll call the lock and safe company who sold it to me, they have to open it for free no matter the reason I can't get in, even if some asshole thief were to get pissed and try and sledge hammer it off. It came with that warranty for free. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 3:17:29 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted: Try opening that electronic lock after the safe has been sitting in the middle of a fire for half an hour... While this is a good thought, if you had a Cannon with the E-lock, they will send someone to your house to open it at no charge! I LOVE the E-lock, and can open my safe in less than 2 seconds, which I don't think anyone can do with a dial. Go with the E-lock, go with Cannon for the best warranty out there, and the best bang for the buck to boot. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 3:21:43 PM EDT
[#13]
No matter what lock you get, always ALWAYS keep a working flashlight on the top of your safe.
If you have an electronic lock, change the batteries every year. Also change the flashlight batteries. Make it your birthday and you won't forget to change batteries. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 7:58:50 PM EDT
[#14]
Electric lock? What if the SHTF and the power goes out? You're unarmed!
Edited to say: Oh, is it battery powered? But still, batteries can die. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 8:13:17 PM EDT
[#15]
While this is a good thought, if you had a Cannon with the E-lock, they will send someone to your house to open it at no charge! Yeah, I'm sure they'll be delighted to send someone out to your house (and half a million other customers' houses – be prepared to wait for your turn) after the S has HTF...Just give 'em a call...Oh, you say your phone isn't working, either? Gee, that's too bad – Maybe you can flag down a police officer to protect you... |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 8:53:57 PM EDT
[#16]
E-Lock.. lifetime warranty on mine... I am in mine in less than 3 seconds.. And I have an switched LED light fixed at the dial, held by a magnet. SWEET! [:)] |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 9:01:43 PM EDT
[#17]
If an EMP device goes off, don't expect to get into your safe if it has an electronic lock.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 9:10:11 PM EDT
[#18]
If the SHTF so bad you didn't know it before it hit, you won't need to get in your safe 'cuz you'll be dead.
If the SHTF and you know 'cuz FOX or CNN gave you the heads up, you've got time to use your battery powered electronic lock. If the SHTF and it was so 'hot' it melted your dial lock, uh, well, so you've got a 'foolproof' dial lock and you're dead. The funniest thing I've ever heard about SHTF is from a Range Master who said, "the Shit has been gonna hit the Fan for 50 years and I haven't seen it yet!" Get the safe you're looking at and lock up your stuff. THAT'S the important part. [;)] |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 9:14:58 PM EDT
[#19]
... I'm old fashioned. I prefer the mainstay S&G dial.
... That said, there are actually companies out there that market "crackers", like the one show below, that would open mine inside of a 1/2 an hour. [img]http://www.mbausa.com/images/two.jpg[/img] |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 9:23:44 PM EDT
[#20]
I have a glow in the dark rat glued just above my dial, and a flashlight on top of the safe.
Don't get me started about Cannon's warranty. It took me from Christmas Eve till last month to get a faulty lock replaced. I've been nice... |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 9:36:39 PM EDT
[#21]
You folks that don't belive the S could ever HTF remind me of the folks who don't belive a gun could ever be useful against an intruder. Might as well turn 'em all in and let the police protect you!
An example: Terrorists set off a small nuke several miles from your house. You're safely at work many miles away, but the thermal flash ignites hundreds of fires, one of which burns through most of the homes in your neighborhood. You return to find that the safe's still there, but the electronic lock is toast. Think the salesman that sold you the safe is going to send someone out to open it anytime soon? The whole point of owning guns is to be self-reliant. Why compromise that by depending on some locksmith that may or may not show up when you need him? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 9:37:50 PM EDT
[#22]
Mine is both electronic and key, but it also holds only two handguns. [:|]
Edited to add: If I'm Home it's open. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:13:06 PM EDT
[#23]
Most safe manufacturers will upgrade to a keypad as a retrofit for about $100.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:26:22 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted: You folks that don't belive the S could ever HTF remind me of the folks who don't belive a gun could ever be useful against an intruder. Might as well turn 'em all in and let the police protect you! An example: Terrorists set off a small nuke several miles from your house. You're safely at work many miles away, but the thermal flash ignites hundreds of fires, one of which burns through most of the homes in your neighborhood. You return to find that the safe's still there, but the electronic lock is toast. Think the salesman that sold you the safe is going to send someone out to open it anytime soon? The whole point of owning guns is to be self-reliant. Why compromise that by depending on some locksmith that may or may not show up when you need him? You can play SHTF scenarios all you want, but I go into my safe about 50 times a week and don't want to fumble with a dial lock 8 times a day. I'm in my safe in 2 seconds and I don't even have to turn on a light, who said I don't keep a Mossberg 590, Glock .40 and a Colt AR preban outside the safe at all times....I don't want the intruders getting the [b]expensive[/b] stuff...they can have those. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:37:13 PM EDT
[#25]
Ummm... don't many e-locks have manual turnkey backups in case of electronic failures??? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:37:58 PM EDT
[#26]
Quoted: Electric lock? What if the SHTF and the power goes out? You're unarmed! Edited to say: Oh, is it battery powered? But still, batteries can die. Its funny this thread came up. I just ordered a safe today, an AMSEC 6040. The batteries can be replaced from the outside. The solution is to keep a spare set of batteries on or near the safe. As far as EMP is concerned, so of you missed NOVA5's post. EMP is not that big of a concern. And from what I recall EMP won't effect things which aren't powered at the time, unless your in really, really close proximity and it a big explosion/reaction. Its like worrying about a power surge distroying your computer while its not plugged in. Basically EMP is like a power surge. It is induced upon long conductors (e.g.- power lines) causing a sudden rise, or spike, in the voltage. Also regarding a fire hot enough to melt the dial. This would effect both types of locks. I have had other types of locks subjected to heat and the metal inside expanded causing the mechanism to bind. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:42:40 PM EDT
[#27]
I have a dial on the storage safe. The safe is not intended for quick access. However, ti is annoyingly incoveniently slow to access. Therefore, I will get electronic on the next one.
If you are worried about survivability of the electronics because of fire, I have heard some of the dial locks use x-ray transparent plastic (not heat resistant) parts inside. For survivability from EMP or other failure you could get a second cheapo key box and into it you put your cutsaw and a generator to get into your other safe. [:)] |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:46:31 PM EDT
[#28]
Ummm... don't many e-locks have manual turnkey backups in case of electronic failures??? Don't recall seeing any. If you have as bad a case of gun fondleitis as [b]Wolfpack[/b] apparently does (8 times a day? Sheesh!), you're probably better off with a safe that has both a medium-security key-operated lock and a high-security combo lock. Use the keylock when you're around the house, and use the combo before you head out for a night on the town. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:49:21 PM EDT
[#29]
Quoted: ... However, it is annoyingly incoveniently slow to access...[:)] ... Only if you're smelly drunk! |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:49:57 PM EDT
[#30]
It ain't always about SHTF stuff...what about the long holiday weekend or opening day of deer season?
Ever had a computer go down?..or a phone go bad?..or a calculator go screwy?...electronics get hiccups too. So, while your buddies are all havin' a great time at the range or the huntin' trip...you're stuck at home cussin' that lock and waitin' on the locksmith to finish dinner before he can get over there to let you in. Don't worry, I'm sure the guys will bring back pictures of all the 10 pointers they bagged while you weren't there. PS: Congrats on buying a gunsafe(E* or dial), shows good gun ownership and responsible adult logic. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:50:53 PM EDT
[#31]
Quoted: If you have as bad a case of gun fondleitis as [b]Wolfpack[/b] apparently does (8 times a day? Sheesh!), Your not married to my wife, if you were you would understand! [:P] |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 10:56:55 PM EDT
[#32]
Quoted: Ever had a computer go down?..or a phone go bad?..or a calculator go screwy?...electronics get hiccups too. I agree with you on that but I think it is less frequent with dedicated electronics, e.g. - A computer versus a calculator. While they can both calculate a "calculator" is more reliable and less complicated. Fewer things to go wrong. Although i've never had a calculator act-up on me I have seen others calculators go bad. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 11:05:50 PM EDT
[#33]
There was a similar thread on GlockTalk. A professional locksmith replied that he would like ALL his customers to buy safes with electronic locks. Why? He explained that the locks, which are all made by the same one or two companies, fail like clockwork after about 4 years. It's not a battery issue--has to do the the touchpad circuits degrading.
I can see the usefulness of electronic lock for a small "bedroom" safe, but for your primary storage safe, a mechanical lock will last a lifetime and takes only about 20 seconds to open (if you don't forget the combination). |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2003 11:09:49 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted: There was a similar thread on GlockTalk. A professional locksmith replied that he would like ALL his customers to buy safes with electronic locks. Why? He explained that the locks, which are all made by the same one or two companies, fail like clockwork after about 4 years. It's not a battery issue--has to do the the touchpad circuits degrading... ... Yup, sometimes less is more |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/19/2003 1:36:33 AM EDT
[#35]
I use the old fashion Dial Lock.
I saw the inside of a Electronic Lock after two years service and there was no way I would go that way. The touch pad on the back of the keys appeared to be dry rotted. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/19/2003 1:45:05 AM EDT
[#36]
Dial which is impervious to EMP attacks.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/19/2003 3:26:07 AM EDT
[#37]
Quoted: There was a similar thread on GlockTalk. A professional locksmith replied that he would like ALL his customers to buy safes with electronic locks. Why? He explained that the locks, which are all made by the same one or two companies, fail like clockwork after about 4 years. It's not a battery issue--has to do the the touchpad circuits degrading. I can see the usefulness of electronic lock for a small "bedroom" safe, but for your primary storage safe, a mechanical lock will last a lifetime and takes only about 20 seconds to open (if you don't forget the combination). Yep thats what I have read also so I went with the dial it takes about 20/30 sec to open if I had to do it again I would stay with the dial. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/19/2003 4:17:53 AM EDT
[#38]
Quoted: Ummm... don't many e-locks have manual turnkey backups in case of electronic failures??? Yes. Mine does, and its a (I know!) Sentry. It has the electronic key pad with manual key backup. I love the keypad. I would never want to go back to dial type, especially since I am such a Slacker... If it wears out in a few years I'm gonna have to eat crow... [img]http://personalpages.tds.net/~eflanagin/safeclosed.JPG[/img] |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/19/2003 11:38:04 AM EDT
[#39]
If the electronic lock uses a key as a backup, the security is never any better than the key lock (which ain't very good!). Essentially, the key lock becomes the weak link in your safe's security.
Again, the ideal arrangement seems to be having completely separate key and mechanical-dial locks. You use the key lock for quick access when you're around the house, and use the dial lock for maximum security before you leave home. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/2/2003 2:26:28 AM EDT
[#40]
I just bought a Liberty safe with a dial lock. But I have a pistol in a clock radio gun safe with a electronic lock .
[img]http://www.tlimages.com/images/users/2276/openclock.jpg[/img] |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
