There was a time when safes where almost exclusively locked with a simple key and lock mechanism. While this is a tried and true method of securing your valuables, it is important to note that there are quite a few other options available, each with distinct pros and cons when compared to the others.
Recent decades have brought an across-the-board rise in the access and affordability of technologies that, until recently, where found only in spy movies or science fiction shows, and locks are no exception.
Considering the array of locks available, we thought our customers could use a little guidance in choosing which locking systems are best for their needs. So, we put together this comprehensive overview of the various types of security safe locking systems to help you get started on finding the one that’s best for you.
Key And Lock
This is your classic, straightforward locking mechanism. This is easily the most tried and true method of securing your valuables. Each key is shaped specifically to manipulate the lock’s internal tumblers into the proper position to allow the free movement of the safe’s door.
It might be tempting to think that having an exposed mechanism would make these locks susceptible to being picked, but they have come a long way since the days of those giant iron skeleton keys and huge, accessible openings. Modern key and lock systems have advanced to the point of being virtually un-pickable to even the most skilled thieves.
Key and lock mechanisms are the perfect choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, reliable way to secure their valuables and documents.
Pros:
• Easy To Use
• Time-Tested
• No Lockouts From Dead Batteries
• Affordability
Cons:
• Key Can Be Lost
• Thieves Could Discover Your Key
Combination
This is the type of lock most people think of when they think of a safe. This is the classic numbered dial that is manually operated by inputting the correct sequence of numbers to disengage the bolts of the lock.
These locks are becoming less popular as the affordability of electronic combination locks rises, but there is one main advantage that analog locks have over their electronic counterparts: They don’t require batteries, which negates the chance of experiencing a lockout due to dead batteries.
Pros:
• Time-Tested
• No Lockouts From Dead Batteries
• Affordability
Cons:
• Combination Can Be Forgotten
• Rarely Come Equipped With Override Options
• Relatively Delicate Mechanism
Electronic Keypad
These locks are pretty much the next generation of the classic analog dial locks. They feature an electronic keypad that allows you to quickly input your combination to disengage the bolts of the safe and gain access.
These keypads are extremely easy to open in a hurry and are often backlit, making them perfect for safes that may need to be opened quickly and in the dark, such as a gun safe.
Pros:
• Very Easy To Use
• Quick Access
• Easily Operated In The Dark
• Frequently Equipped With Override Options
Cons:
• Virtually Uncrackable
• Combination Can Be Forgotten
• Dead Batteries Can Cause Lockouts In Some Models
Biometric Systems
You can unlock your phone with your fingerprint, so why not your safe? This is where the recent quantum leap in consumer-grade technology really shines.
These locks bypass the need for keys and combinations by using unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or retinal scans, to gain access to the safe.
For residential use, fingerprint scanning locks are the most popular form of biometric lock on the market, due to their relative affordability when compared to other biometric systems. There are a number of other biometric options available, from voice recognition to retinal scanning, but these tend to be employed by higher-security institutions such as banks or government facilities.
These locks are an excellent choice for homes or businesses that wish to allow access to multiple people in a secure way, without having to be concerned with lost keys or forgotten combinations.
Pros:
• No Combinations To Forget Or Keys To Lose
• Easy To Use
• Multiple Biometric Signatures Can Be Input To Allow Access To Multiple Users
• Nearly Impossible To Override Without Authorization
• Frequently Equipped With Override Options
Cons
• Power Failure Can Result In A Lockout
Quality Considerations
As with almost any other product, there are varying degrees of quality between the various makes and models of security safe locks, with corresponding variations in pricing.
While the best way to decide which lock is best suited to your needs is to speak to a qualified dealer, there are a few facts worth pointing out to help you get started.
The most commonly accepted standard used for grading security safe locks is the European EN 1300 grading system. This system uses four grades, A-D, to rate the security level of locks, with A being the least secure and D the most.
For most residential and office applications, a lock with an “A” rating is more than sufficient to keep your valuables safe from thieves.
Are You Looking For A New Safe? Let Us Help!
Here at Broadway Lock And Key, we have the experience and expertise to help you find the right safe for your needs and budget, and we would love nothing more than to put that knowledge to work for you.
If you are considering purchasing a safe for your home or business and would like a sincere, professional assessment of your security needs, contact us today to arrange for your free consultation.
We will listen to your security and budgetary needs and help you find the perfect solution to meet the requirements of both. Don’t settle for less than the best! Contact us today and find out why Broadway Lock And Key is Denver’s premier safe and lock dealer.