Reliability Electronic vs Mechanical

[kmas]

I tried searching posts but there is no definitive answer to my question:

Is a mechanical dial lock more reliable than electronic? - seeing that everything electronic , including top manufacturers' products do fail sometimes at the worst time.

Doesn't an electronic lock have more "things" that can fail than a high quality dial/mechanical lock?

Thanks for any helpful advice on this, Including suggest safes for
3 handguns and 1 AR15

[portermann]

most would consider a mechanical lock more robust then an electronic one, but there's quality variability in both versions, as well as attack-ability. As a rule of thumb, go with a reputable safe company that stands behind their product and their locks (mechanical or electronic) should serve you well.

Locks are rated. A type I electronic lock is better than a Group 2 mechanical lock. Most mechanical locks will give you some warning when it fails as the tumblers start to go out. Usually they go bad because people spin them like they see in the movies - this is hard on the lock. Electronic locks tend to fail without warning. A high quality electronic will last longer than a cheap mechanical lock, BUT there are tons of cheap import junky electronic locks out there.

As an alternative, you can get one of those mechanical/electronic combos. You get the best of both worlds. Quick and efficient electronic lock with the backup of a mechanical dial.

I would suggest looking at American Security (AMSEC) safes. They have a very reliable electronic lock, good history of making all types of safes, and have a great warranty on their products. When you look at safes, consider its fire protection. Statistically its more common to lose your valuables in a fire then a burglary. Finally, decide on a safe, and then get the next size up.

[Kowan]

Check the warranty on an electronic lock. Most only cover them for 5 yrs.
Not 5 yrs from purchase, 5 yrs from date of manufacture.

[ElDub1950]

See the basic safe info sticky at the top of this forum. It has links to good info about electronic vs mechanical locks.

[Zorba]

Mechanical. All day long.

For just about anything, not just locks.

[Win231]

When I bought my Canon safe, I told the salesman that I considered a mechanical dial lock more reliable than an electric. He said that used to be true years ago but the electronic locks have been equally reliable for the past several years. I ended up with the S&G electronic lock. I've been using it for 14 years - no problems. It uses two 9V batteries. I've gone as long as 5 years without changing them.

[kmas]

Thank you

I did read the info in the sticky, but there was no definitive answer.

Thanks everyone for your input.
I do have a concern about electronic locks failing without warning.

I won't be opening my safe more than once a week for range trips, so maybe mechanical will work fine?

Speed of opening the safe is not necessary, as my home defense gun stays by my side and is not locked up (empty nester)

I'll check into the dual systems also.

[2Aallday]

If you ever want to lose all faith in locks of essentially any description, check out bosnianbill on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/user/bosnianbill

This one is particularly amusing... http://youtu.be/cI_09j-b84I

[SahmDan]

For longevity and durability I'd suggest looking at a mechanical... I'm going on 30+ years on my safe with a mechanical mechanism...

[Dario562]

I talked to Alyssa from Sturdy Safes about a mechanical/electronic lock combo. She said they were having too many problems with the Securam Xtreme logic combo lock and others so they stopped carrying them all together. I got my Sturdy with a mechanical lock.

[NATEWA]

Mechanical lock. I had a S&G installed and talked to the installer. Electronics will fail. Some are better than other but mechanical is the best.