• December 1, 2017

To key or not to key? Which type of safe lock is best for me?

The Esafes online shop stocks a huge selection of home and business security safes from the leading brands and many of these come with a choice of locking options.  In this article we explain the most common types of locking options so that you can choose the one most suitable for your security needs.

 

KEY LOCK

Key locks are the standard locking mechanism on most safes, they are secure and reliable and have been used for generations.  The benefits and considerations of these types of locks are:

Pros

  • Reliable and usually last a long time without the need for routine maintenance
  • Cost effective and usually cheaper than other locking options

Cons

  • No passcode to remember
  • Loss of keys compromises the security of the safe

 

DIGITAL LOCK

Digital locks are becoming more popular due to the convenience of not having to carry a key.  The digital keypad lock is powered by batteries which are usually fitted on the inside of the safe.  The key pad can be programmed with your own personal PIN code.  An override key is usually provided with this type of safe so that it can be opened in the event that the batteries run flat.  The benefits and considerations of these types of locks are:

Pros

  • No key to carry or lose
  • Code can be changed on a regular basis for additional security
  • Some allow multiple users which is great for businesses where more than 1 person requires access

Cons

  • Usually more expensive
  • A forgotten code requires an engineer visit to gain access to the safe
  • Batteries must be kept charged

 

WHEEL COMBINATION LOCK

Although this is the type of lock that many people remember from the Hollywood movies this type of lock is not common.  The benefits and considerations of these types of locks are:

Pros

  • Huge number of possible combinations provides high security

Cons

  • Expensive
  • A forgotten combination will require an engineer visit to gain destructive access to the safe
  • Not an option on most safes

 

BIOMETRIC LOCK

This type of lock is fitted with a finger print recognition device, the safe will only open when a pre-scanned fingerprint is held on the fingerprint reader.  The benefits and considerations of these types of locks are:

Pros

  • Convenient, no key to carry or passcode to remember
  • Some can be programmed with multiple finger prints where more than 1 person requires access
  • Can be fitted on some safes alongside a digital lock

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Can’t be opened in the event of a power/battery failure
  • Can malfunction locking the user out of the safe although this is not common.

 

You can find out more on high security safe locking options by visiting our website www.esafes.co.uk.

You can also call the Esafes team 0800 7832328 to discuss your safe requirements in more detail.

  • December 1, 2017