Which type of safe lock is best?

Are you thinking about buying a safe?

Whilst safes are great for storing cash, valuables, electronics, keys, medicines, data, and so much more, purchasing one can be a sizeable investment. Therefore, it’s only natural that you want to select the best safe for your security needs.

Here at eSafes, we stock an extensive range of security safes, including cash safes, gun cabinets, home and office safes, underfloor, and wall safes.

Although you need to carefully consider which items you’ll stow inside the safe to determine the type you need, it’s also important to consider the locking options available.

Here we take a look at the different types of safe locks and their pros and cons.

Key locks

Most home safes and small office safes come with a traditional key lock as standard and are supplied with two keys. Great if you struggle to remember PIN codes and if you’re the only person who requires access.

These locks are manufactured to an exceptional quality and are very durable. They’re also simple to use, as you just need to make sure you have the appropriate key.

The only downside to key locking safes is that keys can easily be misplaced. Make sure you keep a close eye on them to ensure that they don’t end up in the wrong hands.

Electronic locks

If you’re constantly losing keys or multiple people need access to the safe, you’d be better off investing in one with an electronic lock. Instead of inserting a key into the lock, these are battery powered, and you simply enter the correct numerical code (usually a 6-digit combination).

For peace of mind, most electronic locking safes are equipped with a master code or override key to eliminate lockouts, and the administrator can create, change, or delete codes. If the battery is running low, you will also be notified either via the LCD or a sound.

These safe locks are very reliable so – as you’d expect – they tend to be more expensive than key locking safes.

Combination locks

When it comes to protecting your possessions against theft, loss, or damage, a safe with a combination dial lock is ideal. Without the need for keys, only the person who knows the correct code can access the safe.

You can set the combination and change it as often as you like, making it difficult for potential burglars to crack the code.

The disadvantage of combination locking safes is that they cost more than most other safes, and unlocking the safe door requires precision.

Biometric locks

Though they are only available on a limited number of safes, biometric locks are a convenient option. With no key or code needed, you simply place your thumb or finger over the scanner and, if your fingerprint is on the system, the safe door will open.

Typically, a fingerprint safe is provided with an override key in case the battery dies. But don’t worry, the lock should beep when it’s running out of power so you can replace the battery in good time.

Unfortunately, this type of safe lock isn’t recommended for certified burglary safes, and they come at a higher price than safes with a key or electronic lock. They’re also more susceptible to failure and component breakage.

Find your ideal security safe today

Now you know a little more about the different types of safe locks, you should have a better idea of which is most suitable for you.

We supply a comprehensive range of all the aforementioned safes from leading brands, such as Burg Wachter, Burton Safes, Dudley Safes, Phoenix Safes, and Yale Safes to name just a few, and we always guarantee competitive pricing.

If you’re struggling to decide which safe you need and would like an expert opinion, you’re more than welcome to use our online ‘safe chooser’ function. Or, if you prefer, call our team on 0800 783 2328 and we’ll happily discuss your requirements over the phone.