There has been a lot of argument as to which type of safe lock is the best to use. Some say mechanical dials are more secure. Some however, opt for digital safe locks as they are more technologically advanced and thus deemed much safer. These contrasting assumptions can be confusing to first time buyers. So which type of safe lock should consumers use for their safe box, the one with the mechanical dial or the electronic safe lock?
No safe box is secure without a good locking mechanism. Mechanical dial locks use a series of pins and wheels to engage a metal bolt that passes between the door and a slot in the body of the safe. This is what's keeping the door closed tight or allowing it to open. Electronic safe locks have a similar metal bolt for security. However, they use an electronic mechanism that is usually with a digital keypad rather than a numbered mechanical dial in order to engage and release the bolt.
Which Safe Box Lock Mechanism Offers Better Security?
Which Safe Box Lock Mechanism Offers Better Security?
Although both locks have their weaknesses, there are more methods to picking the lock on a mechanical dial lock than there are ways to disable a digital safe lock. Some electronic safe box locks have added security by using a magnetic key card instead of the usual numeric code. This not only prevents thieves from guessing the code but also makes the safe box easy to open if the card falls into the wrong hands.
Other electronic safe boxes use fingerprint analysis. This makes it impossible for anyone whose fingerprints are not preregistered in the digital memory of the lock from opening the safe box. Though this is more secure, it has the drawback of cost since mechanical dial safe boxes are typically less expensive than digital safe boxes. Moreover, mechanical dials do not fade over time unlike digital keypads.
Electronic safe locks operate on battery power. The batteries can lose charge over time which would make the safe impossible to open without a key. Safe box providers advise owners of safe boxes to replace the battery after a year to avoid these kinds of issues. Batteries may have a long shelf life but they are still finite when compared to mechanical dial locks.
Conclusion
Both locking mechanisms have their advantages and disadvantages. However in terms of security, the digital or electronic safe lock is more reliable. Mechanical dial safe boxes may not be susceptible to maintenance problems and are more affordable but then again, these are bested by the additional security features, convenience and ease of use of electric or digital safe boxes.
Electronic safe locks operate on battery power. The batteries can lose charge over time which would make the safe impossible to open without a key. Safe box providers advise owners of safe boxes to replace the battery after a year to avoid these kinds of issues. Batteries may have a long shelf life but they are still finite when compared to mechanical dial locks.
Conclusion
Both locking mechanisms have their advantages and disadvantages. However in terms of security, the digital or electronic safe lock is more reliable. Mechanical dial safe boxes may not be susceptible to maintenance problems and are more affordable but then again, these are bested by the additional security features, convenience and ease of use of electric or digital safe boxes.
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