E Lock or Dial

[GunHawk]

Tip: Go with a used safe and have the dealer customize your combination. I did that and saved ~$700 over a new safe, but the dealer was a safe expert from Law Enforcement. I got a Champion as he said their bolt mechanism is top of the line. Along with it I got a manual S&G and he used 3 numbers I gave him to create a custom combination. I like the look and feel of the dial over the electronic lock.

And, get the electrical dehumidifier.

 

[Littlehud]

I have an e lock and I wish I had a dial. I have replaced the keypad twice, and it goes through batteries way faster than I ever imagined I would. One every few months. You won't have those issues with a dial. Not as quick, but I have a gun handy outside my safe all the time anyway so no need to be quick about getting one out.

 

[joseytoo]

I had an elock, till I had to have the door drilled to get in! PITA and expensive, plus messed up safe door. Never Again! Good S&G dial now

 

[ofbandg]

One of the guy in our hunting group bought an e-lock safe that after a year wouldn't open. We changed the batteries a couple times and tried everything from going on line to the manufacturer to taking the outside of the lock apart and couldn't get it open. The closest lock smith who could deal with it was two hours away but finally there was no choice. It cost five hundred dollars to get him here and he had to drill the lock out and change it to a dial type. Now none of our group will own a straight e-lock type of safe.

 

[joseytoo]

Like I Said! And the IDIOT!! "locksmith" used a dewalt cordless with a carbide masonry bit to do it! After I explained that I have a mag drill that would punch any hole, anywhere! He is in Sarasota, Fl., be careful!!!!

 

[FlyGuy11]

How often do you go into your safe? Me; everyday thus the electronic lock. If you go with one of the bigger companies (i.e. Liberty, Fort Knoxx, etc.) check the warranties. I believe that liberty can be replaced without drilling but I would ask the dealer. The good old dial requires less maintenance but with less convivence. I would look at how often and the speed at which you want access to you firearms and thus should help you decide. This is like asking if the .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor is better; you'll get fans of both sides. I personally love the electronic but understand why folks want a dial.

 

[mongo4567]

I have only dials now and that is what I would recommend. I had an elock, and it started to go bad. It would work on the second or third try if not the first.

A buddy of my described the same thing (occasional failures). His went from an occasional error to not working, and he had to have it drilled. It was not clean like you would think....as you would see on TV. It was like two locksmiths coming out under the safe warranty, drilling like 4 holes.

I ordered a replacement dial for my elock, I did the swap myself. It was about $70.

 

[mongo4567]

Duplicate

 

[SEGARE]

I've had a Granite safe with an E lock for over 15 years. Nary a problem, and I think it's on its fourth battery. I'm in it several times per week.

 

[joseytoo]

Actually they had to drill 2 holes, because they bumped the door with a deadblow hammer and tripped the relocker. There is a device inside the safe mechanism called a relocker, which permanently locks the door if someone tries to break it. Once the relocker is tripped you have to drill so you can push the relocker out of the way. My son was watching, because he wanted them to change his elock before it quit. He changed his mind as soon as he saw how badly they screwed mine up. My safe was not that old when it quit

 

[jmaars]

The Electronics are fine as long as you get one with a Key override.

 

[tooOld]

Looking at a new safe and can't decide on a dial lock or electronic lock. I'm spending in the Liberty/Cannon range. Opinions please!

Several years ago I talked to a sales rep when I was going to buy a safe. He said dial locks had about 1% failure, and electronic locks had about 2% failure. I bought the dial.

 

[Mrkdiver]

Looking at a new safe and can't decide on a dial lock or electronic lock. I'm spending in the Liberty/Cannon range. Opinions please!

Electronic. I have both Electronic and dial lock in Cannon safes No doubt about it to me.

 

[Roy39A]

My daughter in law bought my son a E lock safe. After 3 months it would not unlock. He dug out the receipt and called the manufacturer they said they would send out a local locksmith but give them a few days.
The locksmith shows up and couldn't get in the safe except for cutting the door. So my son calls the manufacturer back. They told him grind the opening next the E lock and he could get into it. It is a 60 gun safe. In about 3 weeks they sent him a bigger and newer model free of charge. But man what a hassle.
He also kept his old safe and put it in his shop. I have not experienced any problems with my E lock but after seeing this happen I wished I had purchased a dial system lock.