Key Locking vs. Digital: Which Should You Choose?

To ensure the safety of our belongings, many of us store our valuables in safes. These safes may come with an electronic digital keypad or keyed locks. However, choosing which lock to put on your safe can be confusing if you are not very knowledgeable about locks. Before making a decision, you may wish to review some of the pros and cons offered by these two types of locks. Here are some of the benefits and disadvantages associated with each of the lock types. A digital safe offers greater security, but requires annual battery change Businesses may feel much more secure with a digital electronic or combination entry lock, such as when you have terminated an employee, as the code can be easily and immediately reprogrammed. A digital or electronic access safe lock allows flexibility with the safe combination code, which can be changed without telling anyone and at any desired time. Owners of such safes habitually change their combinations on a regular basis for security purposes. This ensures that the security of the safe has not been compromised and all valuables are stored safely. As opening the safe only requires plugging in the access code, they are much faster to unlock than a dial lock safe. The safe is simple to use and provides greater security as compared to key locks. Some safes offer the facility to lock down a safe if an incorrect code is entered five times. The lock will automatically enter into a lockdown mode for five minutes. Another attempt to open the safe cannot be made until that time limit is up. However, the technology for digital locks are fairly recent compared to a dial combination lock or keyed locks. These safes generally cost a lot more than the keyed locks. These safes also require some maintenance, such as an annual battery change, like other electronic appliances. A key lock safe is reliable, but may compromise the security of valuables. The traditional safe with a key lock has been around for centuries. They are very secure and reliable, and have been used generation after generation. With adequate care and service, these safes can last for a long time, without requiring any maintenance. These locks are much cheaper than digital electronic locks and offer a lower cost solution to the storage needs of valuables. These locks can be upgraded for dial combination locks on certain models. Today, many people install safes into concrete floors, which provides further insulation from fire. On the downside, a personal key lock safe could compromise the security of your valuables if you lose the keys. A thief or any unauthorised person may easily gain access to a safe with your cash, valuables, jewellery and other important identification documents, upon finding the key. There is also great dependence on a locksmith, in case a key has been lost and the lock needs to be broken down or drilled. These locks take some extra time to unlock and open the safe. The lock and key system is also not convenient as compared to digital electronic locks. As they require some effort to unlock, they could be harder to use for people with arthritis or any hand injury. Summary A safe that uses a combination of a digital electronic lock and a key maybe the best solution to your security needs. However, it is advisable to consult your safe security expert to find the most suitable safe to protect your hard-earned personal and business belongings.