Why are all safes coming with the electronic keypads?

[TomI]

I also had a liberty with the electronic lock and I also have had issues with multiple attempts to open it, and a couple weeks ago I went to buy a new safe. I went to the liberty dealer in chandler/gilbert just off the 202. I ended up with the fatboy model and I was sure I was going to get the mechanical lock. After talking with the salesman, John I believe was his name. He agreed that the older libertys had some issues with the keypads, but they just don't have the issues with the newer ones. I went with the electronic one again this time. If I don't like it or have any issues I am going to have them switch it to the mechanical.

 

[A_C Guy]

https://www.amazon.com/Sargent-Greenleaf-6730-100-Safe-Lock/dp/B002EDF466/?tag=azs08d-20

You can replace the electronic pad with a tumbler.
The kit is available on Amazon for $80 and is easy to install.

Youtube has several videos detailing the install, takes 25 minutes.

 

[High Standard]

I had an issue with my electronic keypad where some new batteries were actually bad and failed within 6 weeks of being installed. It was nice to have the key backup so all I had to do was to pull off the keypad and use the key and I was able to access my safe.

 

[DOUBLE07GT]

All good info to know. I’m going to be looking for a new or used safe soon. I prefer the mechanical also, but punching a couple buttons wouldn’t be bad either.

 

[samnev]

I also had a liberty with the electronic lock and I also have had issues with multiple attempts to open it, and a couple weeks ago I went to buy a new safe. I went to the liberty dealer in chandler/gilbert just off the 202. I ended up with the fatboy model and I was sure I was going to get the mechanical lock. After talking with the salesman, John I believe was his name. He agreed that the older libertys had some issues with the keypads, but they just don't have the issues with the newer ones. I went with the electronic one again this time. If I don't like it or have any issues I am going to have them switch it to the mechanical.

I also went to the same store and asked John about the reliability of their S&G electronic locks and he said the same thing to me. I purchased the 10 year warranty on the locks just for peace of mind. been trouble free months18 months. The one thing I did notice is that you have to make sure you have solid contact with the key pad and the blue light blinks when you push the key pad. I've been sloppy a few times pushing the key pad and new the light wouldn't blink. But that's my fault not the locks.

 

[TomI]

This newer electronic lock is so much better than my older liberty safe with the electronic lock. I am happy I went with it. It feels "solid" and it hasn't had one hiccup like the older one.

 

[AZ Husker]

I switched my old dial on my safe when I had a locksmith come over for a lube/checkup (which you should do occasionally). My eyesight is not getting any better with age. For just over the price of the full dial service I had him switch out for an electronic. He showed me that it fit the exact same holes and is just as secure (no key that can be picked). No problem with the battery. It will last for several years, although I will change it on the annual replacements of my red dot sights. Before it took me several tries. Now it's open in 20 seconds.

 

[littleleft]

because they are getting cheaply made. the dials are crapping out. Mine skipped teeth. 1k safe had to to be refitted.

 

[knockonit]

had one of the locks fail, but it wasn't the key pad, it was the actual locking mechanism, had nothing to do with keypad, mechanically the deadbolt type lock, wore out, and it did open, but one had to try repeatedly thru the key pad till it finally unlatched.
and learned a valuable lesson on the electronic key pads, don't use cheap batteries, use the best you can find, and don't use re chargeble units, i changed all out to top line batteries just in case. In a dozen years first time i've had an issue on a safe not opening, well there is that one time i forgot a combo, lol, but the ole gal had it stashed somewhere and we got in.
happymonday
Rj

 

[Ballistic Therapy]

My newest safe is over 30 years old.
My oldest safe is 78 years old. ( No , I did not buy this one new. )
They all have dial locks and I have never had a problem with any of them.
I take the back of the doors off about once every 10 years or so and clean them up.
Apparently as everyone must know , things were made a little better in the old days.
I don't see getting a new safe anytime in the future , but if I did it would have a dial lock.

 

[A_C Guy]

You can buy the conversion kits with tumblers for about $100 online.

 

[A_C Guy]

My guess would be , because it is cheaper to make.

It's the labor, a tumbler requires 30 minutes to an hour to properly set up. A keypad only requires 30 seconds.

 

[DOUBLE07GT]

And like BT stated, it's likely less expensive.

You can have anything you want installed. I went for mechanical, but trying both in the store - mechanical would get me killed in a timed event. :|

I totally agree with this.

 

[Kingjoey]

Probably for the same reason manual transmissions are going away, stupid millennials can't operate mechanical devices

 

[tripletap]

i had to pay extra for the laguard on mine

 

[oldslurrydog1]

I seriously do not want that garbage.

Why do they keep offering these with safes?

I'm completely happy with the high school gym locker combination method of security.

I also prefer the gym locker type. Possible electronic malfunction Is not what I need when I need to get to what I need. :-o

 

[iammaxwell]

No electronic locks for me. Years ago I got a second hand safe that needed a lock, and I opted for a LaGard 2200/2270. Got a couple copies of the key. No electronics. No combos. No worries.

 

[Flash]

And like BT stated, it's likely less expensive.

You can have anything you want installed. I went for mechanical, but trying both in the store - mechanical would get me killed in a timed event. :|

I totally agree with this.

That's why you keep some firearms out where you can get at them. Even a keypad lock would get you killed if you had to go too far to get to where it's located.

 

[Ballistic Therapy]

If you keep your guns locked up until you need them , it might be too late.

 

[iammaxwell]

Totally agree with Flash and BT. Anything you plan to defend yourself with has to be ready ato go and accessible. The more steps between you and it, the more chance of something going awry.