Many people use safes for both domestic and commercial purposes; whether it be keeping important documents safe or storing valuable items like jewellery. From combination wall safes to fire safes, the type you choose will entirely depend on where it is going and what you are putting inside.

With this in mind, there’s always one question which remains the same: should I go for a key lock or electronic lock on my safe? Which is best?

Both types of locks have their advantages, and in this guide, we will talk you through both to help you make an informed decision.

What’s More Secure: Key or Electronic Locks?

If a safe wasn’t secure, it wouldn’t be called a safe. What we’re trying to say here is that both key and electronic locks are as secure as each other. It’s the way in which they’re used that determines how effective they will be. For example, you’ll need to keep the key to your safe in a discreet location so that it doesn’t get lost or stolen. And, in terms of electronic locks, you’ll have to remember the code.

Let’s take a look at both locks more closely...

Key Locks

Key locks are considered to be the traditional locking option when it comes to safes. You simply need to insert the key and twist to unlock the safe.

Advantages: Key locks are seen as more robust and reliable. They won’t have any technical malfunctions, meaning as long as you have the right key, you’ll have access to your safe for years to come. In terms of lifespan, key locks nearly always last longer than electronic locks.

Disadvantages: As mentioned earlier, losing your key is a very real threat. As soon as you lose the key to your safe, you have no way to access it. This becomes even more of a threat if your key ends up in the possession of someone untrustworthy.

If a lock is poorly made, then things may go south one day if you use the key with a bit too much strength. As soon as a key is stuck in a lock, you’ll be looking at an expensive repair bill to replace both lock and key.

Electronic Locks

Electronic locks are the modern alternative to traditional key locks. They tend to be found in commercial spaces or hotels, when more than one person needs access. You simply enter the right code on the keypad to unlock.

Advantages: The great thing about electronic locks is that they don’t need a key, meaning there’s no risk of someone having an easy break-in. You can also easily change the code on them, meaning it’s not the end of the world if someone untrustworthy finds out the original combination.

Disadvantages: Technology isn’t always reliable. Whether the safe gets water damage or the batteries die, there’s no reassuring that your electronic safe will always be in action. Electronic safes are also slightly pricier, which is why most households tend to opt for key safes.

Summary

As you can see, both key locks and electronic locks have their own advantages and downfalls. But rest assured, whatever choice you make will be the right one for you! Browse our range of safes to day to get a product you can trust (at an affordable price!).

The SS50 (50 mm) high security combination padlock is five wheeled, offering 100,000 possible combinations and is re-codable. Highly attack and weather-resistant, the SS50 has a unique, easy-to-use mechanism and comes in an electrophoretic finish; the perfect solution for external use such as security gates and delivery vehicles. The SS50 is also available in a solid steel model with a hardened shackle, the SS50 P5.

The SS65S and SS65CS (65mm) are solid steel maximum-security products designed for use in harsh environments. Tested to the highest CEN grades 5 and 6, they have a a six- pin tumbler with 250,000 key differs; ideal for use on external plant, gates or vehicles or security doors.

The SS65 (65mm) and the SS50 (50mm) are also available in Stronghold’s Cyberlock version. The Cyberlock versions are state of the art intelligent access systems that allow businesses to dispense with hard to manage traditional keys and to replace them with electronic keys that open locks as programmed. The system also offers the added bonus of recording all lock transactions electronically.

The SS65E (65mm) is the high specification, maximum-security product padlock body (only) designed to receive any modified 71mm double Europrofile cylinder, which allows Stronghold padlock bodies to be utilized with your existing keys and cylinders. The SS50 EM (50mm) padlock body (only) also offers this facility.

The SS50 S and SS50 CS (50mm) high security padlocks are enhanced versions of the classic SS50 with an improved electrophoretic anti-corrosion finish. The locks are designed to function in the very worst weather and are now available in two shackle sizes (8mm and 10mm).

Stronghold range WS75 is a 80mm hardened steel container lock</a> which comes with 260,000 key differs which are up-rated to 530,000. Anti-bump and anti-pick it is highly attack resistant. Equally sturdy are the locks of the Stronghold Bullit WS50 S range; solid steel shutter locks ideal for use on roller doors, warehouses and high security areas.

Powerlock is Stronghold’s range of heavy- duty security padlock, highly weatherproof, ultra-durable and made from solid steel and with hardened shackles. The HLS50 range of locksets offer formidable resistance against attack and corrosion and are made of solid, hardened steel, and the STH1 and STH2 range of padbars provide maximum security against attack with respective CEN ratings of 6 and 4.

Squires also have a selection of gold and silver rated hardened steel alloy chains (8mm-10mm-14mm) to compliment the Stronghold range and six models of hardened boron alloy steel square linked chains (available in either 10mm or 14mm diameter and in a variety of lengths) supplied with Stronghold locks (50m or 65mm).

In business since 1780, Squire is the only family-owned, independent lock manufacturer in the UK. Their mission is to bring new, unique solutions to the security market place. Squire’s Stronghold range of padlocks is an example of the company’s innovative approach and high specification design. This market leading brand, is highly CEN graded and tested to BS EN 12320 standard.

The Stronghold range, innovative, precision-made and secure.

When it comes to securing your home, you might be surprised to learn that you’re making some common mistakes. Read on to discover five of the biggest security fails that can put your home at great risk.

1. Hiding Keys Under the Doormat

It might have worked ‘back in the day’, but hiding a key under your doormat provides an easy way for burglars to gain access to your home. It’s an obvious spot that burglars will look at immediately, so you might want to find a more creative place to store your spare keys.

The further from your house the key is hidden, the better. It’s a good idea to disguise the hiding place so that it’s not obvious what is stored there. For example, using a fake rock that is immersed within real rocks can be a great place to hide a key so that it’s invisible to everyone but you. Or, for guaranteed protection, you could use a key safe to store a spare key. Only those who know the locking combination will be able to access it.

2. Not Changing Your Locks

Getting handed the keys to your property is an amazing feeling, but you could be leaving it at risk of a break-in if you don’t switch the locks soon after you move in. You don’t know who has a spare key to your home if you keep the original locks, so getting replacement locks in place will give you added peace of mind.

3. Posting Too Much Information Online

It’s understandable that you’ll be excited about taking trips or going away on holiday, but if you’re posting about it to all your social media channels, you could be providing an open invitation for break-ins. Posting online lets people know when you’re not going to be home, making your property prime real estate for burglars.

Social media may feel like a safe space to share your whereabouts, but remember that it’s not only your friends and family that can see your posts – it’s also friends of friends who might be looking for a target. In order to keep your property safe from unwanted access, make sure that you’re careful about what you post and don’t give too many details about when you’re going to be away from your home.

4. Relying on Static Lights

For a lot of people, outdoor lighting serves as a solution to their home security requirements. It feels like a suitable deterrent to have a light that is either switched on at the end of the day or that is set to a timer in the evening. But while these lights are great for brightening up your outdoor space, it can also create pockets of shadows that are perfect for hiding behind.

Motion sensors are a better solution as they are triggered by movement, so they can scare intruders away when they suddenly switch on. They also save energy as they aren’t on all the time. These lights, when combined with secure locks and other security measures, will help to keep burglars away from your home.

5. Leaving Signals Like Packages and Post for Intruders

Whether it’s because you’ve gone away on holiday or because you work long hours during the day, it can be easy for post and packages to build up outside your home. These are little details that we don’t think twice about but a potential intruder will see this as evidence that you’re not home, making your property a target for a break-in.

It’s also a common misconception that break-ins and robberies don’t take place during the daytime - a lot of thieves actually take advantage of the fact that houses are empty during daylight hours. So, before you head off for your day, make sure that you have your alarm system on, the doors and windows are locked securely, and that you have some sound on inside (like a radio) to deter intruders.

It’s also a good idea to ask a neighbour to take in parcels if you’re going to be away for long periods of time to prevent them from building up outside. This not only prevents people from seeing that no-one is home, but it also keeps your parcels and letters safe, too.

Conclusion

Keeping your home safe is of paramount importance, but it’s the little mistakes that can often lead to us being caught out. From being careful about when and how often you post about your life to making sure your locks are secure, there are several ways to stay one step ahead of intruders.