Many people ask “Which is a better lock, a dial or an electronic keypad?” 

Electronic keypads have a 4 consecutive invalid code “lockdown”. This makes the keypad inoperable for 5 minutes. After the end of 5 minutes you get two more tries or it goes back into lockdown for another 5 minutes. Thus virtually eliminating random entry of the code.

“What if the battery goes dead?” There is a battery door compartment on the outside of the keypad. Just open the door and change the 9volt battery. The computer chip maintains the combo at all times and will not default because of no battery.

Here is something else that many don’t consider, changing the code on the keypad. It’s easy and can be done when ever the current code has been compromised. Your safe will come with instructions on how to do this but I have included some general notes below.

1. Easy to change the combo
   
2. Fast to enter the combo
   
3. You pick the numbers so the combo should be easier to remember
   
4. If an incorrect combo is entered 5 times it goes into lockdown mode and another attempt cannot be made for 5 minutes.
   
5. Great strength and security.

1. You have to change the batteries average is around once a year. (it will remember the combo even if batteries go dead.
   
2. Initial cost is more than a dial.
   
3. If it goes into lockdown mode because you forgot your combo, you have to wait 5 minutes until you can try again.
   
4. Electronic locks have only been around for 20 years or so.

1. Can keep the same combo and it will not show wear
   
2. Dials last a long time with the proper care
   
3. Initial cost of a dial is less than an electronic keypad
   
4. Been around for over 150 years.

1. You need to call a locksmith to change the combo
   
2. It takes time to unlock and open
   
3. Difficult for people with shaky hands or arthritis to open.
   
4. No lockdown mode.
   
5. Not convient. Its like an old rotary phone dial verses push button phone.