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Does anyone know a way to replace an electric lock with a dial / manual lock? I've got a safe in transit, which comes with an electronic lock. As much as I love technology, it fails. I'd rather err on the side of caution and go with a dial lock. Is this even possible?

pbwalker wrote:Does anyone know a way to replace an electric lock with a dial / manual lock? I've got a safe in transit, which comes with an electronic lock. As much as I love technology, it fails. I'd rather err on the side of caution and go with a dial lock. Is this even possible?

That is something you would have to ask your manufacturer, but it may not be an easy change-out no matter. Why didn't you order it with the dial lock?

Wasn't an option on the safe I purchased. And yeah, I know the manufacturer would need to give the final answer...I was just curious if anyone had some first hand knowledge.

I'm not totally adverse to an electronic lock. It's more of a "nice to know" in case I ever run in to an issue with it.

pbwalker wrote:Wasn't an option on the safe I purchased. And yeah, I know the manufacturer would need to give the final answer...I was just curious if anyone had some first hand knowledge.

I'm not totally adverse to an electronic lock. It's more of a "nice to know" in case I ever run in to an issue with it.

If it comes with a key override, just hang the keys on a nail beside it so you will always know where they are!

I won't buy a safe with an electronic lock for just the reason you are talking about. Technology can fail and leave you high and dry without access to your firearms.

If it is a UL rated Group II lock then it will have the very same footprint as a Group II dial lock.
A safe a vault locksmith can get it done relatively easy.
I commend you for changing it to a dial lock because I positively can gurantee that electronic lock would sooner or later fail and to have your safe drilled is expensive to do and even more so to repair.
I can get into a floor model with an electronic lock in 5 seconds and I can get into my Amsec BF safe using a dial lock in 12-15 seconds and it is highly unlikely to ever fail as long as it's serviced every few years.
I have never understood why the 5 seconds of entry time are so important to some.
What model and brand of safe are you getting?

We recently purchased a safe, and went with the dial lock for two reasons. First, the warranty on the electronic lock was two to five years versus quite a bit longer on the dial lock. Secondly, we asked the salesman about repair incidents and he responded that he never has to deal with dial lock problems. He seemed happy to sell us a safe with either, but I'd just as soon never have to worry about whether the lock will work or not so we went with the more certain option. YMMV of course.

I would expect that at the very least the interior of the door will have to be disassembled if the lock needs to be replaced. I don't know if that would be a DIY activity or not. Best of luck whether you choose to keep or replace the lock.

Yes Middle Age Russ the door backing must be removed to get access to the lock.
I know of a guy that has an older Liberty Lincoln that replaced his electronic lock with an S&G dial and I believe Liberty sent him some helpful info on how to do it.
I personally would gladly spend $150.00 to a safe and vault guy because he will do it right and you doing it might cause an accidental lock out thus having to go through the agony of having the safe drilled.
A safe and vault guy can order the lock for you.
I strongly recommend the S&G or LaGard group II dial locks.

heeler wrote:If it is a UL rated Group II lock then it will have the very same footprint as a Group II dial lock.
A safe a vault locksmith can get it done relatively easy.
I commend you for changing it to a dial lock because I positively can gurantee that electronic lock would sooner or later fail and to have your safe drilled is expensive to do and even more so to repair.
I can get into a floor model with an electronic lock in 5 seconds and I can get into my Amsec BF safe using a dial lock in 12-15 seconds and it is highly unlikely to ever fail as long as it's serviced every few years.
I have never understood why the 5 seconds of entry time are so important to some.
What model and brand of safe are you getting?

According to Cannon (the manufacturer of the safe I am getting), "Commercial Grade Type 1 Electronic Lock-Fast". It's really more of a RSC than a safe.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as ... DetailsTab

If it's not an easy change, I'm not too worried about it. This is safe #2, so it's not like I have all my eggs in one basket. I figure if I take care of it, it should be fine.

PBWALKER,yes a group II dial lock will fit your Cannon.
When I mentioned group II that is the UL designated rated dial locks and the UL rating for electronic locks is group I.
Why Cannon has started only using these locks is a mystery to me because three years ago the dial was standard and the electronic a more expensive option on Cannons.

Edit to add...They are calling it a type I lock but not a UL group I lock??
This must be a Chinese import Cannon as those locks they supply are not UL rated so it would be best to contact Cannon first.

Yes, that should be doable. Check with River City Lock and Key over on starcrest and nacogdoches. Just got a new safe from them and they seem pretty straight up people. I had them swap out the electronic lock for a combo dial on my new safe before they delivered it...

gregthehand wrote:I won't buy a safe with an electronic lock for just the reason you are talking about. Technology can fail and leave you high and dry without access to your firearms.

Can you say "EMP?" I knew you could.

My safe has a dial lock. My son wanted his with an electronic lock. He didn't think to include a cutting torch in the price.

CCreyeder wrote:Yes, that should be doable. Check with River City Lock and Key over on starcrest and nacogdoches. Just got a new safe from them and they seem pretty straight up people. I had them swap out the electronic lock for a combo dial on my new safe before they delivered it...

Thank you CCreyeder!

pbwalker wrote:

CCreyeder wrote:Yes, that should be doable. Check with River City Lock and Key over on starcrest and nacogdoches. Just got a new safe from them and they seem pretty straight up people. I had them swap out the electronic lock for a combo dial on my new safe before they delivered it...

Thank you CCreyeder!

My pleasure!

gregthehand wrote:I won't buy a safe with an electronic lock for just the reason you are talking about. Technology can fail and leave you high and dry without access to your firearms.

I felt the same. Imagine my surprise when my dial lock failed on my two month old, $3000+ Fort Knox and had to be drilled.