Manuel dials can become sluggish due to internal parts that wear down over the years. The factory grease that these locks are packed in will accumulate dirt, dust, and even worn shavings from the lock. Restaurants are notorious for safe locks that fail due to the buildup of pizza dough, dust, and accumulation of food that fall into the locking systems when the safe is close to the food preparation area.
4. Drawing back the bolt work to open the door doesn’t take a large amount of force.
Electronic locks still carry internal parts but most are sealed electronics and are not serviceable. 80% of the service calls that I have gotten on are due to a low battery or a broken cable, but some are complete lock failure.
Signs of future lock failure are, slow response after the correct combination has been entered, blinking red or green indicator lights, loose dial, and a need to reenter the combination multiple times. Some electronic locks are better than others and you do get what you pay for.
2. Electronic code entered correctly opens safe the first time?
3. Is the opening handle loose?
5. Have we changed the combination to the safe after a staff member is no longer with the company?
Links, photos, and logos are courtesy of the manufactures listed.
1. Does the safe dial turn freely without hesitation?