GUIDE TO BUY A GARDALL SAFE

ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL LOCK?

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is “Should I go with a mechanical lock or an electronic lock?” Both have distinct advantages. If absolute dependability is most important to you, then you are going to want a mechanical safe lock. Mechanical safe locks have literally been around for centuries! They have stood the test of time. The downside? It takes a few more seconds to dial your combination with a mechanical lock. Also, you have to turn the dial 4 times left to your 1st number, 3 times right to your 2nd number, 2 times left to your third number, then right to a firm stop. Click on this link for more detailed instructions. Changing combinations on mechanical safe locks is probably best left to your local locksmith, so there will be an additional cost there.

RELOCKING DEVICES

One of the other considerations is: “does my safe have a relocking device?” A relocking device is a secondary mechanical lock that is only actuated during a burglary attempt. If a burglar punches the lock or spindle, it will knock the back cover off the lock and actuate the relocker. at this point a locksmith will have to nuetralize the relocker to open the safe, but your valuables remain safe. 

HOW TO OPERATE

Operating an electronic safe lock is as simple as entering 6 digits on the keypad. Also the combination can be quickly and easily changed by you. Please always leave the door open while changing your safe lock combination. THE DOWNSIDE TO ELECTRONIC LOCKS? Higher failure rates. while generally quite dependable, the failure rate of electronic locks is higher than mechanical locks. While we were unable to find any actuarial tables with data on e-lock failure rates, we can say that based on our experience, the Amsec ESL-10/ESL-20 electronic safe locks are the most dependable electronic safe locks we have seen. we have seen keypad failures on these locks(keypads can be easily changed without access to the safe)the failure rate of the ESL locks is virtually nil!. Sargent and greenleaf is another lock manufacturer. their newer titan locks are miles above their older 6120’s in terms of dependability. 

Please click here to see operating instructions for Gardall.

MECHANICAL SAFE LOCK DIALING INSTRUCTIONS

Please read this sheet before using your safe. Remember to keep your combination confidential. Retain this sheet for your records. 

The combination for each safe has been randomly selected. Your combination is listed below. Compare the serial number on the front of your safe with the serial number listed below. If the numbers do not match, do not attempt to operate the combination. Please contact Gardall Safe at 800-722-7233 to assist you. 

The serial number of your safe is ________________ 

Test your combination several times with the door open!

Use the index mark located at the twelve o’clock position.

  1. Start with dial on zero.
  2. Turn dial right (clockwise) three turns and stop at _____
  3. Turn dial left (counter clockwise) stopping second time on _____
  4. Turn dial right (clockwise) stopping first time on ____
  5. Turn safe handle in the clockwise direction unti lit stops.
  6. To lock the safe, close the door and spin the combination dial several times.

NOTE: You should always turn the dial slowly and carefully. If you turn past a number in the combination while dialing, DO NOT turn the dial backwards. You must re-dial the entire combination. Never force the handle to turn. If the combination has been properly dialed, the safe handle will turn easily. Trying to force the handle to turn after dialing an incorrect combination can jam the safe mechanism in the locked position. Make sure the door bolts are fully retracted before closing the safe door. Closing the door with the bolts partially extended can also cause damage to your safe’s operating mechanism.