I have a 4 year old AMSEC safe that has their ESL5 electronic lock. The lock has been using up batteries very quickly lately - I have to replace them every 2-3 weeks even if I don't open the safe at all. These are brand new Duracell batteries, not budget models.

I called AMSEC today and they told me the lock is likely failing and would need to be replaced. This will be on my dime because the warranty is only one year. The "good news" from them is that the replacement lock will have a 90 day warranty!

Since it looks like I'm in the market for a new lock, I'd appreciate any suggestions. My options seem to be:

1. Another ESL5. I'm not thrilled about that since mine died after 4 years and AMSEC doesn't think highly enough of them to warrant them beyond 90 days.
2. An ESL10, which seems to be more reliable based on what I've read.
3. Mechanical lock. I would assume this would be more reliable, albeit slower, but I could be wrong.

I'm open to other options if there are any. I don't access the safe daily, or even weekly, so speed/convenience is less important to me than reliability.

get in touch with A1abdj. he's am amsec dealer and I'm sure will take care of you

I bought my amsec through him and purposefully got it with a mechanical lock

I have a 40+ year old AMSEC floor safe that came with my now 50 year old house. I had the mechanical lock serviced about 15 years ago.

A vote for mechanical lock. I had an electronic lock fail one item. A very, tiny pin broke causing the safe not being able to turn. When that happens, your heart sinks to your belly. I had to have it drilled. Locksmith took about 2-3 hours. At one point he called the company to get the coordinates of where to drill.

quote:

Originally posted by snwghst:
get in touch with A1abdj. he's am amsec dealer and I'm sure will take care of you

I bought my amsec through him and purposefully got it with a mechanical lock

He helped me out a few years ago when my Amsec electric lock on my BF6030 was going haywire.

Not Amsec but I had an S&G electronic and changed it to mechanical when it began to act up. No regrets. Did it myself with a little YT help. Not hard to do but definitely took some time, although, most of the time was spent researching the correct lock. I don't do electronics anymore. Can't trust the damn things.

I have never had issues with my amsec electronic lock. However, I think a replacement could be in order after 20 years. Love the fingerprint reader.

Reminds me I need to check the battery on mine.

Anyone with an Electronic lock should keep a spare battery around.

Depends how often you’re in and out of your safe. If it’s frequently or multiple times a day like I am, then a mechanical lock is going to be a pita in my opinion. My Fort Knox safe has a keypad and I’ve never had an issue although I have thought about upgrading it to a better S&G unit.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
I have never had issues with my amsec electronic lock. However, I think a replacement could be in order after 20 years. Love the fingerprint reader.

I know quite a few people who’ve had the same experience, but all of their units are quite a bit older than mine. Based on AMSEC’s policy to warranty the lock for only one year after purchase, and to only warrant a purchased (not warranty) replacement for 90 days, I think they know the newer models are suspect.

I think I’m going to switch to a mechanical lock. I’ll be mildly annoyed when it slows me down but far less than I would be if I needed a passport and couldn’t get it without a locksmith’s help.

I know many people like to have a mechanical lock, but I do love a keypad lock on my AMSEC. I can open it quick even in the dark. Definitely something wrong if you have to change batteries that often.

I assume you are using alkaline batteries hopefully. Personally, I would stick with an electronic lock as you may have just gotten a bad one. That is my personal opinion. I have had my AMSEC safe for probably at least 15 years and had no issues.

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:

I assume you are using alkaline batteries hopefully.

Wouldn't Lithium batteries be better for this?

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:

I assume you are using alkaline batteries hopefully.

Wouldn't Lithium batteries be better for this?

As far as I know, the lock specifically states to use alkaline batteries as lithium batteries may not supply the consistent power needed to operate the lock and may even damage it.

I’m using pro cell batteries - the commercial grade Duracell brand recommended by my safe dealer.

quote:

Originally posted by DaveL:
I’m using pro cell batteries - the commercial grade Duracell brand recommended by my safe dealer.

Yeah those are alkaline so you must have a bad locking mechanism then. If it was me, I would buy a new one but others will say to go to a mechanical lock. Mechanical is very reliable and long lasting, but I can get into my safe in seconds with my electronic lock. Then again if there was an EMP, then there goes getting into your safe. I have no children so I can keep a good number of guns about the house and I guess could justify a mechanical lock to get into it when needed. Hell, I can’t even decide for myself!!!

quote:

Originally posted by DaveL:
I’m using pro cell batteries - the commercial grade Duracell brand recommended by my safe dealer.

In 2017, I got what was apparently a bad batch of AA Duracell Procells off Amazon. Not sure what was wrong, but I had a similar experience of ridiculous short battery life you described. I don't think it was shipping and handling as same order had Procell AAA and 9V, and those batteries performed fine.

Have you tried switching battery brands and eliminating that as a variable?

Only between regular Duracell from Costco and Procell that I just bought. I put the first Procell in last week so we’ll see how it does.

You’re testing the batteries with the door open, correct? You wouldn’t want to have the lock fail with the door closed.

I have not been at all happy with Duracells bought at Costco. Maybe I’ve just had bad luck, but when I spoke with the Interstate battery guy delivering automotive batteries to Costco, he stated that they are absolutely not the same batteries as the ones that they sell to other garages.