Day: April 24, 2020

Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by Alarm New England

Responsible gun owners understand the importance of practicing safety protocols when it comes to storing firearms properly and securely.

Common sense dictates that gun owners keep their guns from being accidentally picked up by a child, stolen or misused to harming others when not in use.

Firearm safety should be a top priority for every gun owner. The safest way to store them is to keep them in tamper-proof storage – a gun safe – to prevent any accidents, theft or damage.

Here is a short overview for evaluating your storage options to help you find the right product to ensure maximum security, ample space, and top quality.

Key factors we considered in selecting each product on the list include:

• Accessibility
• Security
• Size
• Lock mechanism

1) SENTRY SAFE QUICK ACCESS SAFE

This safe comes in a sturdy, compact model with solid steel construction and a pry-resistant door.

For accessibility, it sports a push-button with a combination lock that requires no keys to open it. However, set of keys is also provided for those who prefer it and to ensure you can open the safe should you forget your combination.

The safe opens silently with a release of compressed gas and has backlit combination keys for easy opening in dark places.

PROS

• The combination lock runs without batteries
• The keypad comes with only four buttons, making it easy to set a combination password
• The lock system is concealed, preventing it from being picked

CONS

• The keys are sensitive and need to be firmly pressed
• It is not fireproof or waterproof

2) VAULTEK VT201 BIOMETRIC PISTOL SAFE

This uses technology that allows you to open it with a smartphone. It is constructed with 16-gauge steel and polished with a powder coat finish to prevent rust and corrosion.

Offering numerous quick-access options, users can open the safe with a key, using the keypad, or with the Bluetooth option. The gun safe also has a high-resolution biometric scanner that can program up to 20 fingerprints.

Additional features include: silent access mode, an interior light, and ample storage space.

PROS

• Comes with a security cable, charger, mounting screws, and a screwdriver for installation.
• Features a smartphone app that informs the user about the status of the safe.
• Rechargeable battery included

CONS

• There have been reports of the biometric scanner becoming faulty

3) BARSKA BIOMETRIC SAFE

In addition to its sleek, streamlined appearance, it comes with a distinctive fingerprint pad for extra security and easier access and is large enough to hold other valuables.

With its biometric scanning feature, it can store up to 30 fingerprints. There are also two sets of keys provided and comes with pre-drilled holes for mounting.

PROS

• Large capacity
• Fingerprint security
• Backup keys are modeled in unique shapes so their locks can’t be picked

CONS

• Not fireproof or waterproof
• Large size makes it difficult to conceal
• Fingerprint pad is sensitive and must be kept clean

4) GUNVAULT SPEEDVAULT SV500 GUN SAFE

The Gunvault Speedvault SV500 is compact, allowing for portability. Its 18-gauge steel design is highly resilient to tampering. The drop-down drawer makes for easy access in case of emergency. It comes equipped with a digital keypad for quick entry, a ‘silent keypad’ mode, and an interior light.

PROS

• Rugged panel and can be mounted on a variety of surfaces
• Electronic, battery-operated lock and can also be opened with a key
• Noiseless access using the silent mode

CONS

• Digital keypad can be overly-sensitive
• Not fireproof or waterproof

5) SHOTLOCK HANDGUN 200 MECHANICAL SAFE

This safe has a simple, polished steel design and. does not need a battery or electricity to open. It is made from an enhanced durable steel for maximum resilience and durability and can be anchored vertically or horizontally.

It comes with a Simplex lock that opens with a PIN number. The PIN must contain a combination of 8 digits, pressed in the correct order to open the safe.

PROS

• Mechanically operated, so it is not dependent on electricity or batteries
• Clear and straightforward manual for setting your password combination
• 14-gauge steel makes it quite heavy, making it difficult to steal the safe

CONS

• Mechanical operation means it does not have memory for multiple PIN combinations
• Its weight also reduces portability

Looking for ways to protect your valuables and family? Give us a call to learn more about our home security systems and 24/7 monitoring.

Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by Alarm New England

If you’ve ever lost or forgotten a set of keys somewhere and you were unable to get into your house, you may want to consider getting a smart lock.

But even those that aren’t forgetful can benefit from installing a smart lock on their door. The additional security, connectivity, and remote capabilities smart locks give you ease of access even when your hands are full. And when used in conjunction with a doorbell camera, the smart lock can help you verify visitors remotely before giving them access to your home.

If you’re passionate about Internet of Things (IoT), If This Then That (IFTTT), and have been looking to streamline the way you enter and exit your home or any property, a smart door lock will fit right in with the rest of your smart home devices.

What Is a Smart Lock?

A smart lock is simply a lock that communicates over a home automation protocol such as Z-Wave to link up to other devices in your home security system.

When combined with a smartphone app, you’re able to lock and unlock your door from your phone. Smart locks can sometimes be entirely controlled through a touchscreen, while others have number pads or regular keyholes.

Linking your smart lock with other devices gives you more control over your home while requiring fewer commands. You can synchronize your lights to turn on when you unlock your door, or have your thermostat turn down when you lock up on the way to work.

Things to Consider When Choosing Between the Yale T1L and the Kwikset Kevo 2nd Generation

There are several different kinds of smart door locks available, but the Yale T1L and the Kwikset Kevo 2nd Generation are two of the most popular options on the market.

Before we jump into a review of each, here are some questions to ask yourself when considering what kind of smart lock to purchase:

• Are you looking to improve the security in your home or just make access more convenient?
• What other kinds of technology would you like your smart lock to be compatible with?
• How many people will need to use the smart lock?
• Is it important for you to be able to use an app with your smart lock?

Once you’ve had a good think about all of these questions, you’ll find it easier to decide which of the two locks below will work best for you.

Yale T1L Overview

To kick off our review, we’ll start with the Yale T1L. With a solid brand name, it’s understandable that you’d be expecting something as reliable as other kinds of Yale locks.

In this regard, it doesn’t disappoint. The device is cylinderless—which means that no one can easily tamper with the lock—and the key code can only be accessed from the outside.

Style

The size of the smart lock is small, but it’s solidly built as you’d expect. And like previous Yale locks, the design is minimalist and classic.

The lock comes in three different metallic finishes: satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze or polished brass. All three have a sleek and rounded appearance, and you can even buy matching door knobs from Yale to create a unified aesthetic.

Features

• Rubber gasket to protect the lock from the elements
• 9V battery contact in case of emergencies
• Up to 25 programmable user codes
• Manual programming interface (no app) with audio commands
• Compatible with Z-wave smart home hubs (for an additional cost)
• One-touch locking
• Keypad with daylight visibility
• ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 security rating

Kwikset Kevo 2nd Generation Overview

The Kwikset Kevo 2nd Generation smart lock on the other hand looks very similar to a normal lock, but it has the added benefit of smart home functionality.

You have the option of using your key the regular way, or you can use your smartphone and the Kwikset Kevo app to unlock the door using Bluetooth.

Style

The design of this lock is simple and subtle. The only way you can really tell that it’s a smart lock is by the blue ring around the keyhole.

Utilitarian and straightforward, this lock is subtle to the point of being rather dull. But if price is more important to you than appearance, it’s definitely an option worth considering.

Features

• “Touch to open” technology using Bluetooth
• Option to use fobs to gain access
• Additional e-keys available online at no extra charge
• Smart home compatible (for an additional cost))
• IFTTT supported

Comparing the Yale T1L and the Kwikset Kevo

Ease of Installation

The Yale T1L is easy to install, but setting up key codes takes longer than it needs to.

On the other hand, Kwikset Kevo allows you to set up keys online using an app, which is definitely a more convenient option.

Ease of Use

Both of these locks are very simple to use. The Kwikset’s “touch to open” feature makes getting into your home as easy as pressing a button, but you also have the option of using a key if necessary.

However, while the “touch to open” feature is a crowd-pleaser, it’s really only basic Bluetooth technology. Unlike other automation protocols, Bluetooth is designed for short-range communication only, so you’ll be restricted in the IFTTT recipes you can choose from.

The Yale may not have as many programmable options. But, with a simple touchpad, it’s a much more streamlined option which you can enhance with further Z-wave functionality.

Smart Home Compatibility

Both locks are compatible with smart home hubs, but only the Kwikset Kevo is set up to work in tandem with Alexa.

As mentioned above, for both of these locks you’re going to have to invest in additional functionality to take advantage of any smart home capabilities.

Reliability

With a standard lock setup, the Kwikset Kevo device is sturdy but could potentially still be picked (with difficulty) like a normal lock. This device is also known to sometimes struggle a bit with commands. And even though it is tough, the smart lock is getting on in years.

The cylinderless Yale T1L, on the other hand, is a solid option because it’s impossible to try and crack the codes from the other side of the device.

Plus, we like that thought has been given to an emergency no-power situation with the addition of the 9V battery contact point (even though the AA batteries should last you for about a year).

Cost

In comparison to other similar locks on the market, the Kwikset Kevo is reliable but expensive if you compare it to other locks in the same category.

The Yale T1L, on the other hand, is a lot more competitively priced if you look at other similar types of smart door locks on the market.

Bottom Line

It all comes down to preference, but it must be said that even with all the additional functionality that the Kwikset Kevo lock provides, buyers may be overwhelmed by the array of features, many of which only appeal to a narrow audience.

While having a smartphone app might make it easier to set up the Kwikset Kevo lock in the beginning, it can become annoying to have to always have your phone or keys on you to access your home.

When it comes down to it too, a lock is all about being solid and not easy to tamper with. So while the Kwikset Kevo might have some crowd-pleasing features, the presence of a keyhole calls into question whether the device is truly tamper-proof, resisting lock picking and lock bumping.

While both options are solid and each of them has their pros and cons, overall we think the Yale T1L comes out on top because it is just a no mess, no fuss option that is less complicated and more secure.