When planning to store your valuable belongings in a storage unit, you'll need to decide on the type of storage unit you are looking for, the size that best suits your needs, the features you are most interested in, and the right lock for your storage unit. Having the best storage unit locks is essential since the security of your belongings depends on the strength and reliability of the locks we use.
With an overwhelming number of options on the market, choosing the best storage unit lock that perfectly combines robust security, user convenience, and durability can be challenging, but we have got you covered.
The top-rated storage unit lock is the Master Lock Magnum Heavy Duty Outdoor Padlock. It features dual armor construction, which combines a laminated steel lock body with a weather-resistant cover. With such strong materials, this lock usually resists attempted breaches.
The second-best option on our list is the H&S High-Security Padlock. This lock is made from hardened boron alloy steel, making it a strong defender that can withstand the roughest conditions without corroding or rusting. However, it might not be completely waterproof.
The third-best storage unit lock we reviewed is the Puroma Stainless Steel Discus Heavy Duty Lock. Its robust round disc structure and 70-mm body usually ensure little shackle exposure, effectively preventing bolt-cutter attacks. However, the padlock comes in only two sizes.
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1. Master Lock Magnum Heavy Duty Outdoor Padlock
- Outdoor lock; Heavy duty padlock with key is best used for...
- Key lock features Dual Armor construction: laminated steel lock...
- 4-Pin cylinder and dual ball bearing locking for increased pick...
- 1-7/8 in. (48 mm) wide lock body; 5/16 in. (8 mm) diameter...
- Includes one padlock with two keys
Master Lock Magnum Heavy Duty Outdoor Padlock features dual armor construction, which combines a laminated steel lock body with a weather-resistant cover. This formidable combination ensures the padlock's reliability and durability. Besides, the Tough-Cut octagonal boron-carbide shackle, which boasts a hardness level 50% higher than hardened steel, further reinforces the lock's strength.
Image Source: youtube.com
With such strong materials, this lock usually resists attempted breaches, offering me the utmost peace of mind. Its dual ball bearing locking mechanism and 4-pin cylinder boost pick and pry resistance, preventing unauthorized people from accessing my storage unit. The padlock's shackle and keyway are covered, adding an extra layer of weather resistance and ensuring your lock will be reliable and functional throughout the seasons.
The padlock has a shackle diameter of 5/16 in. (8 mm), a length of 1-1/2 in. (38 mm), and a width of 1-7/8 in. (48 mm), which fits various storage unit hasps. We recommend measuring your door's thickness, cross bore, and backset before buying to ensure the lock fits well and provides reliable security.
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2. H&S High-Security Padlock for Indoor and Outdoor Storage Units
- Heavy-Duty Indoor & Outdoor Padlock: H&S Padlock boast heavy-duty...
- Classic Design with Closed Shackled Exposure: The outdoor padlock...
- Durable & Reliable Construction: It has an inner mechanism for...
- Featuring Latest Technology Keys: It comes with 5 latest...
- Suitable for High Exposed Areas: We know how important it is for...
H&S High-Security Padlock's classic design features a closed shackled 60mm x 40mm body, which adds an extra degree of security against manipulation, especially in rugged environments. Whether I need to protect my garage or home gym storage unit, this security lock is up to the task of catering to my security needs easily.
Image Source:ebay.com
The padlock's inner mechanism offers optimal corrosion protection, ensuring it will remain functional for years. Besides, it is made from hardened boron alloy steel, making it a strong defender that can withstand the roughest conditions without corroding or rusting.
The H&S High-Security Padlock comes with five keys. These keys can be stored together or independently, allowing you to share access with trusted people while keeping backups for further peace of mind. Even if I lose one key, I will still have four more, which gives me peace of mind. On the other hand, the padlock performs admirably in high-traffic locations.
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3. Puroma Stainless Steel Discus Heavy Duty Lock with 3 Keys
- Ultimate Protection: With its high-security mechanism, this keyed...
- Hassle-Free Operation: Equipped with 3 keys, this padlock is easy...
- Built to Last: Made from high-quality materials like stainless...
- Versatile Lock: Perfect for a wide range of applications, this...
- Customizable Options: Choose the size and quantity that best...
Another lock to count on when looking for the best storage unit locks is the Puroma Stainless Steel Discus Heavy Duty Lock. Its robust round disc structure and 70-mm body usually ensure little shackle exposure, effectively preventing bolt-cutter attacks. Besides, the 3/8-inch-diameter hardened steel shackle reinforces its defenses, making it a strong barrier against potential intruders.
Image Source: securitypublicstorage.com
Thanks to the three included keys, this padlock offers me hassle-free locking and unlocking. It is crafted from high-quality materials, including stainless steel, hardened steel, and brass. It is designed to resist the test of time and harsh conditions. Moreover, it can withstand physical attacks, endure extreme weather, and resist corrosion, offering you a lock you can rely on in any situation.
Due to its compact size, I use it for securing various applications, from storage units and outdoor gates to garages, sheds, and doors. You can choose from the large or medium size with 3/8 inch or 5/16 inch shackle measurements.
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4. Master Lock Stainless Steel Discus Padlock, 40D
- For indoor and outdoor use; disc lock is best used as a storage...
- Lock features stainless steel construction and hardened steel...
- 4-pin cylinder and dual locking lever mechanism provides pick and...
- 2-3/4 in. wide lock body; 3/8 in. diameter shackle with 5/8 in....
- One padlock, two keys
The Master Lock Stainless Steel Discus Padlock is a superb option for securing your valuables indoors or outdoors. This lock is designed to provide unmatched strength and security. Its features make it the ideal guardian for storage units, sheds, garages, and trailers. Besides, the storage lock is made of stainless steel with a hardened steel shackle, which ensures maximum security, durability, and resistance to tampering, making it a reliable option for protecting my valuables in any setting.
Image Source: youtube.com
The dual locking lever system and 4-pin cylinder of the padlock excel at deterring potential intruders. It has an ingenious design offering excellent pick-and-pry resistance, preventing any malicious efforts to breach its defenses. Moreover, its shrouded design offers additional protection by reducing shackle exposure and thwarting bolt-cutter attacks.
This Master Lock Stainless Steel Discus Padlock has a shackle diameter of 3/8 inches, a length of 5/8 inches, and is 2-3/4 inches wide, which fits various storage unit hasps, shed doors, garage doors, and trailer doors. I mostly use it to lock my sectional garage door. We recommend measuring your door's thickness, cross bore, and backset before buying to ensure the lock fits well and provides reliable security.
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5. ABUS 20/70 Diskus Stainless Steel Padlock
- Stainless Steel Padlock: This stainless steel disc lock offers...
- Hardened Steel Protection: This padlock features an ABUS Plus...
- Padlocks for Any Application: Discover the variety of our...
- The World's Leading Security Manufacturer: We offer a...
- Synonymous with Security: When it comes to protecting lives and...
The ABUS 20/70 Diskus Padlock has sturdy stainless steel construction, offering 360-degree protection and effectively preventing attempts to force it open. Besides, its anti-cut plate offers additional protection, making it hard for unauthorized access to occur. This gives me peace of mind as I use it for my storage unit.
Image Source: youtube.com
The ABUS Plus disk cylinder usually enhances the security of the padlock to new heights by offering maximum protection against manipulation. Also, this padlock is designed to withstand even the most determined efforts at breaching, thanks to its resistance to drilling and pulling and a wide variety of key variations.
Furthermore, the 38-inch shackle is well protected against pry bars. Accessing the lock with a bolt cutter is challenging since an extended shroud covers the bulk of the hasp. Conversely, this padlock has a score of 9 on ABUS's 20-point security scale, which is ideal for storage units in neighborhoods with a medium risk of break-ins and theft.
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Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Storage Unit Locks
1. Types of Locks for Storage Units
When looking for the best storage unit locks, it is crucial to understand the type of lock.
Cylinder Locks
Cylinder locks usually fit inside an existing lock system on a storage unit. Since the lock mechanism is encased inside the storage unit, it is more secure than disc locks or padlocks.
Padlocks
A padlock has a compact square-shaped lock body with a U-shaped shackle between 3/8 of an inch and 5/16 of an inch in diameter. It usually opens with either a four-pin combination or a key.
Disc Locks
Also known as round disks, they are similar to padlocks but have a disc shape with a curved shackle rather than a square with a U-shaped shackle. Since most of the shackle is usually covered by the lock body, this unit is more difficult to cut with bolt cutters or pry apart than a padlock.
2. Size and Material
When shopping, consider the size and material of the lock. Ensure that the lock's shackle fits snugly on the hasp or latch of the storage unit door. Also, the shackle should fit the latch as snugly as possible, leaving little to no space for an intruder to fit a pry bar between the shackle and the hasp. A 38-inch-diameter shackle with a 78-inch opening is ideal for most storage unit hasps.
Image Source: sunsetstorage.net
On the other hand, consider the lock body. A high-quality lock will be crafted from robust, corrosion-resistant, hardened stainless steel materials. Besides, most locks have boron carbide shackles since the material usually resist cutting better than hardened steel.
3. Shrouded or Exposed shank
Padlocks and disc locks usually come in either shrouded or exposed shackle varieties.
A shrouded lock has a body that extends further around the shackle than a regular lock. This extended covering makes it challenging for intruders to access the shackle with a bolt cutter or a pry bar, making it more secure than a storage unit lock with an exposed shackle. However, these shrouded designs are more expensive than regular padlocks with exposed shackles.
We recommend investing in locks with shrouded shackles, as they are more secure.
4. Weather Resistance
When shopping for the best storage unit lock, consider its weather resistance. If the lock is exposed to the outdoors or severe weather, it's essential to ensure that it can withstand those circumstances. Weather-resistant storage unit locks are designed to withstand rain, humidity, snow, and extreme temperatures without compromising durability or functionality.
Keep in mind that even locks designed to withstand the elements may require regular maintenance, such as lubrication, to extend their lifespan and ensure smooth operation. Besides, regular maintenance will help your weather-resistant padlock remain effective and reliable, regardless of the weather conditions.
5. Security Level
It is crucial to consider the storage unit's location before choosing a lock. If the storage unit is in a low-crime neighborhood or is within a larger structure with a secure entrance monitored by cameras, then a simple padlock will be enough.
Image Source: publicstorage.com
Storage units in areas with higher ceilings or doors accessible from the outside are more vulnerable to intruders, so they require a disc lock or padlock that can give a higher level of protection.
5 Steps You Must Take to Ensure the Safety of Your Storage Units
For various reasons, profitability has grown in the self-storage industry over the last decade. People seek storage units to create work or home space or keep unwanted stuff. It is a go-to solution for businesses and households to store excess inventories and belongings. Another typical use is during relocation, providing a temporary space for belongings. Storing items does not imply no longer wanting them. Hence, secure storage is imperative.
Maintaining storage units well is vital as it affects possessions. People tend to forget about them since constant visibility is not necessary, resulting in mess, dust, and potential mold. Such conditions can damage belongings and pose health risks. Hence, finding a safe storage facility is vital. So, what can you do to ensure the safety of your storage units? Here are some steps that will help in the process:
Image source: storable.com
Step 1: Opt for a Storage Unit with Multiple Layers of Protection.
When assessing the security measures of a facility, examine different aspects to ensure robust protection. The first line of defense is to look for a robust fence or gate surrounding the property. This perimeter barrier works as an initial security layer, effectively preventing unauthorized access or trespassing by individuals who do not have a tenancy or legitimate business at the location. Furthermore, electronic key codes for exit and entry provide an additional security layer, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the premises.
Moreover, it is advisable to ascertain whether a designated employee is always available on the site. Of course, the facility does not necessarily need to be operational 24/7, but having an employee physically present, predominantly during non-operational hours, works as a powerful deterrent against potential miscreants. The mere presence of personnel discourages unauthorized individuals from attempting malicious activities on the premises.
Step 2: Environmental Protection is Vital
Ensuring the safety of your belongings in indoor storage is your primary responsibility. It necessitates confirming fortified and sealed units to avert potential environmental damage. Using climate-controlled storage can further reduce risks stemming from adverse weather conditions.
Without adequate protection, your possessions face the imminent peril of being subjected to several hazardous elements, such as corrosion, rust, fire, and floods. Any indications of furniture deterioration, such as splitting or cracking, metal discoloration, or mold and mildew emergence, warrant immediate inquiries regarding the feasibility of relocating to different facilities or units. By proactively addressing these concerns, you can reduce potential harm and ensure the long-term preservation of all your items.
Step 3: Invest in Quality Locks
Investing in superior-quality locks is paramount for securing your storage unit and guarding your valuable belongings. When selecting a lock for your storage unit, it is best to take security seriously and be proactive. Of course, some storage facilities may offer locks. However, we recommend taking matters into your own hands and picking a top-notch lock.
Image Source: accessstorage.ca
We recommend investing in disc locks. They are the most secure alternative for your storage units. Unlike traditional padlocks, disk locks cannot be cut off easily. Hence, they are a formidable deterrent against potential trespassing or break-ins. Moreover, if anyone tries to grind off a disc lock, it will create a noticeable noise, drawing attention to any unauthorized access attempt. This feature alone can dramatically lower the likelihood of intrusions and amplify the overall safety of your stored belongings.
Step 4: - Insurance is Important
You can increase the safety of your belongings with self-storage insurance. Of course, good locks and other security measures will offer the needed protection. However, unforeseen instances like theft, floods, or fire can still put your valuables at risk. Hence, never skimp on self-storage insurance.
Though some renter's or homeowner's insurance policies offer limited coverage for storage, you must always explore your options. You can find many reliable companies offering storage insurance plans. They make premium payments effortless, allowing you to combine the premium amount with the monthly rent.
Step 5: Maintain a Comprehensive Inventory of Your Belongings
Lastly, you must have a detailed record of all your belongings housed in the storage unit and a simple map to assist with locating items efficiently. Remember to note down the serial numbers of the electronic devices for reference. Form a detailed list, documenting the value of every item. It serves a dual purpose: 1) it comes in handy when furnishing information for potential insurance claims, and 2) it helps with organization.
Image Source: westcoastselfstorage.com
This proactive approach helps you be well-prepared for unforeseen events like fires, theft, or any other incident that can damage your possessions. You can simplify the claim process and facilitate a smoother resolution with your insurance provider by maintaining a meticulous record of the stored items. Emphasize accuracy and precision while documenting, as it is imperative to safeguard your stored belongings effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Storage Unit Locks
1. What type of lock is best for a storage unit?
Disc locks are the best type of lock used to secure storage units. They provide a wide variety of advantages. They are specifically designed to secure storage units and have proven extremely challenging to cut since the shape makes the hasp difficult to access.
2. What size padlock do I need for a storage unit?
A self-storage unit's most common padlock sizes are 1 3/4", 2", and 2 3/4". The door latch may not fit anything larger than a 2 3/4. Remember that the lock's size determines how easy it is to remove it.
3. Can I use a combination lock on a storage unit?
Some users say that combination locks are the best for storage units since there's nearly no space to use bolt cutters. However, we discourage using combination locks because, even though they may deter a lazy thief, they're easily snipped with a bolt cutter.
4. What is the difference between a storage unit and a locker?
A storage unit is best if you need somewhere to store bulky items like furniture, appliances, or business inventory. On the other hand, you can store documents or a few boxes in a storage locker.
