There are many different lock styles you can choose from to secure your storage unit – but are they all good choices? It may be tempting to go with a familiar “combo” or “dial” code padlock but those may not be the best options.
Many of the perceived “pros” of any given lock relate to how the intended user (NOT a thief) plan to employ the lock. Many of the “easy to use” locks are also the easiest to defeat. Ease of use should be balanced with security.
It is important to note that ANY lock can be defeated and no lock is 100% unbreakable or burglar-proof. You can still take steps to ensure you make the best decision for YOUR situation!
Some key things to remember when choosing a lock:
- More “pins” in keyed locks offer greater security against picking.
- Any exposed shackle may be easily cut with bolt cutters.
- Check for “Hardened Steel” in lock construction BUT not all hardened steel is equal.
- If used outside, make sure the lock is weatherproof.
Read on for some more specific lock information.
Combination Padlock
Combination padlocks are a standard “shackle” type lock with a dial on the face which spins to allow you to enter the correct 3-number combination to open the shackle. These locks are familiar to everyone, can be used in a wide variety of situations and are inexpensive and easy to find. There are no keys to lose – although you could forget the combination. Writing down the combination presents the possibility that the combo can be stolen.
Using these locks for a storage unit, however, is not ideal. The exposed shackle is easy to cut and the design of the lock allows greater force to be leveraged against the lock in a break-in attempt. The dial on the face is also vulnerable to damage and can actually be dislodge from the lock or defaced, rendering the lock useless even if the lock is not removed.
One more thing – Don’t forget to remove the sticker on the back of the lock with the combination on it!
Combination lock pros: Easy to use, no keys to lose, familiar and flexible lock system.
Combination lock cons: Easy to cut off, may be easily damaged and rendered useless, combo can be guessed or stolen.
Keyed Padlock
A keyed padlock is very similar to the Combination padlock but instead of a combination dial(s), a key is required to open the lock. The bodies of these locks may be stronger but the shackle is still very exposed and easy to cut. The design also still allows leveraging or prying force to be more easily applied to the lock.
Keyed padlock pros: no combination to remember, useful in a variety of situations, no combo means a thief cannot try to guess the code.
Keyed padlock cons: keys can get lost, shackle is exposed and easily cut.
Cylinder Lock
Some storage units require cylinder locks and are built with cylinder locks installed. Cylinder locks are commonly found on vending machines or coin-operated laundry machines. They are very secure and resistant to attempts to pick open. Cylinder locks also require special keys to operate.
Cylinder locks can be damaged by vandals to the point where they no longer function. Cylinder locks also require special installation and the keys are not easily found or duplicated – often new keys must be purchased from the manufacturer.
Cylinder lock pros: Very secure, resistant to break-in attempts, Built-in design is difficult for thieves to access.
Cylinder lock cons: Requires special installation, May not be available on all units, Can’t take it with you when you move out, Lost keys present a unique problem.
Disc or Discus Lock
Disc locks are generally the best option for self storage. In fact, disc locks were specifically designed for self storage!
A disc lock is a shackle-type padlock with a couple of important differences. The first is that only a small section of the shackle is exposed. When a disc lock is properly installed it is very difficult or even impossible to get a bolt cutter on the shackle. The second difference is that the body of the lock is round and flat and protects most of the shackle.
The round design also significantly limits the amount of prying or leveraging force which can be applied to the lock and is more difficult to strike squarely with a hammer.
Disc locks may be keyed or they may have a combination. We require that keyed disc locks be used at Whiskey Run Storage.
Disc lock pros: Designed for self storage, limited shackle exposure, round flat design diminishes impact attacks, similar in cost to other less-secure options.
Disc lock cons: Shackle may not fit all applications, keys can still get lost.
Thanks for reading this article! We hope you found valuable information in your search for the best storage unit lock!
Whiskey Run Storage LLC 
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