Want a clutter-free home? Renting a storage unit is a great place to start. You can weed out which belongings you need on a daily basis, and which you don’t.
With your excess belongings stowed away in a climate-controlled and high-surveillance storage unit, you can even downsize into a smaller apartment or home (now that those high school yearbooks and mementos of relationships past aren’t hogging up valuable space).
Albeit convenient, self-storage units can be a source of stress, particularly for those who plan to store big-ticket, high-value items (like collectible cars, appliances, furniture, and even artwork). Unfortunately, self-storage break-ins happen more than we’d like to admit.
While you could put your trust in your facility’s security systems and property projection plans, it’s best to take matters into your own hands. But where to start? You’ll want to purchase a good lock for your unit–but not just any storage unit lock will do.
Here’s everything you need to know about locks for self storage.
The Importance of Having a Lock for Storage
A good lock not only protects your belongings but provides peace of mind. Fair warning: Don’t assume that your storage provider will supply these added security measures. Storage facilities expect customers to provide their own locks.
When shopping for the right storage locker or self storage unit, remember that not all storage facilities are made equal. So, in addition to using a good lock, you’ll want to choose a facility that offers robust security measures, like surveillance cameras, well-lit premises, and onsite personnel.
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of renting a storage unit and are concerned about safety, consider alternative storage solutions, like peer-to-peer storage marketplaces. One such marketplace, Neighbor, offers residential storage that’s up to 10x safer and up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage options.
Considering self storage? Remember that not everything can be kept in a storage facility. Check out our list of dos and don’ts regarding self storage.
Types of Locks for Self Storage Units
There are three types of locks for storage facilities: a padlock, a disc lock, and a cylinder lock. Here’s a breakdown of each one:
Type #1: Padlocks
- This is the most recognizable type of lock, consisting of a solid body made of metal, a shackle, and a key-operated locking mechanism.
- They are versatile and offer a range of security levels.
Type #2: Disc Locks
- Also known as “round locks,” these locks are characterized by their circular shape and heavy-duty construction.
- They are widely regarded as one of the most secure options, thanks to their thick steel shackle that is difficult to cut or pry open.
Image courtesy of Amazon
Type #3: Cylinder Locks
- Also referred to as “barrel locks” or “wafer locks,” these locks are installed directly into a recessed slot on the storage unit door.
- This is another very secure option that can only be opened when the correct key is inserted.
*Note: All of these options may require a key. Be aware that some disc locks and cylinder locks use different mechanisms for locking, such as combination dials or keypads.
The 6 Best Storage Unit Locks
Ready to choose a lock for your storage unit? Here are six of the top storage unit locks to secure and protect your belongings.
#6: The Ingersoll 10
Average Price: $325.88 on Amazon
Pros: The Ingersoll 10 is a powerful lock that offers a high degree of security. The chrome-plated steel shackle is designed to be tough to break open, even with bolt cutters. It also includes a shroud that makes it harder to get to the shackle, even for thieves who may have bolt cutters on hand.
Potential Downsides: While the Ingersoll 10 offers a number of advantages, it carries a hefty price tag that may make it less desirable for some users. If you lose your keys, you will have to special order a master key. Also, you’ll have a hard time getting into your unit for any reason in the meantime.
#5: ABUS 20/70 Diskus Padlock
Average Price: $57.80 on Amazon
Image courtesy of Amazon
Pros: Like most disk locks, the ABUS 20/70 Diskus padlock only has one small opening in the shackle. This makes them much more difficult to tamper with than other padlocks. ABUS storage unit locks are incredibly sturdy. They are very thick and require a great deal of time and effort to cut through—stirring a level of noise that will typically deter a thief. Since ABUS locks are made of stainless steel, they won’t rust over time.
Potential Downsides: The main downside to an ABUS Diskus lock is that it’s very difficult to find replacement keys since they have to be shipped from Germany. If you misplace your keys, you may spend a long time trying to get through these storage locks.
#4: ABUS 37/80 Granit Alloy Steel Padlock
Average Price: $125.99 on Amazon
Image courtesy of Amazon
Pros: The ABUS 37/80 Granit Alloy Steel Padlock is made from hardened alloy steel. Like the Diskus above, it’s made with a disc cylinder, making it more difficult to pick. The anti-corrosion coating and hardened steel protection are designed to prevent rust and corrosion over time.
Potential Downsides: The ABUS 37/80 Granite Alloy Steel Padlock does carry a heftier price tag than some of the other ABUS models. It also has a shackle that is 14mm thick, which may be too large for some standard storage units.
#3: Stanley Hardware S828 Shrouded Padlock
Average Price: Currently unavailable on Amazon, but is usually around $40.
Image courtesy of Amazon
Pros: The Stanley Hardware S828 Shrouded Padlock is designed with sturdiness and reliability in mind. It has a six-pin cylinder and anti-pick pins that generally prevent the lock from being opened with anything other than a key. The storage lock also has a sturdy steel construction that has 360-degree defensive mechanisms. It can stand up to both electric and manual saws.
Potential Downsides: Like many other storage unit locks on the list, Stanley Hardware makes it relatively difficult to get your hands on replacement keys.
#2: Master Lock 930D
Average Price: $34.89 on Amazon
Image courtesy of Amazon
Pros: The Master Lock 930D steel padlock is one of the strongest padlocks in the Master Lock arsenal. It’s a relatively simple, less expensive lock option that looks unassuming but packs a punch. It has a 5-pin removable cylinder that makes it very difficult to pick. Reviewers on Amazon note that the lock is very difficult to pick even when they try. If necessary, you can rekey the lock for your own purposes.
Potential Downsides: The 11 mm shackle may be too large for some storage solutions, so it’s important to take a look at the size of your latch before purchasing the lock. It’s also important to note that the Master Lock 930D may be easier to force open than other types of locks due to its design.
#1: Mul-T-lock MT5 + TR 100 “Hockey Puck”
Average Price: $131.02 on Amazon
Image courtesy of Amazon
Pros: If you’re looking for a storage lock to protect against a weak hasp, the “Hockey Puck” is perfect. The shackle is a shutter-style piece that sits in a recess, obscuring the shackle and the hasp of the storage unit. This makes it incredibly difficult to cut through.
Potential Downsides: While this lock offers a great deal of protection against picking, it is vulnerable to drilling toward the lock core, which could force the lock open. Fair warning: It may not be suitable for every type of storage unit, particularly smaller units, because of its unique shape.
Storage Locks You Should Avoid
There are lots of great locks on the market, so if you stay from our list, there’s no need for concern. Just prioritize comments with good reviews, and avoid the following: ‘
- Combination locks with limited digits: Combination locks with a limited number of digits or easy-to-guess combinations should be avoided. These locks are more susceptible to manipulation or brute-force attacks.
- Cheap off-brand padlocks: Opting for cheap off-brand padlocks may seem like a cost-effective solution, but these locks often lack the durability and robust security features of more reputable brands.
- Locks with few reviews: Stay away from any locks that have few reviews on Amazon. Limited reviews may indicate a lack of reliability or performance issues, making it difficult to assess the lock’s effectiveness and durability.
In Summary
With the aforementioned locks, you’ll have the security and protection to prevent a storage disaster. Just be sure to speak with your facility’s manager before making a purchase, as some facilities have rules regarding the size and type of lock their customers must use.
