Each year, loads of people lock up belongings worth several millions of dollars in a storage unit and then use a cheap and ineffectual lock to secure it. The result is the theft of these valuable possessions. Have you fallen victim to this before? Whether you have or not, this article about the best lock for storage units comes in handy and will help to properly secure your property.
In this article, we will review five of the best locks for your storage unit. We will also consider the best features to look out for when making a buying choice.
Contents
Best Lock for Storage Unit
1. Brinks 673-70001 Commercial Discus Lock – Best Overall
There are numerous brands on the market that are invested in making high-quality locks. Well, the Brinks brand is one of such brands.
However, it holds the distinction of offering high-quality options that are better than most of what you’d find on the market.
This superiority is exemplified by the Discus lock from Blinks. It is a very comfortable, high-quality disc lock from the brand. It comes with several features that make it a really good option for all. The body of the lock is made of high-grade stainless steel that will withstand efforts to destroy or open it without authorization. It comes with a rubber casing as well which will reduce the possibility of scratch.
At first glance, this lock looks really convenient, in fact too convenient. However, you should not be fooled. It is a highly secure option that will prove tough for intruders and even owners to open. While it is comfortable to hold and place, it is not an easy lock to use. However, once you understand how to use the lock, you will not have a hard time using it.
Many of the users of the lock have remarked on the rubber bumper that offers more protection and enhances the durability of the lock. With this design, you have a lock that will last for a long time.
It is a very versatile option that comes in very useful for storage units, locker rooms, and other places that you want to prevent access to.
The body of the lock features an integration to the stainless steel main that ensures secure performance. It has a heft and certainty to it. While you might drop it without damage, this should certainly not become a practice.
Overall, it is an excellent lock for storage units. Once you can master it, you will have a great time using the lock. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- Polished Finish
- Stainless Steel construction
- Rounded Shielded Design
- 06 x 2.88 x 2.81″
- Integrated lock
- Anti-scratch body
- Firm keystrokes
- Secure
- Initially hard to use
2. Master Lock 40DPF Stainless Steel Discus Padlock – Best Value Lock
If you are looking for a value buy, then you can do no wrong with the Master Lock 40DPF. In your quest to find a lock, whether, for a storage unit or something else, chances are pretty high that you have come across the Master Lock brand.
It is one of the best locks for storage units that you can find on the market. It comes with a double-disc advantage that makes it a very versatile option that will work for different situations.
Right out of the box, this lock gives an assurance of sturdiness and quality. With this in your hand, you will be reassured by the heft and feel empowered by it. It comes with a silver design and a polished finish that grants it a nice look. But it is not all for show. This lock is actually made of high-quality stainless steel that ensures durability and a greater level of security.
Inside the lock, you will find a 4-pin cylinder passage. There are several advantages to having this in your lock. One of the main benefits of such a design is that there is very little chance of accidentally lock-in.
Another thing that is great is the overall build of the model. It comes in a sturdy build and thick body. The dimensions alone will serve as a deterrent to most folks that have bad intentions. Thieves and intruders will think twice about trying to break the lock.
The lock comes in a set. You get a pair of locks which is brilliant and ensures a greater level of security. The 4 pin cylinder passage is surely an excellent feature added to the lock.
Another thing that makes this a remarkable product is that the stainless steel material of the build is cut-resistant. Additionally, the hidden shackle and the overall build comes with an ability to resist the weather and stuff like corrosion. Therefore, you can rest assured that it will last for a long time.
The complex shackle system is another feature that many users have remarked on. This technology ensures that there is very little chance of intrusion due to impact.
Nevertheless, the lock comes with its drawbacks. For one, the keys are easily chipped. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- Silver color
- Stainless Steel material
- Polished finish
- 56 x 3.75 x 1.43″
- 4-pin cylinder
- Hardened shackles
- Weather Resistant
- Keys chip easily
3. Puroma Keyed Padlock – Best Middle Size
While the first two models that we have reviewed come from some of the most popular brands on the market, the Puroma padlock comes from a brand that isn’t as popular.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t expect poor performance. Instead, this lock comes with features and a design that ensures that your possessions remain safe for a long time.
First of all, the padlock is made of high-quality parts. There are different materials that are used to make locks. Stainless steel is one of these materials. The Puroma model is also made of this stainless steel material. The high-quality stainless steel material ensures that it will be resistant to damage due to impacts. Furthermore, stainless steel is especially resistant to corrosion or rust. This makes the lock a good option for a storage container that lies outdoors and is exposed to the elements.
Weighing 7.6 ounces, this lock is lightweight enough to be used easily. It is also hefty enough to reassure you of good performance. The middle size is versatile and will easily fit most locks.
The disc design of the lock is something that has several users and experts talking. With the standard design for disc locks, you have a model that will serve you well just like other high-quality disc locks on the market.
The shackle design is also great. With the shielded shackle design that is found here, you have good allowance toward the body of the lock. It, therefore, ensures that the key will not completely turn 360 degrees. Why is this important? It is important because it will prevent the lock from being picked easily. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- Brass, Stainless Steel Discus Lock
- 76 x 1.06 x 2.76″
- 6 ounces weight
- Middle Size
- Standard disc design
- One-keyed
- Weather-resistant
- Loose pins
4. Master Lock Magnum Heavy Duty Discus Padlock – Best Heavy Duty
We have discussed one of the best locks for a storage unit offered by the Master Lock brand. As we said back then, this brand is a top manufacturer of locks on the market.
This time, it is the Magnum heavy duty lock. As the name implies, it is not for casual protection. Instead, it is a heavy-duty option that is versatile and will meet your security needs with aplomb.
It is an indoor and outdoor padlock that is complete with its key. With this model, you can be sure of impressive protection.
It offers several features that make it stand out from the rest on this list. For one, the material used to make the padlock is different from the material used for the others. Instead of stainless steel found in other locks, this is made with a boron carbide material. Hence, it is especially suited for heavy-duty use.
It boasts of a Tough-Cut octagonal shackle that will serve you excellently as a lock for a storage unit, your trailer, and so on. The boron carbide used here is 50% tougher than steel. Therefore, it reduces the chances of damage or intrusion.
The dimensions of the body are large, which might be annoying to some users. If you don’t like the bulky size, you can be sure that thieves will despise it as well.
The lock comes with a rubber body that ensures better key entry.
There are some things that you might not like. For example, the key might break off. Also, the pins are difficult to repair. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- Silver
- Boron Carbide materials
- Polished finish
- 2 x 3.9 x 6.3”
- Boron Carbide finish
- Secure body
- 2-keyed
- Pins are difficult to repair
5. ABUS 20/70 Diskus Stainless Steel Padlock – Best Premium Lock
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best lock for storage units is the ABUS 20/70 padlock. It is a round lock for storage units that offers incredible overall performance.
If money is no bother, then this is the best premium model that you can buy. It comes from a German manufacturer and is handmade in Germany. It is a durable, secure lock that has an excellent record of protection from lockpicks.
Disc locks are excellent locks for security, and you will be hardpressed to find a disc lock that is as good as this model. It is not only about its ability to deter lockpicks, but it also offers more.
First, it is a keyless lock. It comes with a hefty design and variations. The design includes a shackle that is thoroughly protected from tampering. Therefore, external attacks are nearly impossible.
Another thing that makes this model stand out from the rest is that it comes with an anti-cut plate. This is important because it works to reduce the effect of impacts on the padlock. The handmade steel construction is bound to resist the chances of breakage.
Internally, this is a complex lock that lockpicks will have a hard time breaking down. The model has several keystrokes that make it a unique model that will be difficult for any thieves to break into.
The downside, though, is that the key is rather brittle. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- Handmade in Germany
- Chrome-plated
- 81 x 3.39 x 1.17″
- Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel. Aluminum, and Brass material
- Several Keystrokes
- Protected shackle
- Premium finish
- It has an anti-cut plate
- The key breaks easily
Buying Guide
Choosing a lock for a storage unit is easier said than done. Since there are different types and models on the market, you might feel overwhelmed when making a buying decision. That is why we have reviewed five of the best options on the market right now. This will help to narrow down your choices. In this section, we consider some of the important things to keep in mind when making a buying choice.
How to Choose Lock for Storage Units
There are some vital factors that will guide you to make the correct buying decision. Let’s see these.
Locking Mechanism
The first thing that you should consider when buying the lock is the locking mechanism of the lock. There are different types of locking mechanisms.
Combination Locks
This is the first type of mechanism. The combination lock opens when you input the correct combination. It is commonly used for school lockers and other low-security requirements. It is cool; however, it does not offer the most security. In fact, it is rather easy to bypass.
If you are looking for a lock for your storage unit, you would likely be better off with some of the other locks we will discuss below. Or just choose from those we have reviewed above.
Keyed Padlocks
As the name implies, this type of padlock comes with a key. It is the most common type of padlock on the market, and it is also one of the most secure. The only downside of this padlock is that you might misplace the key. Due to the construction of the key, it is very difficult to be picked or broken open.
Disc Locks
A consideration of the five best locks that we have reviewed in this article shows that the disc lock is our most favored option. These locks are excellent models that work to help you to firmly secure your storage locker. They are specifically made for this purpose. Therefore, lockpicks will find them very hard to break through.
There are several reasons why you should think about getting the disc lock.
Benefits of Disc Locks
Extra Thick Bolts
Disc locks come with bolts that are thicker than usual. Why is this important? Well, if your lock has a thick bolt, it will likely be really strong and will help to ensure the security of the padlock. Keep in mind that the bolts are what support the pins that lie inside the lock. The bolts are what hold the shackle tight to the bar. Without the bolt, your padlock will be rather ineffective. Normally, the bolt is hard to displace, but with the extra thick bolts of disc locks, you will enjoy even more security.
Therefore, when choosing your disc lock, check out the dimensions of the bolts. A bigger and thicker bolt will give you better performance.
Stronger Steel
Another advantage of disc locks is that the steel used in making them is more often than not, stronger than the steel used for the other types of locks. With these strong locks, you can have locks that will withstand forces of more than 500 pounds.
When choosing a disc lock based on the steel, be wary of manufacturers that claim that their locks are made of 100% stainless steel. The steel might not be as strong as claimed. Check out stuff like the added steel strength mark. The models that we have reviewed come with a premium finish, added weight, and other connotations that guarantee that the lock is durable and will give you security.
Space between latch and shackle bolt
The disc lock is differentiated from the others by the design. It comes with a very small space between the bolt-to-bolt entryway. With the smooth transition and the small space, the shackle will hold the latch much tighter than your regular lock. With the limited spatial allowance, the manufacturer can place very thick bolts in the model.
When choosing a disc padlock, we recommend that you go for a model that is named as a Discus standard lock. This designation means that the bolts are thick, rounded, and tightly packed – all of which will increase the durability and security of the lock.
Hasp Size
When choosing the storage lock, another important factor to consider, especially if you are using padlocks or disc locks is the hasp size.
Regardless of the lock your purchase, the lock needs to be able to fit the latch of the storage unit. The hasp of the storage refers to what locks’ shackle will hold on to.
Therefore, the hasp size is of utmost importance. If the hole is too small, the shackle of the padlock would be unable to pass through it. If it is too small, there might be more allowance for a lockpick to find a way through the lock.
Apart from the size of the hasp, you should also ensure that the hasp is in such a way that the lock’s shape would fit in. If the hasp is of improper dimensions, the lock will not be secure enough.
Location of the Storage Unit
Apart from the factors that we have discussed, it is also important that you determine and keep in mind the location of the storage. Is it indoor storage? Or is it located outside and outdoors? If it is an indoor option, you might not be too concerned about the durability of the lock.
However, if it is located outside, you have to keep the effects of the elements in mind. The wind, rain, and sunlight might have a negative effect on the lock. Therefore, look for locks that are weather resistant and rust-resistant.
Material
The material of the parts of the lock plays a big role in the efficiency of the model. It should be made of high-quality materials. That way, it would be difficult to break through the lock. It also will determine whether the lock will be able to withstand the elements, especially in the case of an outdoor storage facility.
Cost
As with other products on the market, locks come in a wide variety of prices. Some are very affordable while others are expensive.
In the case of locks, the cheaper options lack the durability and security of more expensive models. You certainly cannot expect a $5 lock to offer the same level of security as a $20 lock.
In our review, we have offered you premium and mid-range models that will give you excellent value for money.
FAQs
How can I protect my storage unit?
As you might have some important valuables in the storage unit, you certainly need to secure them. Here are some ways to protect it:
- Choose a secure facility
- Have next-level security
- Access control systems
- Choose an excellent lock
- Install alarms
What is the hardest lock to cut?
Any determined thief that has the time and equipment like an angle grinder can work his way through almost any lock. However, there are some locks that are specifically designed to resist cutting. An example is the Master Lock Padlock.
Do storage units get robbed?
Although it is rare, storage units do get robbed. Research has revealed that most of the thefts from storage units come via inside jobs.
Can you cut a disc lock with bolt cutters?
The hasp of the disc padlock is hidden. Therefore, it is impossible to cut a disc lock open with a bolt cutter. It also cannot be destroyed by a hammer.
Conclusion
In this review of the best locks for storage units, we have thoroughly reviewed five of the best models on the market. Use the review and the buying guide to choose the best locks for your needs.
