Locks for Self-Storage Units: What You Need to Know

Every year, thousands of people lock up thousands of dollars’ worth of belongings in a storage locker and then use a $5 padlock to secure it. The result? Valuable, irreplaceable items are stolen from storage lockers every day.

The good news is that you have the opportunity to protect your belongings before it’s too late. In addition to choosing the right storage facility to ensure your belongings are as safe as possible, it’s critical that you choose the right lock for your storage locker. Here, we’ll share with you the two most common and secure types of locks you can choose from, as well as the best of each kind that are on the market today. By doing your research, you can store your items in confidence.

When choosing a storage company, look for a company in a secure neighborhood. Ensure that they have additional security measures in place, such as a high fence. Finally, choose a company with 24-hour surveillance. While cameras won’t necessarily prevent theft, they do increase the chances of recovering your missing items should they be stolen from your storage locker. In some cases, cameras are an effective deterrent.

But beyond all this, it’s also important to have the right lock for your self-storage unit. If you’re under the impression that just any old lock will do, you’re wrong. This post will take a look at some of the most effective locks that you can outfit a self-storage unit.

Storage Unit Locking Mechanisms

Combination locks

This type of lock opens when the right combination is entered into them. You probably have used this type of lock on your high school locker or to secure a bicycle to a bike rack.

Unfortunately, combination locks can be easily manipulated. Of all your options, combination padlocks are easiest for burglars to tamper with or break and are not great for securing items of high value. They can often be damaged and released with a bolt cutter or hacksaw.

Keyed Padlocks

If you do choose to use a padlock, here are some of the best on the market. Keyed padlocks are difficult to pick and engineered to prevent being cut or broken open.

• M3 Shrouded Padlock by Medeco
• Granitby Abus
• Hardened Steel Padlock by Stanley
• PL 362 by Abloy
• Hi-Shear Padlock

Disc Locks

Disc locks are commonly used to secure storage lockers. Not only were they specifically designed to secure self-storage lockers, they have proven to be the most difficult lock to cut because the shape of the lock makes the hasp very difficult to access.

Disc locks offer a wide variety of benefits. They are very difficult to cut, they are comparable in cost to padlocks, and some insurance companies even offer perks and savings for using a disc lock to protect your valuable items.

• Detecto 7000 RSI by ABUS
• Micro Disc Lock by Mammoth
• Monster Disc Lock by Oxford
• Nemesis Classe SRA by Oxford
• Maxi Disc Lock by Mammoth

Electronic Storage Unit Locks

Unlike conventional padlocks, Bluetooth smart locks don’t require any combinations to access. They also don’t work with keys. So just how do they work? They connect with your smartphone, and all you need to do is download an app to facilitate the functionality and ensure that your phone’s Bluetooth is switched “on” in the settings.

The big advantage of Bluetooth padlocks is the convenience. Like any smart lock, instead of fumbling for a key or struggling to remember a combination, all you need to do is pull up the app and proceed accordingly for access. One of the great things about Bluetooth padlocks is that they can be monitored in real-time from the associated app at any time that you would like. It’s similar to how you can monitor smart locks on the main entry doors to your home or business – you can do it 24/7, checking in on the status of the storage locker.

It’s also worth noting that though Bluetooth padlocks work based on a smartphone app, most have some sort of a backup access method in case the phone or lock battery is depleted at the time that access is needed.

How to Choose a Lock for Your Self-Storage Unit

When you’re on the hunt for a padlock designed to protect high-value belongings, there are a few important things to look for ensure your unit is secure. The core should be resistant to picking, which is determined by the number and type of pins within the core. The shroud should adequately prevent cutting or removal of the lock and the shackle could contain ball bearings and the shackle should release on both ends for added security.

When choosing the appropriate disc lock for your storage locker, you should choose the largest disc lock that will fit. The larger the lock, the more difficult it will be for a thief to get into your locker.

Choosing the right lock can be difficult, especially when you’re using it to secure belongings that either have a high monetary value or a high personal value. Trust the experts at Great Valley Lockshop to help you find the right lock for your needs. Call us today at 610-644-5334 or request a free estimate to explore your options.