Our Top Picks: The Best Heavy Duty Locks for Your Storage Unit

If you’re moving home or need a place to store valuables, the last thing you want is for those items to get stolen. But without a suitable and robust lock for your storage unit, you can lose your valuables forever. If you want to have peace of mind that your items will remain where you left them, we’ve written this article for you. 

We’ll cover a range of the best locks for your storage unit, including disc locks and combination locks. We’ll start by sharing some key points to note before buying.

Best Disc Lock

The THIRARD 4 Pack Keyed Alike Disc Padlock provides convenient protective measures. It has a simple brass lock cylinder mechanism built inside a 1.5mm thick stainless steel case. It’s also perfect for use outdoors as it protects against moisture. You’ll also get 2 keys for every lock so that you’ve got a failsafe if you lose one. 

Best Cylinder Lock

The Master Lock 930DLHPF Padlock with Key has features setting it apart from other locks. That makes it ideal for use with your PODS container or a similar storage container. It has a solid steel body, including a hardened boron alloy shackle. It also has a 5-pin cylinder lock to maximize lockpick resistance. You’ll also have the ability to rekey the master lock should you need to.

Best Titalium Lock 

The ABUS 64TI/50C Titalium Aluminum Alloy Padlock is unique among locks. It’s made from Titalium. That’s a special alloy that gives the lock advantages over others in the market. It’s lighter than brass padlocks and has a paracentric key profile. That makes it harder to manipulate. The cylinder plug is chrome plated, ensuring very high corrosion resistance.

Best Combination Lock

The ZHEGE 4-Digit Combination Lock is a stylish and capable combination lock. It protects your storage unit with a choice of 10000 unique combinations. It’s quick and easy to set the combination and change it if you suspect someone knows it. It has clearly printed numbers, and the dial requires minimal effort to turn. That means you can lock and unlock it in seconds.

Best Disc Combination Lock

The DELSWIN 4-Digit Combination Disc Padlock fuses a combination mechanism with a disc lock. It comes in silver, black, or red, allowing you to select one that suits your style. It’s anti-corrosion and anti-freezing. That makes it ideal for all weather conditions. The lock is also heavy-duty, which ensures it resists bolt cutters.

Best Heavy Duty Lock

The Master Lock M5XDLJ Magnum Heavy Duty Padlock is our best choice of lock if security is your top priority. It has a Dual Armor design, featuring laminated steel, stainless steel, and zinc layers. It has an octagonal boron-carbide shackle, which is 50% stronger than steel shackles. A dual ball-bearing locking feature increases lockpick resistance.

Comparison Table

Now that you’ve read about the 6 best locks for your storage unit, here’s a table comparing them all.

In Depth Buyers Guide

Several key areas are worth explaining in further detail to help you choose a lock for your storage unit. We’ll look at the material, locking mechanism, and lockpick resistance.

Material 

Your lock’s material needs to be strong enough to resist attempts to break, twist, or cut it. Tough materials like stainless steel, boron-carbide, or Titalium are ideal. Avoid any made of iron or lightweight alloys such as Zamak. The shackle should be made from hardened steel to give the best protection.

Locking Mechanism

Most locks can be either keyed or combination locks. That means using a physical key or entering a number or word. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Keys are more secure but you can lose them. Combinations are easier to remember, but thieves can guess them. it’s important you choose the mechanism most convenient for your situation. 

Lockpick Resistance

Keeping your valuables secure while in storage means making it hard for thieves to break in. Locks resistant to lockpicks generally have unique features. These include ball bearings, covered keyholes, and wards inside the locking mechanism that block lockpicks. Look for these features in product descriptions and reviews.

Additional Useful Information

Padlock VS Disc Lock  

A padlock has a looped shackle, regardless of its shape. A disc lock has a shackle that slides across a gap at the top of the lock. Disc locks are more likely to be keyed than to have combinations, but there are exceptions. 

How is a Disc Lock used?

A disc lock has a shielded shackle making it harder to cut with bolt cutters. A padlock features an open shackle, which can be broken more easily. Therefore disc locks are typically used where there is a need for extra security. But you should ensure it’s made from suitable materials and has a thick shackle. 

How Can You Prevent a Storage Unit Lock from Being Broken Into?

Two elements are crucial for determining the strength of a storage lock. The locking mechanism and the material of the lock. The material can be durable and sturdy like steel or weak and flimsy like Namak. The locking mechanism can be complex or simple. For example, a 6-pin cylinder lock is complex, and a combination lock is simple.

If the material is weak and the locking mechanism is simple, breaking into the lock is easier. A thief can cut through the material or shim the lock. To prevent this, opt for durable materials and a complex locking mechanism. 

Vulnerabilities of Combination Locks 

Combination locks have a fixed number of combinations. That number is typically 10000, which gives thieves a chance to guess the combination. Cheaper combination locks also lack false gates. A false gate is a minor groove cut into the lock that makes you think you’ve set it when you haven’t. It’s a useful feature that can deceive thieves.

How Temperature Can Affect Locks

Colder temperatures can cause a build-up of ice inside the lock if your storage unit is outside. That makes it difficult to fit the key in or slide the combination rings. Warmer temperatures can cause certain materials to expand. That makes it more difficult to lock and unlock the shackle. However, most metals would need to be extremely hot for this to be a problem.

The ideal temperatures for a lock depend on its material and location. To ensure your lock doesn’t freeze outdoors, ensure heavy rain or running water doesn’t reach it. Checking whether it’s close to any gutters, overhangs, or eaves is a good way to do this. To protect against damage from heat, opt for steel or plastic doors and frames. Wood expands more in hot temperatures, which can warp your lock.

Conclusion

It’s vital to protect your most treasured possessions when you need to put them in storage. The right storage unit lock makes a huge difference. After all, the last thing you’d want is for a thief to steal your possessions. So selecting the right lock before putting your items in storage is well worth the effort.

To get your storage unit lock sorted as soon as possible, take a look at the locks we highlighted in our list.

• Best Disc Lock: THIRARD 4 Pack Keyed Alike Disc Padlock
• Best Cylinder Lock: Master Lock 930DLHPF Padlock with Key 
• Best Titalium Lock: ABUS 64TI/50C Titalium Aluminum Alloy Padlock
• Best Combination Lock: ZHEGE 4-Digit Combination Lock
• Best Disc Combination Lock: DELSWIN 4-Digit Combination Disc Padlock
• Best Heavy Duty Lock:Master Lock M5XDLJ Magnum Heavy Duty Padlock