Your storage locker might be holding items that you highly value, such as merchandise, jewelry, and even cash.
Their loss would set you back several years of hard work but with a good lock, this shouldn’t happen.
The best padlocks for storage units are largely contextual, as it will depend on the value of your items, whether the storage is indoor or outdoor, your budget, and so on.
This article is a culmination of extensive research and testing and it will help you find the best padlock that will let you rest easy.
Without further ado, here’s our review of the best lock for storage unit in 2022.
Medeco is a premium high-security padlock that means business when it comes to securing your valuables whether indoors or outdoors.
Features
First things first: the dark no nonsense look of this lock puts off even the most daring burglars. The high-security padlock is made of boron alloy steel, one of the strongest materials for padlocks in the industry. This results in a hard and non-brittle shackle that will resist bolt cutting and claw bar picking.
As you can see from the image, the shackle is fully shrouded to eliminate clearance for bolt cutters, hacksaws, and claw bars.
When the shackle becomes hard to cut or pick, there are those clever thieves who target the tumbler pins of ordinary locks and release the bolt. But this has been well thought out in this padlock, as its cylinder contains hardened and stainless steel inserts that guarantee ultimate protection against drilling and other forms of vandal attack.
The exceptional tumbler pin system is also the ultimate pick proof system that you can get. The lock pins are chisel tipped meaning they can only be rotated by keys with corresponding angle cuts, thus making it impossible to duplicate keys.
The best lock for pods container can be keyed alike, keyed differently or master keyed to correspond with your existing locker hardware.
Finally, the boron alloy is resistant to weather elements such as heat and rust making it the best padlock for outdoor use.
If you are a gym enthusiast, this range of padlocks may be too high security and high budget for gym lockers. Click here to see our review of the best locks for gym lockers.
The German made ABUS Granit™ padlocks meet the highest padlock security standards and these locks are one of the most secure locks that you can get.
Features
While an ordinary high-security padlock will offer around 10,000 pounds of pulling resistance force, ABUS Granit assures 25,000 tons of tensile strength thus it is in the range of maximum security locks.
The shackle diameter of 9/16” is also one of the largest in storage unit locks and it is fully concealed by hardened steel shoulders leaving a small vertical and horizontal clearance of 13/16” x 13/16”.
The lock body and shackle are made out of 65 Rockwell grade core-hardened steel that is nothing but hell trying to pick.
Upon unlocking, this padlock retains the key for added security against loss. It also uses the disc detainer locking mechanism common in high-end hard to pick locks.
As you can see below, ABUS Granit is a full release padlock, meaning that a burglar would have to cut both sides of the shackle in order to release it, unlike other shackles that can be freed by a single cut.
Abloy Protec2 PL 362 high security lock is a CEN Grade 6 maximum security padlock, one of the most secure locks for commercial use.
Features
The Grade 6 padlock is made of a hardened steel body and hardened boron steel shackle that will resist all ordinary bolt cutters, grinders, drill and prying tools.
The shackle has a 15mm diameter and is concealed by raised shoulders which form a continuous length of the body material.
The shackle’s horizontal by vertical clearance measures 30mm by 25mm, wide enough to fit lassoed chains or hasps. You can also chain machinery and other valuables to the storage unit and lock them with this padlock.
Intruder keys cannot work on Abloy’s safest lock for storage unit because it features a rotating disc mechanism and not an elevation system that is easy to hack. The lock cylinder is the top loading type and it offers great drill resistance.
The unique keying system allows you to create a master key, key alike systems or else key it differently.
It also has a classy chrome finish that is also weather resistant.
The unique keying system allows you to create a master key, key alike systems or else key it differently.
It also has a classy chrome finish that is also weather resistant.
Verdict: Abloy Protec2 is an anti-drill, and anti-cut weather proof padlock that you can bequeath to your children. It is the number one choice for high security gun safes and ammunition storage.
Hasps and shackles are the first targets for vandal attack but Master Lock hidden shackle locks resolve this by entirely hiding the two parts.
Features
You might be having the most secure padlock but your hasp is a 2mm sheet metal that can be chopped within no time. This is as good as leaving the storage locker unlocked but the Master Hockey Puck lock nicely conceals both the hasp and its own shackle. A lazy criminal can hardly figure out what is going on.
It would take time before a burglar understands how this best lock for pods works and still, the body is made of pick resistant hardened steel.
The shackle is made of cut and pry resistant boron hardened steel alloy and it comes in three diameter sizes: 3/8 in (10mm), 19/32 in (15mm) and 1-23/32 in (44mm). The locking mechanism has a dual ball bearing to resist pulling and prying.
The pack of 3 keyed alike best locks for self storage units comes with 2 keys for each padlock (6 in total). Each key can open any of the padlocks and thus these extra heavy duty padlocks are ideal for multiple outdoor applications since they would let you carry one key for all the locks.
Lobojack is a cheaper option for a storage unit lock out that lets you hide the shackle and the hasp, such that the whole thing appears like a part of the door once you lock it.
Features
The heavy duty padlock is the ideal commercial and industrial high-security solution. The domineering solid and secure box shape is intimidating to any picklock, thus right away putting off inexperienced criminals.
The best padlock for storage unit completely covers the hasp, thus shielding it from naughty bolt cutters. The lock body is also pry proof due to the hardened steel material, same case with the hidden fetter that is made of uncuttable alloy steel.
However, covering the hasp(s) is not enough and they need to be of a strong structure otherwise a thief will just pull out the whole lock and hasp combination.
The padlock’s stainless steel body also provides superb weather resistance and it will remain rust and corrosion free for years on end.
If you have been struggling with cheap locks that intruders constantly get by, then Mul-T-lock MT5+ is what you need to keep kleptomaniacs off your valuables for good.
Features
The MT5+ series of locks features an innovative flat key and 3 locking mechanisms- the top bar pins, the locking bar and a telescopic pin mechanism. A revolutionary mobile interactive spring at the tip of the key- the Alpha Spring- engages a unique rear pin, creating a shearline. One set of cuts of the double-sided key unlocks the telescopic pin mechanism while the other set is milled to open the locking bar. This combination guarantees higher security and resistance to manipulation.
Just like other Mul-T-lock items, the MT5+ #13 C-Series padlock comes with 2 standard keys and Mul-T-lock key code I.D. card. No one can produce a duplicate key unless they get hold of the serial number. You would, therefore, want to secure the serial number, preferably in a bank vault.
Like the Abloy Protec2, hardened steel body and hardened boron steel ½ inch diameter shackle that assure high pick and cutting resistance.
With this best lock for a storage unit, you can choose the pop open shackle design or the completely removable shackle that would take forever to cut and unlock.
Finally, your satisfaction is guaranteed with limited lifetime mechanical warranty.
Sargent & Greenleaf is not your ordinary brand of padlocks and the 951C series provides the most advanced security features that you can find in a lock. It is a padlock trusted by the US government for decades.
Features
Sargent and Greenleaf offers premium security features that would be appropriate for high-value items such as guns or expensive jewelry.
S&G 951C is a stronger successor of the highly sought-after 833C series and it features a denser casting and heavier anti drill reinforcements.
Proprietary alloys in the lock’s body and shackle provide the ultimate resistance to vandalism. The lock’s body also features ceramic inserts that greatly reduce the ability to grind this safest lock for storage unit and raised shoulders cover the full height of the equally impossible to cut shackle.
This lock is expensive and in case you lose your key, you face the risk of someone else finding the key and using it to access your valuables. Entirely replacing the padlock would really hurt your pocket. But that doesn’t have to be the case with this beast. It features a change key, which allows you to separate the lock’s body into two pieces, remove the cylinder and change the pins. That way, the lock can accept a new key while rejecting the lost key in case an intruder comes with it.
Finally, this is the only padlock that can resist prolonged liquid nitrogen attack.
Though this medium size padlock is not something we would recommend for high security storage lockers and gun safes, the American Lock A700D is highly rated by customers for medium security.
Features
Not all valuables warrant a high-priced maximum security padlock. For some items such as raw materials or clothing, the goal may be just to show that there are valuables in there and American Lock Steel Padlock lets you achieve this better than other cheap padlocks.
But don’t get us wrong because the chrome plated hardened steel body and hardened steel alloy shackle do provide superior resistance against cutting, sawing and picking.
With a 2 and ½ inch body width and a 7/16 inch shackle diameter, the A700D series is larger than other American Lock padlocks but it comes with a 5 pin locking mechanism instead of the usual 6.
However, nothing is lost since they are impossible-to-pick security pins. Combine this with a dual ball bearing locking mechanism and you have a bad boy that will resist pulling, picking, and prying.
The chrome plated solid steel padlock is the ideal solution for gates, outdoor sheds construction equipment and machinery, truck and van doors.
A major concern is that it has an open shackle that is susceptible to bolt cutting.
Stanley is a Level 5 ASTM security grade that lets you outsmart burglars with 6 anti-pick pins and a replaceable core.
Features
Cut resistant hardened steel body and shackle protects the lock from cutting and sawing attacks, giving you the peace of mind regarding your valuables wherever you are.
6 anti-pick pins will resist intruder keys and a re-keyable cylinder lets you reuse the padlock in case you lose the key.
The core is removable and you can upgrade the lock by replacing it with a higher security core such as Schlage instead of purchasing a new expensive padlock altogether.
A Dual steel ball bearing locking system prevents prying attacks while a patented keyway cover makes it impossible to drill the core.
A padlock doesn’t have to be a lifeless gadget that you can’t tell whatever is going on with it while you are away. The Master Lock Bluetooth Smart Padlock lets you remotely monitor any activity and choose who to give access.
Features
With this padlock, your phone is your key as it accepts a Bluetooth code from your smartphone thus eliminating stories of lost keys.
If your phone is not present for whatever reason, a directional code on the lock’s keypad acts as a backup.
You might also have co-workers at your workplace or guests at home who want to access the storage locker while you are away. In this case, you can share with them the Bluetooth or directional keypad code either temporarily or permanently. While at it, you can remotely monitor whatever activity is going on as well receiving tamper and low-battery alerts through the Master Lock Vault eLocks app.
Encrypted access wouldn’t make sense if the hardware is a piece of crap. A solid steel body, boron carbide shackle, and anti-shim locking mechanism provide premium security and reliability.
Finally, this best master lock for storage unit is an all-weather padlock perfect all outdoor use, such as garage doors, gates, sheds, tool chests and outdoor storage lockers.
Some customers have complained that the Bluetooth app is frustrating to use
A buyer’s guide for the best lock for storage unit
Security of your valuables is the most important concern when you are stashing them into a storage locker and finding a reliable padlock.
But the bitter truth is that the wrong choice of padlock will fail you in your mission. That’s why in this guide we want to give you an idea of what to look out for when searching for the best locks for storage units.
(i) Material
High prices valuables that you hold dear deserve a strong and solid lock that will deteeth a saw and break a bolt cutter before they get by.
There are even cheap plastic and brass padlocks but they are not worth your time since anyone can pull it by hand. Unless you are covering garbage.
In our review, we found boron hardened steel alloy to be the strongest against bolt cutting, sawing, and prying, while still having a reasonable price of $100 and below.
(ii) Design
There are those padlocks with long shackles that would encourage a robber to hook in a monster claw bar and within no time the lock is pried open. Since your storage unit will most likely be outdoors, you need to avoid such padlocks like plague.
The best type of lock for storage unit has its shackle fully concealed by raised shoulders or the body, such that the shackle disappears in the hasp leaving no space for burglar tools.
The keyway mechanics is also an important design factor. We found that locks with rotating pins with angle cuts such as Medeco are impossible to unlock with foreign keys.
Loss of padlock keys is an everyday occurrence and the sad fact is that someone might be watching as you misplace the keys and hide it to rob you later. Luckily, we have some padlocks with replaceable pins such that you can get a new set of keys and make the old key irrelevant altogether.
(iii) Hasp size
The padlock’s shackle goes through the locker’s hasp and this brings about a trade-off. You need to have the shackle clearance as tiny as possible to discourage burglar tools but then it means that the hasp must have a corresponding design in order to fit.
The shackle must be able to slip through the hole in the hasp and reach the locking latch on the other side.
However, the custom fit design should not compromise the hasp strength, since a feeble structure will just be pulled out together with the padlock.
(iv) Indoor vs outdoor
Indoor storage might require a less strong and reliable padlock since you have already secured the building. You also don’t have to worry about rusting.
However for outdoor storage, your padlock can be tampered with even when you are around, and that calls for a higher security padlock. This might call for a higher budget, but it is worth it, depending on what you are intending to secure.
The best padlock for outdoor use is also weather resistant to prevent for instance the keyway becoming clogged with rust when it rains or the body becoming defaced a few days after purchase.
(v) Budget
Padlocks prices range from under $10 to over $5k but such a high extreme finds economic use in nuclear, military and such highly sensitive industries.
Most cheap padlocks are poor quality and low security, but you can still find a very reliable padlock with any budget. Especially if what you are securing is not highly sensitive.
Recap
Loss of valuables in storage lockers can roll back your several years of sweat. The best lock for storage unit should be made of strong burglar proof material that is hard to cut or pick. Get one of the most secure locks for commercial use from our review.