The Best Locks For Storage Units (Padlocks and Disc Locks Included)

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My wife is a bit of a packrat, and her storage unit is like a treasure trove of her past memories, including childhood toys, old photo albums, and even her wedding dress. Keeping her storage unit safe and secure was a top priority for us. 

As you can imagine, when she asked me to help her secure the storage unit, I knew I had to find the best lock possible. I did some research and found that there are many different types of locks available, including padlocks and disc locks. 

After some careful research, both online and offline, I decided to go with a disc lock, which is known for its strength and durability, but in this course, I came across many storage unit locks that are a great consideration if you are looking for one.

In this blog, I’ll discuss the types of locks available for storage units, including padlocks and disc locks. I’ll also share my top picks for the best locks on the market based on factors like durability, security features, price and ease of use.

Factors To Consider While Buying A Storage Lock

Here are some factors to consider while buying a storage lock.

Security is Key

Let’s face it: the main reason you’re buying a storage locker is to keep your stuff safe and sound. So, when looking for the best storage lock, make sure that security is your top priority. Look for locks that are made of sturdy materials, such as hardened steel or titanium, and that have high-security features like anti-pick and anti-bump technology.

Size Matters

Before you buy a lock, make sure that you know the size of the storage unit or locker that you’ll be using it on. There’s nothing worse than buying a lock that’s too small or too big for your storage space. So, measure twice, buy once!

When it comes to storage units, there are various sizes available, ranging from small lockers to large storage containers. If you rent a locker, you may only need a small padlock with a shackle diameter of around 5-6mm. On the other hand, if you’re renting a larger storage unit, such as a garage or a shipping container, you may need a larger lock with a shackle diameter of around 50mm or more.

Ease of Use

Let’s be real: no one wants to spend five minutes trying to open a lock every time they need to access their storage unit. Look for locks that are easy to use and don’t require a lot of fiddling around. Combination locks can be great for this, as they don’t require a key.

Price

Of course, price is always a factor to consider when making any purchase. However, don’t let price be the only deciding factor. Remember, you get what you pay for. A cheap lock may be easy on the wallet, but it may not provide the security and peace of mind you need. Invest in a lock that will last and keep your belongings safe at the best price.

Which Is The Best Storage Unit Lock: Padlock Vs Disc Lock?

Choosing the best lock for your storage unit can be a difficult decision, but it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the level of security you require. There are two main types of locks to consider: padlocks and disc locks.

Padlocks are a traditional type of lock that most people are familiar with. They are easy to use and can be used on a variety of different storage units. One of the main advantages of padlocks is that they are relatively inexpensive, making them an affordable option for those on a budget. However, they can be easier to cut or pry open than disc locks, which can compromise their security.

Disc locks, on the other hand, are specifically designed for use on storage units and are generally considered to be more secure than traditional padlocks. They have a unique design with a short rounded shackle that makes them more difficult to cut or pry open. One of the main advantages of disc locks is their high level of security, but they can be more expensive than traditional padlocks. 

The best lock for your storage unit will depend on your personal preferences and the level of security you require. I prefer disc locks for the added security, but if you are on a budget and require a basic level of security, a traditional padlock may be sufficient. For a more detailed review of padlocks vs disc locks, refer to one of my articles.

The Best Disc Lock For Storage Unit

When it comes to securing a storage unit, a disc lock is one of the best options available. Here are some of the best disc locks for storage units:

1. BRINKS 70mm Stainless Steel Keyed Discus Padlock (Personally Using)

After thorough research, I invested in the BRINKS 70mm Stainless Steel Keyed Discus Padlock for my wife’s storage unit. 

First and foremost, the padlock is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, which provides excellent protection against tampering and forced entry. With a body dimension of 1.06 x 2.88 x 2.81 inches and a price of only $11.51, this lock is an excellent value for anyone looking for a storage unit lock.

The disc lock is equipped with a four-pin brass tumbler cylinder, which provides pick and pry resistance and ensures that your belongings remain secure. Additionally, BRINKS claims that the steel shackle has a cut strength of up to 8100 lbs. The company also claims it to be weather resistant as well.

It’s been a few days since we installed it, and I tried several subtle trial attempts to bypass the lock to test it. Trust me, I think I made the right choice.

Pros

• Full radius rubber bumper prevents scratches and dings.
• Reasonably priced and compact 
• Four-pin brass tumbler cylinder provides pick and pry resistance
• Stainless steel body and feels heavy which gives a sense of added security.

Cons

• The lock may be too small for some applications as the shackles measure 70mm

2. ABUS 20/70 Diskus Stainless Steel Padlock (Tried And Tested)

I recently had the opportunity of exploring the ABUS 20/70 Diskus Stainless Steel Padlock while buying a lock for personal use. Though I ultimately ended up going with the BRINKS 70mm padlock,  the ABUS padlock still caught my attention, and I wanted to share my thoughts on it.

The lock is made from stainless steel and measures 2.75 x 2.75 x 2.5 inches, making it not only a heavy-duty lock but also compact and easy to use. I found the all-round protection of this padlock quite impressive 

One of the standout features of this padlock is the anti-cut plate, which adds an extra layer of security. It also comes with two keys, making it easy to use and access when needed. The price point of $39.99 is reasonable, considering the level of protection it offers.

The reason I did not buy the lock was the weight of the lock as I found it quite heavy for my preference.

Pros

• Stainless steel construction
• Anti-cut plate adds an extra layer of security
• ABUS Plus disk cylinder provides great protection against manipulation
• Comes with two keys for easy access

Cons

• May be heavier than other locks due to its solid construction

3. Eveway Stainless Steel Combination Discus Padlock (Tried And Tested)

I came across the Eveway Stainless Steel Discus Padlock and was quite impressed by its features. The padlock is made of sturdy stainless steel, which makes it highly resistant to cutting and tampering. The 4-digit combination lock provides a good level of security, and the large dials are easy to read and set.

The lock has a discus padlock body that is 2-3/4 inches wide and a lock shackle with a diameter of 3/8 inch and a length of 3/4 inch. This provides ample space for locking up even larger items while also minimizing shackle exposure and protecting against bolt-cutter attacks. The lock is heavy and feels solid in the hand, which gives me confidence that it will withstand any attempt at tampering.

However, I ultimately decided against purchasing this padlock for my storage unit, as I realized that I didn’t need a combination lock for my particular use case. My storage unit isn’t used frequently, and I prefer the ease of use of a traditional key lock. 

Nonetheless, I think the Eveway Stainless Steel Discus Padlock is an excellent option for those who prefer combination locks or who need to share access to the lock with multiple people.

Pros

• High-quality stainless steel construction
• weatherproof
• A free replacement within 2 years

Cons

• The lock’s size may be too large for some users’ preferences

The Best Padlock For Storage Unit

Padlocks are a popular option for securing storage units due to their versatility and ease of use.  Here are some of the best padlocks for storage units:

1. Master Lock Covered Aluminum Lock (Personally Using)

The Master Lock Covered Aluminum Lock is a solid and reliable lock. I found this lock to be very versatile as it can be used as a shed lock, gate lock, or storage locker lock and read reviews from users who have used this lock for their storage units and found it to be a great choice for securing their belongings.

Please Note: I am not using this lock for my storage unit as I prefer a disc lock. However if someone is comfortable with using padlock on their storage, then this is definitely the best padlock I have laid my hands on.

One of the key features of this lock is its construction. The black vinyl-covered aluminum body provides scratch and corrosion resistance, while the hardened steel shackle ensures cut resistance. Another great feature is the four-pin cylinder and dual locking lever mechanism, which provide pick and pry resistance.

Included in the package are one padlock and two keys, so you can easily share access with others or keep a spare key as a backup. The price point of $9.28 is very reasonable for the quality and durability of this lock.

Pros

• Scratch and corrosion-resistant vinyl-covered aluminum body
• Hardened steel shackle for cut resistance
• Shackle measures 38mm which makes it usable on most storage units

Cons

• The lock is key-operated, which may not be convenient for those who prefer combination locks.

2. Puroma 2 Pack Combination Lock (Tried And Tested)

The Puroma 2-Pack Combination Lock is a great choice for anyone looking for a secure and easy-to-use padlock for their storage unit.. The lock has a special design that is compact and lightweight, making it convenient to store and carry with you. 

The alloy steel and zinc materials used in the lock make it resistant to cutting, ensuring that your belongings are safe and secure. With a 4-digit combination, you have 10,000 possible combinations to choose from. Another great feature of the Puroma Combination Lock is that it is resettable. 

I have had hands on the Puroma 2 Pack Combination Lock at one of the Home Depot stores and I think the lock is a great value for the price of $9.99.

Pros

• Compact size and lightweight
• Weatherproof design
• Resettable 4-digit combination
• Side windows for easy combination viewing

Cons

• The lock does not have a backup key option

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use any type of lock on my storage unit?

Answer – Storage unit facilities usually have specific guidelines on the types of locks that are allowed to be used on their units. In most cases, they will require a sturdy and reliable lock that cannot be easily picked, cut, or forced open. It is best to check with your storage unit facility for their specific requirements on locks. Some storage unit facilities may even sell approved locks for use on their units.

Q2. Can I use multiple locks on my storage unit to increase security?

Answer – Using multiple locks on a storage unit may provide an extra layer of security, but it’s important to check with your storage unit facility before doing so. Some facilities may prohibit the use of multiple locks, while others may require that all locks be keyed alike, meaning they use the same key.

Conclusion

Choosing the best lock for your storage unit is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Padlocks and disc locks are the two main types of locks used for storage units, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. While padlocks are easy to use and budget-friendly, they may not provide the level of security needed for some storage units. Disc locks, on the other hand, are specifically designed for storage units and provide a higher level of security but are generally more expensive and less user-friendly. 

Ultimately, the best lock for your storage unit will depend on your personal preferences and the level of security you require. Whatever lock you choose, make sure to properly maintain your storage unit to ensure long-lasting protection for your belongings.