5 Best Locks for Storage Units (Updated Review)

Using a storage facility is a necessity for many people. Whether you need a temporary place to keep your stuff as you get ready to move to a new house or seasonal storage for items like a snowblower and ski gear, a self-storage unit can make all the difference for keeping things properly organized without the cost of full-service storage.

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Of course, when using a self-storage unit, it’s only natural that security would be a top concern, especially if you’ve opted for one of the cheapest storage options. Thieves could tamper with your storage unit lock — either by using bolt cutters, lock picking, or even sawing through it — to get to your stuff. Because of this, a high-quality lock is an absolute must. You may have landed here if you’ve recently invested in the rapidly growing self-storage space and want to provide peace of mind to your customers.

At any facility, thieves could tamper with storage unit locks — either by using bolt cutters, lock picking, or even sawing through it — to get to your stuff. Because of this, a high-quality lock is an absolute must.

With that in mind, here are our picks for the best locks for storage units. With these quality locks, you can have peace of mind that your stuff is protected.

Do self-storage companies provide locks?

Some of the best self-storage companies sell locks for customers to purchase while others require renters to bring their own. Whether you’re looking for options to offer your customers or you’re hoping to find a secure lock for personal use, it’s a good idea to know the best options for different price ranges and storage unit sizes.

Experts say disc locks are far and wide the best option because they’re more resistant to drilling and picking than other types of locks. Padlocks are popular because they’re easy to find and affordable, but it’s important to have reinforcements on hand to ensure maximum security. That said, cylinder locks are the most common option offered by storage units. They’re difficult to pick or otherwise force entry, but not as secure as disc locks or padlocks.

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The top 5 best locks for storage units

Here are our picks for the best storage unit locks on the market:

• Best overall: Abus
• Best for disc locks: Brinks
• Best for padlocks: Medeco
• Best for affordable locks: Master Lock
• Best for easy-use locks: Kwikset

Best overall: Abus

When it comes to the best overall options for storage unit locks, Abus is the brand to beat. The company offers a wide range of high-quality locks with various styles, price points, and features, making it easy to find a secure lock that meets your specific needs.

Some noteworthy standouts from Abus include the Abus 20 Series Diskus Padlocks, a range of disc locks that offer incredible strength at an affordable price. Their anti-cut plates make them resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking.

The Abus 37/80 Granit Padlock comes at a higher price, but includes a host of noteworthy features, such as an anti-corrosion coating for outdoor use, rekeyable design, and built-in light for accessing the keyhole.

Best for disc locks: Brinks

Disc locks are generally viewed as the most secure lock for self-storage units. If you want a strong selection of disc locks to choose from, consider going with Brinks.

Part of what sets Brinks apart from other disc lock manufacturers is that you can choose from both key and combination disc padlock options. The Brinks Stainless Steel Resettable Combination Padlock lets you set a four-digit combination for your storage unit lock while still enjoying the security features of a disc lock with an extended shroud. Having a larger cover for the lock’s shackle makes it even harder to access or tamper with using bolt cutters.

Brinks disc locks also feature a corrosion-resistant stainless steel body, meaning they work equally well for indoor and outdoor storage.

Best for padlocks: Medeco

While even the best padlocks tend to be more vulnerable than disc locks when it comes to cutting through them, this isn’t the case with Medeco. Medeco 4 System Series Padlocks are available with a shrouded boron alloy steel shackle that offers excellent resistance to cutting, pulling, and other forms of tampering.

The Medeco M4 cylinder itself offers further protection thanks to its hardened stainless steel inserts. A weather-resistant design is also available. Available exclusively with a key lock, Medeco padlocks’ unique design prevents unauthorized key duplication and 3D printing.

Best for affordable locks: Master Lock

If you’re looking for a good lock that won’t break the bank, Master Lock is a great lock manufacturer to consider. With more than 100 years in business, Master Lock is one of the most trusted names in the industry, offering reliable storage unit locks at very affordable prices.

For example, the Master Lock 40D Stainless Steel Discus Padlock is listed at just $13.99 — and is often on sale for less. Despite its low cost, it still offers essential features like weather resistance and a fully shrouded design for heavy-duty bolt cutter protection.

If you’re willing to pay a little more, you can get combination-style disc locks and locks with a boron carbide shackle for even greater protection.

Best for easy-to-use locks: Kwikset

For many people, having to keep track of an extra set of keys for their storage unit lock can be a real pain. So, what can you do if you don’t want an extra set of keys, and are worried you’ll forget your combination?

Kwikset’s locks offer a unique way to solve this problem because they allow you to match your padlock to your Kwikset house keys. In other words, you can use your house key to open your storage unit, too!

Kwikset padlocks also include an anti-lockout feature, which requires the key to be in the padlock to lock it. While more affordable than other brands on our list, Kwikset padlocks have longer exposed shackles than other locks, which can make them more vulnerable to attack.

Comparing the best locks for storage units

Here’s a quick overview of our picks for the best companies to choose from when picking locks for storage units.

How to pick the best storage unit lock

If you wouldn’t use it yourself, it’s simply not the best. Finding the right lock for you and your customers shouldn’t come down to brand name alone. The following are some key considerations that can help you select the best storage unit lock for your needs:

• Lock type: Disc locks and padlocks are generally considered the best options for storage units. Regardless of the type you prefer, a shrouded shackle design is best because it offers added protection against cutting and prying.
• Strength: A lock with a steel body and steel shackle will be more resistant to cutting, drilling, and other attacks. It’s always worth checking the strength rating of the locks you’re considering.
• Outdoor rating: When using an outdoor storage unit, double-check that your steel padlock is corrosion-resistant, meaning it will stand up to the elements. You don’t want a lock that will deteriorate due to weather exposure.
• Size: Whether you’re a customer or storage unit business owners, Always always confirm with your storage facility which lock sizes work with their your storage units. You don’t want to waste money on a lock that won’t fit the storage unit’s hasp.
• Locking mechanism: Do you prefer a key lock or a combination lock? Look for quality options that match your preferences. For example, if you’re worried about losing your keys, go for a combination lock.

Our conclusion

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a lock for your storage unit. While a lock’s strength and design can help provide the level of security you need, these aren’t the only factors to consider.

You’ll also want to make sure your lock offers a user-friendly design and meets your usage preferences (key vs. combination locks, indoor vs. outdoor, etc).

With all that in mind, we recommend Abus as the best overall brand for storage unit locks. The inclusion of anti-cut plates makes their disc locks even more durable than offerings from other brands, and they offer locks at a variety of price points to meet your security preferences.

Offering high-quality locks to your customers not only protects you from liability, but it provides a strong signal and vote of confidence to those you store their stuff in your facilities.

While not all of their locks are optimal for outdoor use, the overall high-quality design puts them over the top.

If you’re looking for short or long-term storage where you can use your fancy new lock, check out our list of the best self-storage companies to find a quality place to store your stuff.

FAQs about storage unit locks

What type of lock is best for a storage unit?

The type of lock that is best for a storage unit is typically a disc lock. Disc locks are specifically designed for use with storage lockers. Difficult access to the lock’s shroud makes them tricky for would-be thieves to get through. Cylinder locks and tumbler locks are generally not recommended for storage units.

What lock is best for outdoor storage units?

The best lock for outdoor storage units is one designed to withstand the elements. A lock with corrosion-resistant coating (like the Abus 37/80 Granit padlock) is a strong choice. Stainless steel is also a good option.

How do I know what size lock I need for my storage unit?

Lock sizes typically range from 1.75 to 2.75 inches. The larger the lock, the harder it is to cut. Check with your storage facility to ask about their recommended sizes for storage unit locks, as sizes can vary between facilities.

Can you use a combination lock on a storage unit?

You can use a combination lock on a storage unit, but it isn’t recommended. Standard combination locks tend to be less durable and easier to cut with bolt cutters. If you want a combination lock, be sure to get a disc lock or heavy-duty padlock that offers a combination option.

What is a disc lock for a storage unit?

A disc lock for a storage unit is a heavy-duty lock that comes in a disc shape. This shape makes them practically pick-proof, while the covered shackle makes it impossible for thieves to break through with a bolt cutter.

What is the difference between a padlock and a discus lock?

The main difference between a padlock and a discus lock is the shape. Padlocks feature the standard U-shaped design that leaves the shackle exposed at the top, while the pad dangles underneath. Disc or discus locks have a round disc shape with the shackle built-in to the main body of the lock.

What are the benefits of using a combination lock on a storage unit?

The main benefits of using a combination lock on a storage unit are security and convenience. Assuming your combination lock is strong enough to not be cut by bolt cutters, it can offer an extra layer of security because they are much more sensitive and harder to open than a keyed lock, which could be picked. Plus, you don’t have to worry about losing access to storage if you lose your key.