Storage Unit Locks

When you lease a storage unit from Oliver Self Storage, you will need to provide your own lock. We do carry a limited number of locks at our office for sale, but it's best to do your research and purchase your own before you arrive at your storage unit. There are many different lock styles to choose from. Below is an overview of the 4 most common types of locks to help you decide which is best for you.

Keyed Padlock - The keyed padlock is what most people purchase to secure their storage unit door. It is the most economical of the lock styles and will work on any style latch so long as the shank is 3/8" diameter or less. A shorter, thicker shank lock will offer more security than a longer, thinner shank. Because of the shape of the shank, this lock is susceptible to bolt cutters and an intruder with a cordless grinder. In general, this is the least secure option for a rollup Storage unit door.

A combination padlock is another popular option for securing your rollup storage unit door. Although similar to the keyed padlock, the combination lock offers some advantages. These are good more multiple users because the code can be shared instead of copying keys. A code can be stored in your phone while a key can be easily lost. Most combination locks allow the user to re-set the code as well. Because of the shape of the shank, this lock is also susceptible to bolt cutters and an intruder with a cordless grinder. In general, this is the least secure option for a rollup Storage unit door.

A keyed disc lock offers slightly more security than the standard U-shaped shank locks described above. The short piece of exposed shank makes cutting the lock nearly impossible with bolt cutters, but don't be fooled into a false sense of security. A would-be intruder can still get through this lock with a cordless grinder and a cutting wheel in less than a minute. Still, this style lock is enough of a deterrent that it is your best option for a rollup storage unit door.

This Storage Container Lock is the least common of the locks because it has a very specific design meant for STORAGE CONTAINERS ONLY. For this use it excels, but cannot be used on a rollup storage unit door. These locks come in 74mm or 84mm shank diameter and either size will work on a storage container. The design allows the lock to secure both doors of a storage container behind a thick steel lock cover. This cover makes break-ins very difficult and time consuming. It's so much of a deterrent that most criminals would simply choose an easier target. Although storage containers can be locked with other styles at the door levers, only this lock is recommended to be used. After all, what is the point of leasing a heavy steel box only to secure it with an exposed lock that is easy to cut off? These locks can be purchased at our office or HERE. If ordering online, make sure to purchase the 74mm wide lock. Below is an instructional video showing how these locks are used

https://youtube.com/shorts/OSiP_l6whFo?feature=share

If you're still not sure what lock is right for you, just give us a call 724-562-6420. We love to talk storage!

Mike

Oliver Self Storage