Deciding to rent a storage unit in a self storage facility was the easy part. After all, it’s an affordable and convenient way to keep your belongings safe and out of the way for months or years at a time. And, you already thought to pick a safe storage facility by looking for one with electronic gate access, video monitoring cameras, an on-site facility manager and other security aspects. But, when it comes down to keeping the door of your self-storage unit safe, it’s up to you to pick the best lock for the job, whether that be a cylinder lock, disc lock, or other.
Types of Locks For Storage Units
Here is an overview of the basic types of locks so you can choose the one that best suits your needs:
Padlock
These trusty pieces of equipment are used for everything from keeping diaries secret to making sure top-secret items are secure, so they are perfect for storage facilities. The good – and bad – news is that keys for these locks are fairly easy to copy, so if there are several people who need access to the storage unit, it’s easy to give them each their own key. While these keys are serviceable, someone with the skills and desire could potentially pick or break it.
Combination lock
The best part of this lock is that there is no key required. That means you don’t have to worry about making sure you have enough copies of the key and, better yet, there isn’t anything to lose that can compromise the security of the lock. You can give the combo to anyone who needs to get in, which may save you from having to make an extra trip. Be careful with these locks outdoors, though, because they don’t hold up to weather. Plus, if you forget the combination, you may be in trouble.
Disc lock – The Best Lock for Storage Units
If you talk to a security specialist – especially one who is familiar with self-storage facilities, chances are they’ll recommend using a disc lock. These were designed and developed specifically for use in self-storage facilities, which is a good sign. They cannot be removed using bolt cutters or broken with a hammer and are very difficult to pick. In all, the only disadvantage of a disc lock is the fact that they are a bit more costly than others.
Cylinder Lock – The Best Lock for Storage Units
Another of the best locks for storage units is a cylinder lock. These were also designed and developed specifically for use in self-storage facilities, which is a good sign. They cannot be removed using bolt cutters or broken with a hammer and are very difficult to pick. You can find one at your storage facility office – they always sell the best locks for their units.
Stop by your local SecurCare Self Storage facility, and talk to our friendly facility manager about the best security options for you!