If you’re new to renting a storage unit, you may not realize that you’ll need to buy your own lock to keep your unit secure. There are several types of common storage unit locks, but the safest are usually cylinder locks. Today, we bring you a crash course on storage unit lock security and where to find the best cylinder locks for storage units.
Our round-up of the best cylinder locks for storage units features both super high-end options for those who want the best locks money can buy and highly affordable options that nonetheless offer top-of-the-line protection.
Storage Unit Locks 101
When it comes to storage unit locks, there are three common types:
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Padlocks
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Disc locks
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Cylinder locks
Padlocks are the kind that probably first spring to mind, like the combination locks you’ve probably used on sheds, lockers, and elsewhere over the years. Padlocks are the most affordable (and usually least secure) storage unit lock. The best versions are closed-shackle padlocks, which are more heavy-duty and afford some protection for the “shackle”—the curved metal piece that pops open when you unlock the lock. Cheap padlocks can be snipped with bolt cutters in seconds, which is one of the most common ways of forcing entry into a storage unit.
Disc locks look and function similarly to other closed-shackle padlocks, but they’re circular in shape. The exposed portion of the shackle is minimal, and the keyhole is usually tiny. Disc locks are arguably more secure than other padlocks, though the build and metal quality are the real determining factors.
Cylinder locks are typically the most secure storage unit locks. The term "cylinder lock" refers to any lock with a cylindrical housing that the key is slipped into, installed in the door itself—like on your home's front door. Since the lock's face sits flush with the door's surface, and the locking mechanism itself is inside the door, these locks are harder for thieves to defeat. There are many different cylinder lock designs, and they can range in price from $20 or $30 up to several hundred dollars for high-end, high-security products.
Can you use a cylinder lock for a storage unit?
Whether or not you can actually use a cylinder lock for your storage unit depends on your storage facility and your specific lock. You should ask your storage facility before renting. They may also even sell compatible locks on-site, but the odds are good that you can get a better bang for your buck buying online or at a hardware store. At many BuxBear locations, we use cylinder locks to ensure optimal security.
The Best Cylinder Locks for Storage Units
Schlage B60N
The Schlage B60N single-cylinder deadbolt lock is well-regarded for being a great lock at a low price point. This lock received a Grade 1/AAA certified rating for Security, Durability, and Finish by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association.
EVVA MCS Rim Cylinder
Austrian manufacturer EVVA produces some of the finest locks on the planet, ideal for those who take unit security seriously. EVVA's MCS cylinder system comes in several different products, so if you can't use this particular rim cylinder design, you may find another lock type with the same cylinder that does fit your purposes. EVVA's MCS cylinder uses an innovative and proprietary magnetic internal design that provides an outstanding level of protection.
Yale Premier Single Cylinder YH82 Door Lock
Yale Premier cylinder locks come with an enthusiastic endorsement from Consumer Reports. They feature a 6-pin cylinder, and anti-saw roller pin, making them more pick-resistant than the average lock. Similarly, their strike plate is strong, making it harder for intruders to kick open the door forcibly.
Kwikset 980 Single Cylinder Deadbolt
Kwikset locks are the primary competitor to Schlage locks since both offer solid protection at a very affordable price. The Kwikset 980 is rated Grade 1, and it's arguably harder to defeat with a bump key or lockpick than the Schlage B60N due to its tumbler design. However, according to The New York Times, the Schlage has more physical durability. Professionals tend to value the ability to withstand brute-force break-in attempts rather than stealthier tactics.
Medeco 11TR50319 Maxum Residential
Medeco's Maxum line of cylinder deadbolts also comes highly rated by Consumer Reports. Medeco claims this lock is "bump and pick proof." Whether or not you're willing to believe that bold claim is up to you, but the Maxum Residential has a reputation for being extremely resistant to drilling, kicking, and picking.
What about "smart" cylinder door locks?
There's no denying that there's some added convenience to being able to lock or unlock your unit via your phone or computer. However, as with all Internet-enabled products, there's a trade-off between convenience and security. With additional ways to open a lock come additional "attack surfaces," as professionals say—more ways in which your lock can be defeated or bypassed.
Think like a security expert. Protect your investments.
At the end of the day, your lock is only one part of a broader security strategy. Your self-storage company should provide superior protection, so your lock isn't your primary line of defense against thieves or vandals. At BuxBear Storage, for example, we place a special premium on security, and all of our facilities feature state-of-the-art security systems and secured perimeters. They're well-lit, with gated access. It's our goal to keep burglars from even getting close to your door so that your lock becomes the last line of defense.
So, if you want the best protection available for your possessions, see if there's a BuxBear Storage location near you. We've worked hard to develop the best mix of amenities, thoughtful design, competitive pricing, and stellar customer service.