The 3 Best Locks for Storage Units in 2024

Our top pick: We recommend the ABUS 24/70 padlock. Abus 24/70 has remarkably high quality for the price tag and is a self-storage industry favorite.

• Lock strength. The stronger your lock, the safer your stuff. You also want a weather-resistant lock if your storage unit is outdoors.
• Price. Find a lock that costs more than a thief’s bolt cutters, but that won’t set you back a ton. We recommend a range of about $40–$200. 
• Popularity. Locks that repeatedly show up on industry Top 5 lists are a sign of high quality. (Don’t be deceived by Amazon reviews where customers often reward low-priced, low-quality locks.)
• Shrouded shackle. This is fancy language that means the U shape at the top of your lock is partly covered (or “shrouded”) by the lock itself. Some shrouded locks are higher quality than others—and cost more as a result.
• Size options. Lock size requirements vary by the self-storage facility. If you choose a lock with multiple sizes, it’s more likely to fit on your storage unit.
• Lock type. There are three types of storage unit locks. You can use padlocks and disc locks at most storage units (it’s tougher to find units that allow cylinder locks).

The ABUS 24/70 disc lock brings a one-two punch with its high quality and affordable $27.89 price tag. It has an anti-cut plate (thieves can’t quickly slash through it), is resistant to lock-picking and drilling, and comes from one of the business’s best manufacturers.The main drawback stems from extended outdoor use and issues with durability to harsh weather. Overall, we haven’t found better quality for the price.

The ABUS 24/70 disc lock costs only $27.89. That’s a deal considering high-quality storage unit locks can easily cost two, three, or even four times as much. You’ll have a hard time finding a better lock at this price point.

The ABUS 24/70 disc lock has remarkable strength for its $27.89 price tag. The circular shape makes it tough for thieves to get into, and nobody makes better disc locks than ABUS (the company invented them). The ABUS 24/70 model comes with an anti-cut plate and is also resistant to drilling and picking. You just don’t find stronger locks in this price range.

Looking for high quality and low costs?

The ABUS 37/80 Granit padlock is the strongest lock on our list. Its heavy construction and hardened steel rekeyable design makes it resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking. It’s also the only lock on our list that works equally well with indoor and outdoor storage units thanks to its anti-corrosion coating. Even the key is impressive with a built-in light to help you find the keyhole in the dark. But you’ll also pay more for the extra security—the ABUS 37/80 Granit padlock clocks in at a pricey $127.39. 

The ABUS 37/80 shackle padlock uses its signature Black Granit anti-corrosion coating to protect against bad weather. It’s the only lock on our list that works well for indoor and outdoor storage units. This model can also be used as a moving container lock due to its impressive construction.

The ABUS 37/80 Granit padlock is a customer favorite, but looters don’t like it. The lock’s cylinder uses hardened steel that protects against cutting, picking, and drilling. Any lock is breakable, but it’s tougher for crooks to get through this lock than any other option on our list. The ABUS manufacturer boasts that this lock receives a high security designation by some of the world’s top international law enforcement and insurance agencies, so its durability is no joke.

Customers give the ABUS 37/80 Granit padlock incredibly high reviews. The vast majority of poor reviews we found dealt with shipping and reseller packaging, but customers rarely criticized lock itself. But there’s a catch: the ABUS 37/80 padlock lock isn’t cheap. You can expect to pay about $127.39 for the extra quality.

Want top-notch security?

The Master Lock M50XD padlock doesn’t boast the best quality, but it’s tough to find a better lock if you’re short on cash. The lock offers resistance to drilling and lock picking, and the padlock design increases the odds it will fit your storage unit door. On the downside, users report key issues, the lock doesn’t hold up well in bad weather, and the shrouding pales in comparison to high-quality locks. But if price is king, this is your royal baby.

The Master Lock M50XD is a strong pick if you don’t have enough for a better lock. But the lock also doesn’t provide the best security out there. It does advertise drill resistance—a huge benefit at this price point.

The Master Lock M50XD padlock may not have all the bells and whistles of high-quality locks, but it’s tough to find a stronger option in the $20 price range. We recommend this lock for its price even though its performance pales in comparison to more expensive competitors.

Need a cheap storage unit lock?

The best overall lock for storage unit doors is the ABUS 24/70 disc padlock. The lock appears on more Top 5 lists than any other option for good reasons: it’s resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking, and it's affordable. You can find better-quality locks, but they cost upwards of $100–$200. For maximum security, the ABUS 37/80 Granit padlock is undeniable, though you’ll be paying more. If you need to save a few bucks, the Master Lock M50XD is the pick for you.

Want to use Move.org’s highest-rated storage unit lock?

ABUS makes the best disc padlock. ABUS Diskus family is available in models with diameters between 50 and 80 mm. This is a huge win for the ABUS lock because each storage unit company has slightly different size requirements. Move.org recommends the ABUS 24/70 disc-shaped padlock as the top overall lock for storage units.

ABUS makes the Diskus padlock. The lock comes in several sizes and costs about $50 depending on the seller. 

A closed-shackle padlock (also called a shrouded-shackle padlock) is a lock where the U-shaped bar is partially covered—or shrouded—by the lock’s body.

You can put a traditional padlock on your storage locker if it meets the self-storage company’s size requirements. However, Move.org recommends you purchase a stronger lock with a thick shackle and added security design measures. Padlocks with exposed shackles are easier for thieves to break with simple bolt cutters.

The best lock for an outdoor storage unit is the ABUS 37/80 Granit padlock. The lock’s heavy construction and durable, corrosion-resistant coating means it’s ready to brave the elements.

Yes, we recommend using a lock for your moving container. The ABUS 37/80 Granit padlock’s durability and anti-corrosion coating make it a strong option for your outdoor moving and storage container needs. Because your container will be outdoors and exposed, durability and security should top your list of lock requirements. Specialized container locks are also a great choice, but expect to pay more for those—around $200.

The size of lock you need for your self-storage unit depends on the storage facility’s requirements. Check online or ask the company’s on-site manager for more information.

The best padlock for a storage facility is the ABUS 24/70 disc lock. It uses hardened steel, has a shrouded shackle, and is affordable, costing approximately $30. In closed, secure storage facilities you can worry a little less about lock durability and security. But keep in mind that there’s always a risk for theft, even in indoor storage facilities.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. 

Kurt Manwaring contributed to this article.

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