Best Lock for storage unit?

[naive1]

What lock to use on storage unit? (one unit indoor/one unit outdoor)
http://www.self-store.com/images/Good%2 ... 20Lock.jpg
Is there a padlock that cannot be picked or shimmed?

Someone in another thread recommended this:
http://www.mul-t-lock-online.com/gserie ... 22f1647bdd

Is the above better (cost effective ) than the Medeco G8R?:
http://www.medecodeals.com/G8R-Series-P ... 104-1.html


Since a picked lock will not tell me if someone has had access, thought the following in conjunction with lock would show signs of entry and reseal.

http://allpadlocks.com/cgi-bin/ez-catal ... gory;v=2.0

and / or

http://www.westernsafety.com/ac-and-m-c ... 5-8001.jpg


I was dismayed standing in Home Depot noticing and then confirming that one key opened all of that particular model.
Then researching the web noticed people cutting alum. cans into shims to slip pop the lock.
(Why worry about bolt cutters, when the keys is readily available?)
In a crunch I purchased a Master brass resettable combination lock, but imagine that is is insecure and want to replace asap.

Thank you for any help that you might offer.

freakparade3 edit: changed hotlinked image to link

[MacGnG1]

shrouded brinks at walmart for like 12$

[ToolyMcgee]

I agree with the Brinks shrouded. Decent picking protection and practically impossible to get at the shackel to bolt cut it. Also it is heel and toe locked with ball bearings so shimming this type of lock is impossible. What you are talking about at home depot where all of the locks open with the same key is an intentional thing for display model locks. If you check combinations on display locks they are all usually set to the same combo as well. The master brass combo lock is a joke for security. I cannot in this section discuss why, but needless to say for a company that't motto is "bullet proof" this model is anything but, it does not take bolt cutters to defeat one in seconds...

If you are looking for one nearly identical to the one in the picture the ABUS discus padlock is a nice one and has decent pick resistance as well. It to because of the shackle locking mechanism is shim proof. Decent here is what is needed as physical attack is the primary concern. You probably aren't going to find the ABUS in your local hardware store, but the Brinks shrouded is available at most Walmart's. A medeco would be great pick resistance, but like you have said I think a more cost efficient lock would do the job. No need to call unneccessary attention to your storage locker with an 80 dollar padlock as many on the forums have already said. Good luck, and be aware that very very few good lock pickers are petty theives. In fact not many people are lock pickers period. Successful theft is usually about being quick, and spending 10 mins picking a lock on camera at your storage facility is anything but quick. Good luck.

-Tooly

[khelben]

in my buisness as a lockmonkey we get callouts to storages often to "grind" ( 4" angle grinder) off the disk type locks. most cant or wont attempt to pick them and bolt cutters just dont work well.

most thieves pass by these units here because there are easier ons on the next row.

[MacGnG1]

brinks also makes a disc lock, which is sold at walmart as well about the same price as the shrouded

[Urbex]

The Brinks lock in question also has security pins.

[datagram]

Yeah, I'd have to agree with the other posters. An Abus Diskus or one of the Brinks shrouded are good choices if you are on a budget. If you are extremely concerned and have the money to get that extra peace of mind then by all means go for the Mul-T Lock. Remember to think abou the surroundings to the container as well, as picking and shimming the lock will probably be the LAST thing an intruder will try. Brute force will be number one, unless you have a cadre of pissed off locksmiths after your stored items Remember to look at the door itself, as well as whatever is holding the padlock in place.

dg

[straightpick]

A steel body American padlock is good. 3/8" shackle is probably the largest you can use. Good pick resistance-serrated pins.

[naive1]

Thank you for taking the time with helpful hints.
Hopefully others will benefit in future also.

First stop Walmart for the Brinks (shrouded and/or disc) and then later to obtain ABUS Diskus.
Two locks are better than one.


Most units at the storage place had disc types locks that were labeled made in China (can't remember brand name). These were sold by the owner to renters. I have a sickening feeling one key fits all. Most renters seem to choose only one lock when two options are available, oh well.


Peace of mind, an illusion I no longer have.

[khelben]

they are probably chateau brand and they are not bad locks to use for a storage. i get several callouts a week from folks wanting them cut off due to lost keys.

all the ones ive got ( 6 or so) each have different key cuts.

[straightpick]

You better not put two locks on your unit! They will cut one off. The other hole is for an overlock the rental place puts on to lock YOU out if you don't pay your bill.

[op-sec]

Here is your best option to lock up... pretty much anything...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0254393543

[zeke79]

Here is your best option to lock up... pretty much anything...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0254393543

Most storage units in my area will not accept any of the S&G 800 series of locks that are shrouded. You have to use the open shackle version and it must be the smaller diameter shackle version as the large shackle version will not go through most of the hardware around here.

Your best bet is to only buy what is needed according to where your storage unit is located and whether it is monitored or not. If it is an indoor storage unit with cctv installed and established hours then go for however high security you want. If your storage unit is located in a not so populated area with no monitoring then only buy as much protection in a lock as the storage units door and hardware can reasonably support. Most of the time in the more remote locations I see the locks either cut with bolt cutters or if the lock is shrouded they have been dremel tooled off or the entire locking hardware setup is either pried/torn off or completely cut off of the light gauge steel door.

[MrTornado]

Since a picked lock will not tell me if someone has had access, thought the following in conjunction with lock would show signs of entry and reseal.

http://allpadlocks.com/cgi-bin/ez-catal ... gory;v=2.0

As a side note I would strongly strongly reccommend against this particular type of tamper evident devices. This would require you carrying a pair of bolt cutters into the storage facillity every time you wanted to access your stuff. I cannot imagine a storage company taking kindly to someone walking round with bolt cutters.

[ARF-GEF]

That point with storage unit management and bolt cutter's incompatibility is a very good point point, but also I would strongly recommend against the other kind of tamper evident seal.
Here in the open area I don't think I'm allowed to discuss details but let's just stay at that those little plastic padlock are not truly tamper evident in most cases. While the aluminium padlock is hard to remove at least it is tamper evident. It depends on the specific usage and the required level of tamper evidence. Most of the palstic ones are not too secure when it comes to tamper evidence...