What lock would you use - storage facility

[pingable]

I've got variuous padlocks that fit the bill.
Putting some $$$ custom furniture in storage. Not easy to move.
Would you put a *screamer* 362 padlock on it or just a regular joe blow American 5200.

[Squelchtone]

Get something hard to cut. ABUS Discus 24/70 $20-$30 bucks, spool pins, hard to pick, Made In Germany, and total pain in the butt to cut off unless you're a locksmith and know where to cut/drill.

PL362 wont fit, shackle too big, 5200US too easy to cut off.

Put two 24/70's on the door if the unit has spot for two padlocks (usually that second spot is left open so if you dont pay bill they can put their padlock and lock you out.

That said, you need to see this photo. Your lock will not be the weak point, the door/hasp mechanism is the weak point:
Large Pic: http://www.reacttheatre.org/images_hist03/theft01.jpg

Example why 5200 would be inadequate: http://www.self-store.com/images/Good%20Lock%20Bad%20Lock.jpg

My storage unit has an Abus 24/70 on it right now. I was actually contemplating making some sort of over lock rig that would be made of 1/4 steel and still allow a Discus padlock, but deny access to the storage units built in locking mechanism slider.

Also, do not get a disc shaped padlock from Master, Chateau, or any other brand other than ABUS. The only one that is ABUS rebranded are the PS (Public Storage) padlocks.

hope that helps,
Squelchtone

edit: I have the 24 IB / 70 stainless steel model with blue keyhole cover for extra harsh weather protection. You may want the Abus Plus 20/70 if picking attack is a real concern, but just so you know someone here made a decoding tool for that model, but it is not something your neighborhood thief will own or know how to use.

[pingable]

Yeah, I know the hasp is the weak point. Verrry weak point

Their hasp is different.

It has a hole, hex shape - where they provide you this BS lock....
Kinda like a mortise lock - insert into hole, remove key to keep in place.
If memory serves me correct (yesterday, 1st visit as well as signup), the loop for the hasp puts the lock facing towards you.

[Squelchtone]

Oh man, the name escapes me, but sounds like a shutter lock. are you US or UK ?

I believe in the UK, store fronts have roll down security doors, and a hole that a lock goes into, then you turn the key and the shackle is shaped like a cam, so it cannot be pulled out once it is turned 90/180 degrees. Who knows what that kind of lock is called?

Got a pic? use http://tinypic.com/ to upload one, then paste the http://tinypic.com/yourpic.jpg link here

Thanks,
Squelchtone

[pingable]

Abus ordered and yeah, the facility is stateside....
I actually have a 342 in my other facility. It fit's the hasp....and has a tonnage of my tools there.
But as with both, the hasps are just on rivets in thin sheetmetal...

[Evan]

@pingable:

Installing a flashy lock which looks much better than any of the other locks on units near yours will attract attention... The doors are PLASTIC roll up on most storage facilities...

Just use a standard Abus lock like Squelchtone suggested and document the contents of the storage locker and obtain renter's insurance...

Having too good of a lock on a container is basically like hanging out a Neon sign saying "Really Good Stuff To Steal Inside This Door"...

If you must use a higher security lock, leave that to containers located INSIDE the storage unit which are not visible to causal passers-by which might attract unwanted attention...

Small items of value or tools should be secured in a worksite type metal storage box that is chained down if possible or too heavy for one person to move all by themselves if not...

It is funny how things like expensive custom furniture which have a lot of value to you are all but worthless to most thieves as they are bulky and harder to sell once they have been stolen...

~~ Evan

[Squelchtone]

Evan makes a good point. Whenever I have my storage door open, and I'm doing something there, I keep an eye out on anyone taking a peek inside while they drive or walk past my unit. Anything of value, I draped old blankets over so you cant tell if its a box of crap or a new tv. All the good stuff is deep in the unit (its a 10x15) and things like cardboard boxes of books are by the door, so anyone walking by will see it is boxes of books. The safes I have at storage are also covered by blankets so nobody walking by could see I have a safe.

My door is corrugated metal however, I am pretty sure it isn't plastic. It sure as heck isn't much of a door however, and the walls separating tenants are thin sheet metal at best. I think storage units are a good example of security through obscurity, because while one unit may have boxes of books, an old couch, and some tupper ware, the next unit over has a brand new Harley and a full set of Snap On tools. Walking past them you wouldn't know which if they had the same generic padlock on the front. I know for a fact that the 3 units in my complex that have big black Medeco padlocks with shackle guards contain classic cars inside, (I can see tire tracks on the concrete, and I saw one once when it was open while the owner was there fawning over his baby...)

Squelchtone

[minifhncc]

Get something hard to cut. ABUS Discus 24/70 $20-$30 bucks, spool pins, hard to pick, Made In Germany, and total pain in the butt to cut off unless you're a locksmith and know where to cut/drill.

Got a question about that lock...

Is it hard to rekey those to a code that I want?

Also, what keyway are those locks?

Cheers

[minifhncc]

Oh, and one more question... what do the numbers on the Abus padlocks actually represent? I've always wondered, but never figured it out...

[Wizer]

?
Also, what keyway are those locks?

I don´t know if those are all alike, but my 24/70 takes JMAs ABU-51D.

The second number on Abus locks is the total width in millimeters, I guess the first is just a model number.

[minifhncc]

Thanks for that... and how can these be rekeyed?

[Squelchtone]

Thanks for that... and how can these be rekeyed?

They normally can't be. You have to specifically order the model that has a removable/rekeyable core, the normal once are bitted from the factory and core cannot be removed without destroying the lock body.


the RK (ReKeyable) model looks like this inside, there is a shim you insert into shackle hole, then turn key and core is allowed to come out.



Squelchtone

[Hindsight]

When I travel overseas I make my camera look old and worthless by covering it in rust/dirt colored athletic tape and bits of duct tape (and an old, seriously soiled and frayed neck strap). Perhaps the same technique applied to your 362 could camouflage it to the casual observer? Beat it up a little, spray paint it black, add some rust highlights and to the casual observer it looks like an old, rusty padlock. Just a thought.

[Evan]

When I travel overseas I make my camera look old and worthless by covering it in rust/dirt colored athletic tape and bits of duct tape (and an old, seriously soiled and frayed neck strap). Perhaps the same technique applied to your 362 could camouflage it to the casual observer? Beat it up a little, spray paint it black, add some rust highlights and to the casual observer it looks like an old, rusty padlock. Just a thought.

@Hindsight:

In a sea of Abus discus locks, American and Master cheapies and the imitation ones sold in the gift shop, err, packing supply section in the front office an Abloy lock will stick out based on size and shackle thickness...

~~ Evan

[Lloyd009]

Automatic door lock works good for me. But yeah locks should be good in storage units where you are storing your things. I have reserved space for (INSERT SPAM LINK HERE THAT GOT ME BANNED), may be that's why i never think about lock system. But I checked their locks, they were strong enough and sensors were also there. I liked their architecture overall. I will definitely ask about their locks. This never comes to my mind.