Disk Locks for Self Storage - Economy Locks to High Security

Disc Locks

Disc locks have a protected shackle with only a small part expose to lock to your hasp. This makes it difficult for bolt cutters to cut the shackle and that is it's main security advantage.

Key Types / Keyway

The key mechanism (key hole) is the next area that thieves generally attack on the lock. This can use standard flat keys with varying numbers of 'pins'. The additional pins mean that there are more possible key combinations - so less likely to end up with a key that opens more than one lock i.e. 2000 possible combinations vs 20,000 possible combinations. More pins on a well made lock may increase picking difficulty but given knowledge, time and tools most locks can be picked and sometimes faster than we think.

There are tubular key dimple key mechanisms which are considered much more secure and harder to pick and there are combination disc locks.

Final Words on Security

So the security of your units really depends on making things harder for would be thieves. A good lock, the type of key way, a good hasp that is properly mounted, security lighting and so on. A layered security approach.

Here are some articles by Lock America which may be helpful.

Keyed-alike locks within a set use the same key so one key can used to open multiple locks within the same set. These are sometimes used to lock unrented units, to overlock units when the tenant hasn't paid or for areas accessed by the staff. The benefit is not having to deal with a huge amount of different keys. Having said that you must be sure to secure the keys or anyone who gets a copy can open every lock that uses that key - which also makes them unsuitable to use with tenants.