What's The Best Padlock For A Shed?

[cabinetman]

I have a few different padlocks laying around. I'll be renovating my shed and ask what you all use/recommend for a good padlock, or a hasp/lock combo.

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[Stytooner]

These are the ones I use for that purpose. Same key fits all four locks.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_397714-382-M...ock&facetInfo=

If I was to buy again, I think I would go with these.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_363546-382-M...ock&facetInfo=

[gsmittle]

These are the ones I use for that purpose. Same key fits all four locks.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_397714-382-M...ock&facetInfo=

If I was to buy again, I think I would go with these.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_363546-382-M...ock&facetInfo=

I have the first one on my shed and the second on my shop door. My only issue with the second one is that it doesn't hang vertically from the hasp and tends to fill with rain water. (There's a weep hole on the bottom that works well when the lock hangs right.)

g.

[pelligrini]

I have a couple rubber coated weather resistant master locks (keyed the same), like these:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_89189-382-31...99&Ntt=padlock

They have held up well.

[LCHIEN]

These are the ones I use for that purpose. Same key fits all four locks.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_397714-382-M...ock&facetInfo=

If I was to buy again, I think I would go with these.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_363546-382-M...ock&facetInfo=

I presume the second one (the round lock) is harder to saw through because less hasp is exposed...

[LinuxRandal]

It isn't about the lock. The round ones are supposed to be harder to break into, but one of them was the reason I moved into my house. (neighbor kid was trying to pick it, and ended up damaged where the key enters)

Can you weld? If so, you can make a shrouded/shielded security hasp easily. It takes some practice to put the lock on, but it makes thieves go to the next target, or drive through the door. Prices are all over the place (and there are other designs, for specialized locks), examples:
We use home made version, similar to this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SHIELD-HIG...-/160350651960
Another common variant:
http://www.codringtons.com/shop/sear...=0&button.y=0l
http://www.pjbsecurity.co.uk/garage-gate-and-shed/

Remember to secure your hinges if exposed (set screws into the hinge pin), don't use screws or hex bolts, etc. (I prefer non exposed carriage bolts)

[cabinetman]

It isn't about the lock. The round ones are supposed to be harder to break into, but one of them was the reason I moved into my house. (neighbor kid was trying to pick it, and ended up damaged where the key enters)

Can you weld? If so, you can make a shrouded/shielded security hasp easily. It takes some practice to put the lock on, but it makes thieves go to the next target, or drive through the door. Prices are all over the place (and there are other designs, for specialized locks), examples:
We use home made version, similar to this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SHIELD-HIG...-/160350651960
Another common variant:
http://www.codringtons.com/shop/sear...=0&button.y=0l
http://www.pjbsecurity.co.uk/garage-gate-and-shed/

Remember to secure your hinges if exposed (set screws into the hinge pin), don't use screws or hex bolts, etc. (I prefer non exposed carriage bolts)

I do like the round ones, but you're right, a good hasp can make a difference. Of course, it could depend on how good the door/jamb is to begin with.

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[RAV2]

I'd avoid a keyed lock and choose one with a combination.

http://www.masterlock.com/products/p...nationPadlocks

I've used one on my shed for the past 10 years and it is a life saver because you are always dropping into the shed and don't want to have to go inside and get the key every time.

Mine has 4 small dials and is programmed by the user to choose a simple 4 digit number.

[cabinetman]

I'd avoid a keyed lock and choose one with a combination.

http://www.masterlock.com/products/p...nationPadlocks

I've used one on my shed for the past 10 years and it is a life saver because you are always dropping into the shed and don't want to have to go inside and get the key every time.

Mine has 4 small dials and is programmed by the user to choose a simple 4 digit number.

I've got two combination padlocks. One I remember the numbers, the other NOT. I guess I could write down the combination and hide it. But, then I would forget where I hid the combination.

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[gsmittle]

I've got two combination padlocks. One I remember the numbers, the other NOT. I guess I could write down the combination and hide it. But, then I would forget where I hid the combination.

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You could leave yourself a note for where you hid the combination. And another note telling you where the note for the combination is…

Or just write the combination on the back of the lock with a Sharpie.

About half the time I remember the code for our outdoor garage door opener. The other half I punch random numbers until something seems familiar. Maybe I should write the code on the garage door…

Full of painkillers right now and feeling a bit punchy.

g.

[ironhat]

I've got two combination padlocks. One I remember the numbers, the other NOT. I guess I could write down the combination and hide it. But, then I would forget where I hid the combination.

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I've had a locksmith open a combo lock and reset the pins to my specs. I think it was about $5 and that was 8-10 yrs ago. A call would tell.

[Pappy]

I'm one of those that believes locks keep honesty people honest. If someone wants in bad enough, no lock will stop them.

[pelligrini]

Yep, a sheet of t-11 is just a little bit better than sheetrock.

They do slow down the opportunistic thief though, or the wife that wants to use your nailgun or impact driver to hang things on the kitchen cabinets.

[scmhogg]

Years ago, I had to open a storage locker for an incarcerated client. The keys were "lost" during his arrest. One of those round locks was in place. The Locker manager had a big pair of bolt cutters, that didn't dent the lock.

Next, I called a locksmith. He took one look at the lock, grabbed his bolt cutters and snipped through the hasp. Fifteen minutes later, he had replaced the hasp, and collected his $100.00 from a rather red faced lawyer. Lesson learned.

Steve

[os1kne]

I'm a fan of the round type locks with a good shrouded hasp. But, at the end of the day - it depends on the strength of the structure, what you're trying to protect and the inherent risk of the location. The weak point is bound to get exploited no matter what you do; so if the door hinges/jam are weak, or if someone could simply sledge-hammer or sawzall their way in, the lock won't matter much.