When you rent a storage unit at Back Forty Storage, one of the most important decisions you make is how you choose to secure it. While any lock is better than none, not all locks provide equal protection—and when it comes to safeguarding your valuable property, the type of lock you choose makes a major difference.
Below, we break down the key differences between disc locks and standard padlocks, and why we highly recommend choosing a disc lock for your unit.
Disc locks are designed specifically for storage units. Their round shape and shielded shackle make them extremely resistant to cutting and prying.
https://www.masterlock.com/products/product/40DPF
Key Features:
Hardened steel construction
Short, shielded shackle that makes bolt cutting extremely difficult
Resistant to tampering and picking
Designed to fit storage unit latches securely
Padlocks are the more traditional type of lock commonly used on gates, garages, and toolboxes. While convenient, they often have exposed shackles that are easier for thieves to cut.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Master-Lock-1-5625-in-Steel-Keyed-Padlock/3036354
Common Weaknesses:
Exposed shackle can be quickly cut with bolt cutters
Easier to pry open
More susceptible to lock picking
Not designed with storage-unit–level security in mind
When it comes to protecting your belongings inside a storage facility, disc locks outperform padlocks in every category.
The design of a disc lock shields nearly the entire shackle, leaving very little room for bolt cutters to grip. Standard padlocks, by comparison, have large exposed shackles that can be cut in seconds.
A disc lock sits snugly against the storage unit latch, making it extremely difficult for thieves to insert tools to pry it open.
Disc locks align perfectly with roll-up unit latches and offer the highest level of security recommended by most storage professionals.
At Back Forty Storage, we care about helping our customers protect their property—and save money while doing it.
When you use a disc lock on your unit, you can avoid the $200 insurance deductible in the event of a covered loss.
This means:
Better security
Lower risk
No deductible if something happens
It’s a simple upgrade that pays for itself instantly.
For the best protection of your stored belongings, we strongly encourage all tenants to use a disc lock instead of a regular padlock. We want your items to stay safe—and using the right lock is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure that.
If you need a disc lock, just let us know. We're happy to help you get set up with the right equipment to secure your unit the right way.