Storage Blog

Mini Storage in Needles, CA - "LOCKS" - Safety Tip #1

We, at All Seasons Storage, have done all that we can to help protect the items that you store here in Needles, CA.  We have put up fencing, surveillance cameras and lighting throughout the property.  We have resident managers living on site.  However, as your contract states, we are not liable for your items that are stored here.  Thus, you as a mini storage tenant, must make an effort also in securing your items.  The first step would be purchasing a good lock.  The second step is obtaining some insurance.  Let's talk about locks!

• PARTS OF A PADLOCK: 

1. Padlocks usually consist of a solid body, a locking mechanism and a shackle.
2. Most padlocks use solid metal bodies with the exception of disc padlocks and some combination padlocks.  the body is the strongest part of the padlock.  As the size of the padlock increases, then the larger the key-way and locking mechanism can be.
3. The key-way and locking mechanism usually contains between 3 and 7 small pins which are spring loaded.  As the key enters the padlock barrel the different notches on the key allow the pins to be aligned correctly.  Once aligned, then the barrel can rotate, unlocking the shackle.
4. The shackle is the U-shaped bar that loops around from and back into the padlock body.  This is the most exposed part of the padlock and more susceptible to be attacked.  Once again, as the overall size of the padlock increases, then the greater diameter the shackle can have thus making it more secure.

• TYPES OF PADLOCKS:

1. The Closed Shackle Padlock is one in which the shackle is guarded in some way, making it difficult to attack with bolt cutters or a saw.  Many insurance companies for storage, require that a padlock be of a shackle design.
2. The Discus, Circular or Round Shackle Padlock:  This style of padlock has a curved shackle that goes right the way around its circumference.  The very design affods it the status and security rating of a closed shackle padlock.  As mentioned before, the padlock body itself is not solid, contrary to the traditional padlock.  The circular shackle is enclosed in 2 opposing metal cases to form the disc.  The key-way is then located directly in the center of the lock.  Since the shackle is not spring loaded, damage to the key-way barrel by force or drilling will not usually open the padlock and it will remain disabled and locked.  This is why these locks remain popular in storage facilities. It takes a lot of effort and time to drill these locks off.  No lock is 100% safety proof but these seem to be extremely effective....just ask the managers.  They despise these locks when a tenant loses their key!
3. Long Shackle Padlocks: This is a traditionally shaped padlock with an extended shackle (The U-shaped bar).  By extending the shackle it does make the padlock more convenient because it increased the locking area.  Thus, these prove highly popular.  However, remember the shackle is the weakest point of the padlock and so by increasing it's size, the security rating has become decreased because bolt cutter and or saws have more room to maneuver.
4. Combination Padlocks:  The mechanism of a combination padlock is such that it cannot be as strong as a keyed padlock.  This kind of padlock can also be cracked over time simply by trying each code in turn.  However, these locks are hugely cost effective when multiple users require access to a single place.  And just being able to open the lock without having to have a key is sometimes nice.  However, let's revisit the issue of cracking the code again.  A 3 dial padlock with 10 numbers on each dial can be cracked in around 40 minutes....

Thus, in summary, there are several different types of locks.  Some are more secure than others.  Think about what would be the best type of lock to secure your items at All Seasons Storage in Needles, CA.  Remember.....it's YOUR RESPONSIBLITY to secure your belongings while renting a unit at a storage facility!