Best Locks for Your Shed

Keep your shed safe with a lock that can resist thieves and the elements.
Best overall
ABUS Diskus
ABUS Diskus
  • pro
    Durable construction
  • pro
    Secure 6-pin cylinder
  • pro
    Cylinder cover protects against bad weather
Budget pick
Master Lock ProSeries 6230N
Master Lock ProSeries 6230N
  • pro
    Affordable heavy-duty padlock
  • pro
    Chrome rustproofing
  • pro
    Grade 6 ASTM security rating
Best deadbolt
Schlage B60N
Schlage B60N
  • pro
    ANSI/BHMA Grade 1
  • pro
    Easy to make extra keys
  • pro
    Lifetime warranty
Best hidden shackle
Master Lock ProSeries 6271N
Master Lock ProSeries 6271N
  • pro
    Heavy-duty construction
  • pro
    Secure 6-pin cylinder
  • pro
    Hidden shackle is immune to bolt cutters
Best shrouded padlock
KAWAHA 21/40 WF
  • pro
    Shrouded body resists tools
  • pro
  • pro
pro

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Sheds are great for storing dangerous tools away from children and can keep unused tools from cluttering your workshop during projects. But sheds are also a target for thieves because folks don’t watch over sheds in the same way they watch over their homes.

You can protect your shed by locking it up with a padlock like our top pick ABUS Diskus. This stainless steel disc lock shows exceptional endurance against physical damage and the elements. While it’s an expensive lock, it’s a solid line of defense between thieves and your expensive tool collection.

Read on to learn about the best locks for sheds. If you want a lock for your home, we suggest checking out our reviews on door locks and smart locks.



Compare the best shed locks

Product
Best for
List price
Lock type
Cylinder type
Security grade
Number of keys
Learn more
Best overall Disc lock 6-pin ABUS
Level 9
2
Budget pick Padlock 5-pin ASTM
Grade 6
2
Best deadbolt Deadbolt 5-pin ANSI/BHMA
Grade 1
2
Best hidden shackle Hidden shackle padlock 6-pin ASTM
Grade 6
4
Best shrouded padlock Padlock 8-10-pin ASTM
Not Disclosed
2

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Shed lock reviews

1. ABUS Diskus: Best overall

Best overall
ABUS Diskus
ABUS Diskus
$43.49

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

During our research, we consistently found glowing reviews for the ABUS Diskus. This disc-type padlock protects its shackle with a cover that makes it difficult to break with a bolt cutter. For extra security, there’s also an anti-cut plate inside the lock to help protect against drilling and sawing.

pro
Pros
pro Durable construction resists tools
pro 6-pin disc cylinder resists lockpicking
pro Cylinder cover protects against bad weather
con
Cons
con Expensive
con Uses a proprietary security rating

This lock’s stainless steel body and shackle accumulate less rust — rust that can compromise padlocks left out in the elements. We like that there’s a small rubber cylinder cover that keeps dust and water out of the keyhole. The 6-pin cylinder uses a unique design with discs instead of traditional locking pins. Because the discs work differently than pins, it’s harder to pick this lock.

We found two flaws with the ABUS Diskus during our research. First, this expensive lock sometimes costs $60 or more, which could be overkill for a shed.

The second flaw is that this shed lock uses a proprietary security rating that doesn’t align with recognized industry standards. Without industry standards, we need to rely on user reviews and can’t make direct comparisons with other brands as easily.

Still, even with a lack of transparency on ABUS’s part, we recommend this lock to secure your shed. Ultimately, the ABUS Diskus stands out for its real-world performance, which is all that really matters to most folks.

2. Master Lock ProSeries 6230N: Budget pick

Budget pick
Master Lock ProSeries 6230N

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Costing around $34, the Master Lock ProSeries 6230N isn’t necessarily a cheap lock, but it’s an affordable commercial-strength padlock that’s suitable for most sheds.

pro
Pros
pro Chrome rustproofing
pro ASTM security grade 6
pro Cheaper in multi-packs
con
Cons
con Unshrouded shackle

You can save money by buying up to eight keyed-alike locks. These all use the same key, which means less weight on your keychain. Using up to eight locks, you can lock cabinets, secure tools, and lock the door to your shed — all while keeping only one key on hand.

This lock uses a boron alloy and Master Lock’s BumpStop cylinder design to achieve a Grade 6 ASTM security rating, the best rating a padlock can have. On top of that, it’s resistant to physical attacks and bump keys (which typically make it easier to open locks without a key).

The Master Lock ProSeries 6230N has chrome plating that makes it resistant to rust, though it’s not immune to wet conditions. You might consider using this inside your shed or on a shed door with some sort of overhang above it to shield it from the elements.

The shackle on this lock lacks any sort of shroud (an external cover that reinforces the lock), so it’s more vulnerable to bolt cutters than other padlocks in our top five. But it’s still strong enough for most folks. Check out the KAWAHA 21/40  for a shrouded lock at a similar price if shrouding is a must-have feature for you.

Light Bulb
What is lock bumping?

Locksmiths (and sometimes thieves) often use a technique called bumping to open locks without a key. They insert a special tool called a bump key into the keyhole and tap it with a hammer to jolt the pins into unlocking the lock.

3. Schlage B60N: Best deadbolt

Best deadbolt
Schlage B60N
Schlage B60N
$39.98

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Consider a deadbolt like the Schlage B60N instead of a padlock if you have a wooden shed with solid-core doors. Deadbolts are easier to use than padlocks because you can open them with one hand. So, with this lock, you can get into the shed without putting your tools down. We also like that deadbolts don’t have a vulnerability to bolt cutters.

pro
Pros
pro Lifetime warranty
pro ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security rating
pro Easy to make extra keys
con
Cons
con Requires a solid-core door

The Schlage B60N has a Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA rating, the highest a deadbolt can have, so it’s durable enough to withstand burglars looking to break into your shed. Because it uses standard keys, it’s cheap and easy to make copies at your local hardware store for each family member who needs to get in the storage space.

Looking to lighten the load on your keychain? You can also have a locksmith rekey all of your Schlage deadbolts to use the same key, so the house key also opens the shed. Schlage provides a lifetime warranty that covers the mechanical components and exterior finish on all of its deadbolts.

Notepad
When to use a deadbolt on your shed

We recommend using a deadbolt if your shed has a door similar to your home’s front door. You can also use this deadbolt on solid wood doors at least 1 3/8 inches thick, though you might need to drill holes to install the door lock if there aren’t any.

4. Master Lock ProSeries 6271N: Best hidden shackle padlock

Best hidden shackle padlock
Master Lock ProSeries 6271N

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Hidden shackle padlocks, like the Master Lock ProSeries 6271N, are some of the most durable types of locks for sheds. This lock hides its shackle on the back where a bolt cutter can’t get to it, effectively eliminating the fastest method for bypassing the padlock. Additionally, the puck-shaped design has a thick steel body that’s resistant to sawing and drilling.

pro
Pros
pro Hidden shackle is immune to bolt cutters
pro Heavy-duty construction
pro 6-pin cylinder resists lockpicking
con
Cons
con Works best with special hasp
con More awkward to lock than standard padlocks
con Doesn’t come with mounting hardware

The locking mechanism uses a 6-pin cylinder to prevent lockpicking, particularly bump keys that thieves sometimes use to jolt padlocks into unlocking.

Because this lock has a strange shape, it works best with a special hasp that encloses the sides of the lock and helps you attach it more easily. You need to be extra careful when installing the hasp so the lock will fit. Attaching the padlock to the hasp can be difficult since you need to press the lock to the hasp while getting proper alignment for the lock to engage.

While we found a combo pack that includes both the ProSeries 6271N and its hasp, it doesn’t come with the bolts, nuts, and washers you need to attach it to a shed door. These aren’t expensive parts, but they’ll require a trip to the hardware store.

5. KAWAHA 21/40: Best shrouded padlock

Best shrouded padlock
KAWAHA 21/40
$78.99

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The KAWAHA 21/40 is another lock that gets a lot of praise from user reviews. It has a durable shrouded body that resists tools and partially covers the shackle to protect against bolt cutters.

pro
Pros
pro Shrouded body resists tools
pro 8–10-pin cylinder resists lockpicking
pro Heavy-duty, waterproof, and anti-corrosion design
con
Cons
con No ASTM security rating disclosed

This lock has an 8- to 10-pin cylinder (depending on the size you choose) that makes lockpicking more difficult for thieves. It has a heavy-duty, anti-corrosion, and waterproofed body that stands up to the elements, and it comes with its two padlocks keyed alike.

The big downside of this lock is that it doesn’t come with an ASTM rating. So, while it has great consumer reviews, there really isn’t any way to guarantee that it’s as secure as other kinds of shrouded padlocks. Still, how it works when placed into action is what matters most, and 4.7 out of 5 stars shows it gets the job done.

Light Bulb
What is a shrouded lock?

A shroud is essentially armor for locks. This armor is stronger than the other materials in the lock and makes it more difficult to damage the lock. Shrouds generally protect the entire lock, but their main use is stopping bulky bolt cutters from directly touching the shackle.

More locks we considered

Brinks Commercial Discus Lock

The Brinks 673-70001 Commercial Discus Lock (about $19) is a budget alternative to the ABUS Diskus. Still, it has only a 4-pin cylinder, and there isn’t much information online about its capabilities and security rating. Still, we like that it has a rubber cover that keeps it from scratching painted doors on sheds as an all-metal lock would.

Combi-Bolt Combination Sliding Bolt Lock

The Combi-Bolt CB2000-BLK 4-Dial Combination Sliding Bolt Lock (about $26) has an intriguing design that puts a combination lock on a simple sliding bolt latch. Unfortunately, many user reviews point out that the lock lacks durability, with its handle falling off too easily.

Kwikset 660 Deadbolt

The Kwikset 660 (about $19) is a cheaper deadbolt alternative to the Schlage 60D. This ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 deadbolt isn’t as durable as the Grade 1 Schlage but is still more than capable of protecting your shed. Your personal preference is probably the deciding factor between the two locks since you might choose this deadbolt if you already have Kwikset locks at home.

Master Lock 875D Combination Lock

The Master Lock 875D Combination Lock (about $21) is one of the few combination locks that stood out during our research. With this lock, you can set your combination for easy access without a key. This heavy-duty lock is weather resistant but can deteriorate over time like any outdoor padlock in harsh conditions.

Yale P89 Deadlocking Nightlatch

The Yale P89 Deadlocking Nightlatch (about $60) falls into a category of locks known as rim latches. Rim locks work similarly to a deadbolt, but they fit on thinner doors. That makes them a good choice for sheds. We recommend rim latches in instances where you want deadbolt functionality but your wooden shed door isn’t thick enough for a standard deadbolt.

Hasps

Hasps are the hinged plates that allow you to secure doors with a padlock. While they aren’t particularly complex, they’re a vital part of padlock security. Here are five hasps worth checking out for your shed if you don’t already have one:

Final word

We think the ABUS Diskus is the best lock for protecting all of the gear inside your shed. Its robust stainless steel body can withstand attacks and adverse weather conditions to keep all but the most determined thieves out. It’s an expensive, but worthwhile, investment.

In any case, a shed door lock is a wise addition to any outbuilding. Beyond a lock, we recommend locking up gates on your property and possibly setting up outdoor security cameras with a direct view of the shed so you can see trespassers before they get too close.

Shed lock FAQ

Locks, like all security devices, have two functions that can protect your shed:

  • Deter: A lock can scare away opportunistic thieves looking for an easy score. If a thief can’t get in your shed quickly, they’ll move on.
  • Delay: With enough time and the right tools, no lock is impervious to damage. But, every added second increases the chances of a thief giving up or getting caught.

Padlocks — like most of the products on this page — use a standard from ASTM International, an organization that develops technical standards for a variety of products.

These ratings start with Grade 1 as the lowest rating and end with Grade 6 as the highest. Higher grades are more resistant to physical attacks like twisting, cutting, sawing, pulling, drilling, freezing, and impacting the body and shackle.1

At least two padlock brands on our list don’t use ASTM ratings for their products: ABUS and KAWAHA. Of those two, ABUS uses a rating scale it developed: the ABUS Global Protection Standard. This scale starts at Level 1 and goes up to Level 10 for its highest score.

Because the ABUS rating scale doesn’t align with the ASTM scale, it’s challenging to compare ABUS locks with other brands in any meaningful way. The biggest reason to use an internal scale is that ABUS can bypass the testing costs of qualifying for an ASTM rating, even if its products likely qualify for high ratings.

Deadbolts — like those from Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale — have a different design than padlocks, resulting in alternative security standards. The organizations that determine deadbolt strength are the American National Standards Institute and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (ANSI/BHMA).

ANSI/BHMA ratings use a descending scale with Grade 3 as the lowest and Grade 1 as the highest.2 Grade 1 locks work in commercial settings and can take the most abuse from tools and brute-force attacks before breaking.

How we reviewed shed locks

We combed through dozens of products and reviews to find five locks we think are ideal for protecting your shed — and its valuable contents — from eager hands. We also researched industry standards to get a baseline for each lock’s security and how it performs.

In general, we ignored locks that cost less than $30 because they don’t usually offer very robust security. Our top five shed locks all use keys rather than combinations since most combination locks we found were limited to light-duty uses like securing lockers indoors. Still, we included a couple of combination locks for those who prefer them.

Related articles


Sources

  1. ASSA ABLOY, "ABLOY Padlock Security Grades | ABLOY for Trust," September 2019. Accessed June 21, 2024.
  2. American National Standards Institute, "Understanding BHMA Standards," May 7, 2024. Accessed June 21, 2024.

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.

John Carlsen
Written by
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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