The Best Shed Locks For Maximum Security (& How To Install Them)

Whether you're installing a backyard shed for a quiet retreat or to store your garden items, you want a way to secure it from the neighbor's curious kids or from potential break-ins. When it's time to select a lock, you want to find the right combination of value and security. You probably don't need something that's equivalent to what you'd choose for your home's security system, but you do want something that will thwart someone who's looking for an easy mark. After sampling multiple online reviews and customer reviews, we selected two models as the best shed locks for maximum security: the ABUS Diskus Heavy Duty Padlock and the Squire SS50CP5 padlock.

The ABUS Diskus Heavy Duty Padlock costs $40.99 at Amazon. It consists of stainless steel, so it should stand up well to the weather. ABUS is one of the most reliable padlock manufacturers, gaining a reputation for creating designs that thwart potential intruders. It uses a closed shackle design, meaning most of the shackle is hidden inside the casing, making it difficult to attack the shackle with bolt cutters.

Another closed shackle padlock design is the Squire SS50CP5 padlock. You can find it on Amazon for $59.88. Although Squire has a reputation for providing security products and locks that work well in complex situations, its simple padlock designs for garden sheds and similar uses also deliver a high level of craftsmanship and durability. It has an all-weather body, ensuring it can resist corrosion.

Simply placing a padlock on your shed and calling it good is not enough to truly provide maximum security. You need to have a durable material for your shed's construction, or someone trying to break in will simply break through a wall or window.

Additionally, adding a heavy-duty slide bolt gate latch is key for optimum safety. Select a slide bolt that allows use of a padlock. The 12-Inch Slide Bolt Gate Latch costs $35.99 at Amazon. It consists of stainless steel, so it can stand up to tough weather. The 12-inch slide bolt will protect your doors if someone tries to go through them. Attach it between double doors on the shed, along the edge of a single door, or at the bottom of a door. Then attach the padlock, and your shed is secure. You should install the slide bolt using anti-tamper screws or security screws. These screws do not have a typical head that you can access with a standard screwdriver. They require a special tool to be able to remove them, which is something a random person looking to access your shed probably won't be carrying normally.

You also may want to secure other aspects of your shed before spending the money for a heavy-duty padlock. Consider upgrading the hinges on the door. If the hinges are old with loose screws, someone could simply pry them loose and bypass dealing with your padlock. Use anti-tamper screws with the new heavy-duty hinges, too.