If you rent a storage unit that has a swinging door (and not one of the roll-up-pull-down metal doors), you likely have a latch that has two holes in it, both of which fit padlock hasps. It's become more common for people to try putting two locks on the unit instead of one, with the top lock upside down, just for extra security. But is that really a good idea?

More Work for Them

That second lock is supposed to make it harder for someone to open the unit. The lock can still be cut, of course, but those extra seconds could make someone think twice about trying to get in. That can actually be a really good deterrent because someone looking for an easy mark doesn't want to do extra work, and the way a lot of storage door brackets are set up, it can be quite difficult to fit bolt cutters in to cut one hasp, let alone two. If you really want to make someone think twice, two locks could be great.

More Work for You

However, fitting two locks in could be rather tight. You'd have to get locks that didn't interfere with each other, and if one of the locks were to jam up, you'd have to get it cut off so you could get into your own storage unit. Plus, locks that have hasps thin enough to not interfere with each other may also be kind of weak.

Telegraphing

Adding a second lock makes your unit stand out more unless you're surrounded by other units that also have two locks. That can attract people who are purposefully looking to mess around with someone's property. One potential problem is that someone might mess around with one of the locks just to be (not so) funny, making it impossible for you to get in.

Door Strength

The brackets that have room for two locks are often on wooden doors that can be damaged easily. The weight of the two locks won't be a problem, but because the door can be damaged quickly, the second lock might be pointless, to begin with. But again, someone has to be determined to get in if they don't mind causing that much noise.

If you really want to shore up a storage unit lock, talk to a locksmith who can provide you with locks made specifically for storage units that have stronger hasps and harder-to-reach keyholes. These locks on their own could be what you need instead of spending extra money on a second lock. To learn more, contact a company like U-Lock-It

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