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Purchasing a padlock for your container
Security is our number one priority. One of the most useful things you can do is choose a strong, weather-resistant padlock that fits your container's lockbox. Here's how to choose one and where to put it.
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What lock should I buy?
There are many padlocks on the market, from small mailbox locks to heavy-duty outdoor locks. Choose one made for outdoor container use, not just one that looks strong.
01
Weather resistance
Choose a padlock designed for outdoor use, with corrosion-resistant materials and a protected mechanism.
02
Strength and quality
Look for a robust body, a strong shackle and a reputable security rating. Price alone doesn't tell you how secure a lock is.
03
The right fit
Check the shackle diameter, clearance and body size against your container's lockbox. Ask us to confirm the fit before you buy.
04
A protected shackle
Choose the shortest suitable shackle that works inside the lockbox. A long, exposed shackle gives tools more room.
What locks should I avoid?
- Locks made only for indoor use
- Small, lightweight locks with weak parts
- Long or exposed shackles
- Budget locks chosen only because they're cheap
- Combination locks, which can be hard to read and use outdoors. We recommend a suitable keyed padlock
- Any lock you can't close, check and remove comfortably inside the lockbox
Where to place your padlock
The lockbox comes first. If you use a second lock, put it on a right-hand door handle. Locking only the left-hand door handles doesn't secure the door that opens first.
1
The lockbox
This protective steel box sits near the centre of the closed doors. It shields the padlock from tools and gives it some weather protection. Put your main padlock here, even if it takes a little longer to position.
2
Right-hand door handles
On our container doors, the right-hand door opens first, and the left-hand door can't open while the right-hand door stays closed. A second lock, if you use one, belongs on a right-hand handle.
Before you leave
Close both doors and engage their locking bars. Lock the padlock inside the lockbox, then check it's fully closed. Keep your keys safe, and make sure you can unlock the container before you leave.
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