Use a shrouded-shackle padlock (hidden shackle, hardened steel) or a disc-style lock. Both resist bolt cutters, drills, and pry-bars. Cost: $30-$80. Avoid standard padlocks with exposed shackles — they cut in under 30 seconds.
Exposed shackle, 8-12mm steel, $5-$20. Bolt-cutters defeat in under 30 seconds. Marketing language calls these "hardened steel" — they're not, for container use.
The shackle is hidden inside a steel housing. Bolt-cutters can't get to it. Brands: Master Lock 6121, Stanley H4280, Brinks Commercial. $40-$80.
Disc detainer locking mechanism. Round body with no exposed shackle at all. Brands: Abus Diskus, Master Lock M40, Squire SS50. $40-$100.
Discus / round body specifically designed for hasp-style lock bars. Often combined with a container lock-bar for layered protection. $50-$120.
CEN grade 4-6 padlocks for highest-risk situations. $100-$300. Overkill for most residential storage; appropriate for high-value jobsite containers.
Combination locks defeat with shimming or brute force more easily than key locks. Smart locks add electronics + battery dependency. Generally avoid for container use.
Tell us what you're storing and where. We'll talk through the right combination of mechanical + electronic + site-level security for your actual risk profile — not the most expensive option.
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