Friday, May 29, 2020

Best Locks for Your Shed

Best overall
ABUS DiskusABUS Diskus
  • Durable construction
  • Secure 6-pin cylinder
  • Durable construction
  • Secure 6-pin cylinder
Budget pick
Master Lock ProSeries 6230NMaster Lock ProSeries 6230N
  • Affordable heavy-duty padlock
  • Chrome rustproofing
  • Affordable heavy-duty padlock
  • Chrome rustproofing
Best deadbolt
Schlage B60NSchlage B60N
  • ANSI/BHMA Grade 1
  • Easy to make extra keys
  • ANSI/BHMA Grade 1
  • Easy to make extra keys

Bottom line: Lock up with the ABUS Diskus

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

List price*
Lock type
Cylinder type
Security grade
Number of keys
Best overall
Budget pick
Best deadbolt
Best hidden shackle
Best shrouded padlock
ABUS Diskus Master Lock ProSeries 6230N Schlage B60N Master Lock ProSeries 6271N Stanley Hardware CD8820
ABUS Diskus Master Lock ProSeries 6230N Schlage B60N Master Lock ProSeries 6271N Stanley Hardware CD8820
$52.00 $31.70 $54.00 92.90 (2-pack) 28.67
Disc lock Padlock Deadbolt Hidden shackle padlock Padlock
6-pin 5-pin 5-pin 6-pin 6-pin
ABUS Level 9 ASTM Grade 6 ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 ASTM Grade 6 ASTM Grade 5
2 2 2 4 2
View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon
Read review Read review Read review Read review Read review

*Amazon.com price as of 05/29/2020 at 11:10 a.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.

Our approach

We combed through dozens of products and reviews to find five locks we think are ideal for protecting your shed—and 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 mention a couple of combination locks in our list of other locks we considered.

Shed lock reviews

1. ABUS Diskus: Best overall

ABUS Diskus

ABUS Diskus

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.

This lock’s stainless steel body and shackle accumulate less rust, which 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.

But 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.

Pros

  • Durable construction resists tools
  • 6-pin disc cylinder resists lockpicking
  • Cylinder cover protects against bad weather

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Uses a proprietary security rating

2. Master Lock ProSeries 6230N: Budget pick

Master Lock ProSeries 6230N

Master Lock ProSeries 6230N

Costing around $30, 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.

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 one key, you can lock the door to your shed and also lock down tools inside the shed with the other locks.

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. And 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 Stanley Hardware CD8820 for a shrouded lock at a similar price if shrouding is a must-have feature for you.

Pros

  • Chrome rustproofing
  • ASTM security grade 6
  • Cheaper in multi-packs

Cons

  • Unshrouded shackle

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

Schlage B60N

Schlage B60N

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 you can get into the shed without putting your tools down. We also like that deadbolts don’t have a vulnerability to bolt cutters.

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 that 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. And Schlage provides a lifetime warranty that covers the mechanical components and exterior finish on all of its deadbolts.

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security rating
  • Easy to make extra keys

Cons

  • Requires solid-core door

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

Master Lock ProSeries 6271N

Master Lock ProSeries 6271N

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, eliminating the fastest method for bypassing padlocks. Additionally, the puck-shaped design has a thick steel body that’s resistant to sawing and drilling.

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 that 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 to a shed door. These aren’t expensive parts, but they’ll require a trip to the hardware store.

Pros

  • Hidden shackle is immune to bolt cutters
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • 6-pin cylinder resists lockpicking

Cons

  • Works best with special hasp
  • More awkward to lock than standard padlocks
  • Doesn’t come with mounting hardware

5. Stanley Hardware CD8820: Best shrouded padlock

Stanley Hardware CD8820

Stanley Hardware CD8820

The Stanley Hardware CD8820 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.

This lock has a 6-pin cylinder that makes lockpicking more difficult for thieves. This robust design helps qualify for an ASTM Grade 5 security rating, the second-highest rating on padlocks.

Unfortunately for the Stanley Hardware CD8820, we found there was practically no customer support should you need help with your lock. We couldn’t find any mention of this lock—or any padlocks—on the Stanley Black and Decker website. The only official mention of the lock is a PDF brochure from 2012 that lists two now-defunct websites.

Based on this evidence, we’re unsure if the company still makes padlocks, but there’s no active marketing online to say if this is the case. Even without customer support and a warranty, you can still buy the lock on Amazon. We think the Stanley Hardware CD8820 is an excellent padlock for sheds and a solid alternative to our budget pick: the Master Lock ProSeries 6230N.

Pros

  • Shrouded body resists tools
  • ASTM security grade 5
  • 6-pin cylinder resists lockpicking

Cons

  • Practically no customer support

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 $12) 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 $21) has an intriguing design that puts a combination lock on a simple sliding bolt latch. Unfortunately, many user reviews point out that the lock isn’t very durable, with the handle falling off too easily.

Kwikset 660 Deadbolt

The Kwikset 660 (about $17) 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 $20) 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 $22) falls into a category of locks known as rim latches. Rim locks work similarly to a deadbolt, but fit on thinner doors, making 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

Do shed locks work?

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.

How do ASTM security ratings work for padlocks?

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 one padlock brand on our list doesn’t use ASTM ratings for its products: ABUS. Instead, the company 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.

How do ANSI/BHMA security ratings work for deadbolts?

Deadbolts—like those from Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale—have a different design than padlocks, resulting in different 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.

Sources

  1. ASSA ABLOY, “Padlock Security Grades
  2. Allegion, “Understanding BHMA Grading & Testing

Disclaimers

*Amazon.com list price as of 05/29/2020 at 11:10 a.m. (MT). 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.

The post Best Locks for Your Shed appeared first on SafeWise.

Alder Home Security Review

Overall Rating

2.8/5
  • Fast response times
  • Customized packages
  • Long contracts

Info current as of 05/29/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

The Bottom Line: Alder offers curated security with a side of commitment

Alder delivers standard DIY home security, but it’s the personal touch that makes this security brand stand out. 

Unlike most DIY security companies that leave you on your own to figure out what type of security system you need, Alder provides free expert advice to every customer.

And Alder is committed to its relationship with you—its most common contract is a whopping 60 months. That can seem scary at first, but most security customers stick with their system for five to seven years anyway.

Because Alder guides you through the purchasing process, odds are you’ll come out with a custom security system that will meet all of your needs for the duration of that long contract. 

Pros

  • Customized packages
  • Quick response times
  • Free mobile app
  • Free quote
  • No up-front equipment cost
  • Medical alert pendant

Cons

  • Long-term contracts
  • Pricey monthly fees
  • Non-transparent price structure
  • Checkered past

How we reviewed Alder

We met with Alder to learn about its security system offerings, professional monitoring, and customer service practices. We got our hands on Alder’s equipment and bombarded Alder’s representatives with an exhaustive stream of questions. We also did extensive online research—digging into expert and customer reviews as well as news coverage and reports from consumer advocacy agencies like the BBB.

Finally, we compared Alder to other home security systems to see how it stands up. Some of the primary points of comparison included:

  • Pricing
  • Contracts
  • Overall value
  • Company reputation
  • Smart home integration
  • Security system features

Alder pricing

Monthly Price
Activation Fee
Estimated Equipment
Learn More
Low Medium High
$39.99 $44.99 $54.99
$49.00 $99.00 $149.00
Touchscreen panel

Contact sensors (2)

Motion detector (1)

Indoor camera (1)
Touchscreen panel

Contact sensors (4)

Motion detector (1)

Indoor camera (1)
Touchscreen panel

Contact sensors (6)

Motion detector (2)

Indoor camera (1)

Smart smoke detector (1)

Doorbell camera (1)
View Packages View Packages View Packages

Info current as of 05/29/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

alder equipment

Alder equipment lineup

One thing we like about Alder’s pricing is that a lot of basics are included in every package. You’re not charged extra for two-way voice, mobile app control, or video monitoring. You get the app no matter what and, if you add a camera to your setup, video monitoring is always included. 

Once you get your quote, your price includes everything you need to take full advantage of your Alder alarm system. Other companies like ADT and SimpliSafe charge more if you want remote access through a mobile app, and it’s common practice for companies to upcharge for video monitoring.  

The only way to find out if you can get the system you want for a price you like is to either call or submit an online request for a quote. That means you have to give Alder personal information before you can find out about pricing. 

The expert guidance is especially helpful for people who want a little help identifying security vulnerabilities around the house. But we don’t like the barrier to price information. 

To end on a high note—Alder has done away with credit checks. So you don’t need to worry about a hit to your credit report or missing out on security because of a lower score.

The good news is you don’t have to pay anything upfront to get Frontpoint in your home. With $0 down, you can enroll in an Affirm consumer financing plan that allows you to pay for your Frontpoint equipment monthly over the course of three months, six months, or 12 months, though you have to get a credit check to qualify. While the payment plans require small contracts, they don’t renew automatically and you can pay them off early.

If you decide to take the plunge and pay for all your equipment in one go, you can enjoy the monitoring service contract-free.

Alder tech and equipment

Alder’s home security equipment is fairly standard. That said, the company’s offerings aren’t skimpy. 

Unlike other stripped-down DIY systems like Ring, Alder includes a bunch of extras like a medical pendant, flood monitor, and smart smoke detector to help you protect both the valuables and the lives inside your home.

Of course, the more equipment you add to your package, the more you’ll pay each month. Alder assigns points to its equipment to calculate the cost per contract. Your monthly fees will include the value of points for your equipment and the cost of monthly monitoring. 

All equipment is wireless, which means you don’t have to put holes in the walls. That’s good news if you rent or plan to move sometime during your three– to five–year contract. Alder also boasts that its DIY installation can be completed in 20 minutes or less

alder touchscreen panel

Touchscreen panel

This 7″ panel features a touchscreen and two-way talk. It’s like mission control for your Alder security system and lets you talk directly to the monitoring center.

Alder Home Security keypad

Entry keypad

The entry keypad offers another way to arm and disarm your system without having to access the app.

Alder door and window sensor

Door and window sensor

This adhesive contact sensor uses magnets to create a circuit that triggers an alert every time a door or window is opened or closed.

Alder Home Security motion sensor

Motion sensor

Alder motion sensors use infrared technology to detect movement within 45 feet. A motion detector is a great substitute for multiple contact sensors in high traffic areas.

Alder smart smoke detector

Smart smoke detector

Alder’s fire detector is designed to communicate with the rest of your security system. That means the minute smoke or heat is detected, you’ll get an alert. 

Alder flood sensor

Flood sensor 

This little sensor detects standing water. You’ll get an alert when as little as 1/16th of an inch of water touches the sensor.

Alder medical pendant

Medical pendant

You can wear or carry this pendant that sends a signal directly to the monitoring center when you press the button.

yi indoor camera

YI indoor camera

Alder uses YI wireless security cameras for coverage inside your home. This security cam features 1080p resolution, two-way audio, night vision, and advanced motion detection.

Arlo video doorbell camera

Arlo video doorbell

You’ll get the Arlo doorbell system if you opt for a doorbell camera with Alder. This video doorbell is weather-resistant and works with your existing doorbell chime.

kami outdoor camera

Kami outdoor camera

The Kami outdoor security camera includes AI-based facial recognition, real-time alerts, night vision, and two-way audio. When you add it to your Alder system, you also get free cloud storage.

The Alder mobile app

Alder’s mobile app is included alongside every security system. The app allows you to keep tabs on your home from anywhere, and it functions as a control center for your Alder alarm system.

Alder’s mobile app also works with smart home devices, so you can control locks, lights, and the thermostat all from one central app. Some home security systems don’t integrate as smoothly as Alder’s, and you end up using one app for your alarm system and another one (or more) to control smart home gadgets. 

Here’s a rundown of what you can do with the Alder mobile app.  

  • Remotely arm and disarm.
  • Watch live video streaming.
  • View motion-activated event recordings.
  • Receive push notifications in real-time.
  • Control home automation devices.
  • Integrate voice control with Amazon Alexa.

Customers give mixed reviews of the Alder mobile app. Both Android and iOS users report glitches related to logging in, getting push notifications, and controlling smart thermostats. It looks like a recent update added more bugs than it fixed. 

For folks who get the app to work consistently, reviews are glowing. Unfortunately, as of April 2020, the app comes in under three stars in both the App Store and Google Play.

Smart Home features and compatibility

Alder doesn’t offer its own home automation equipment, but the system is compatible with many third-party smart home devices. 

Alder integrates with smart locks, smart thermostats, smart light bulbs, and voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. 

We like that the Alder app has the capability to serve as the single control for all of your smart home devices, but reports of issues within the app are disappointing. 

We also found reports that the app only works with Amazon for voice control, leaving no option for people who rely on Google Assistant. Plus, we haven’t been able to find any plans for Alder to work with Apple HomeKit.

The company told us they have plans to release a  Z-Wave hub this year, which means Alder will be able to work with any other smart gadget that uses Z-Wave. 

Customer service

Alder gets mixed reviews for customer service. On one hand, the up-front guidance when you’re putting together your Alder home security system is helpful and uncommon for DIY systems. 

But on the other hand, the lack of transparency for pricing and persistent complaints about tech follow-up for existing customers give us pause.

This is an area that Alder has assured us it’s working on. Alder launched Trustpilot in 2019 to help make the customer experience more transparent. Its 30-day money-back guarantee is one example of a recent change made in direct response to customer input.

We like it when companies listen to customer feedback and work to make things right. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how those efforts pay off in future customer reviews.

30-Day risk-free trial

Alder gets it right with its free trial period. If, for any reason, you don’t want to keep your Alder home security system, you have 30 days from the day you ordered it to cancel and return it for a full refund of any payments you already made. 

It’s important to note that your 30-day countdown starts the minute you place your order—not when you receive the system. If you miss the trial period window, you’re on the hook for 90% of the total contract if you still want to cancel.

Lifetime premium service plan

You can upgrade to this service plan if you want lifetime protection for your Alder security equipment. It costs an extra $3 per month, but you won’t have to worry about replacing any defective equipment for the lifetime of your contract with Alder.  

Email and phone support

Alder has phone support available between 6:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. (MST) and on-call tech support 24/7. There’s no live chat option on its website, but you can email wecare@alder.com for assistance.  

Online resources

Alder provides multiple online resources to help customers install equipment, add new devices, bypass a sensor, add new users, and just about anything else you may want to do with your security system. 

Most resources include step-by-step videos, and there is written documentation provided as well.

How Alder home security stacks up with the competition

Brand
Lowest Monthly Monitoring Price
Starter Equipment Price
Installation
Learn More
Read Review

Info current as of 05/29/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*$0 due up-front with consumer financing.

Final word

Alder provides customized home security systems that are a good match for people who want the extra reassurance you get with the help of a security expert. Its wireless equipment is ideal for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to put holes in the wall or deal with wiring. 

And even though Alder offers some of the longest contracts in the industry, you don’t have to come up with a big up-front payment before you add the protection of a security system to your home. 

If you’re not afraid of a little commitment, and you want an expert to curate the perfect security system for your home, it’s worth it to give Alder a call.

FAQ

Do I need a credit check to get Alder home security?

No. In order to make home security accessible to as many people as possible, Alder doesn’t run credit checks on potential customers

How do I cancel my Alder home security contract?

You have to call Alder to cancel your contract. Although the standard cancellation policy requires you to pay 90% of your remaining contract, Alder is willing to consider cancellation requests on a case-by-case basis. 

This is another area where Alder is trying to make changes based on customer feedback. One option is to transfer your contract to another person. That way no one is penalized and the system can still be used to help protect someone’s home for the remainder of time left

What was ADT’s lawsuit against Alder?

Alder was in the news in recent years due to allegations of deceptive sales tactics. ADT sued Alder, claiming that the company was switching ADT customers over to Alder contracts. In June 2019, Alder was ordered to pay ADT four million dollars in damages.

The post Alder Home Security Review appeared first on SafeWise.