The humble garden shed… for some homeowners, it’s a dumping ground for worn-out equipment, electronics, or household items.
But, for others, it’s the best shed kit available and a valuable storage space. Whatever the purpose, your shed needs to have one significant feature – a lock.
If your shed doesn’t lock, it may be left vulnerable to the elements, intruders, and thieves.
Even if you keep nothing of value in your shed, what could be worse than seeing its contents flooded with water, eaten by rodents, or stolen?
Home security doesn’t stop at the front door. Make sure your shed is a priority, too. With so many locks on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.
So we’ve compiled a list of some of the best shed door locks on the web – from the traditional lock and key designs to combination models and fingerprint scanners (yes, really!), we’ve got something for everyone.
Ready to take your home security up a notch? Keep reading to find the best locks for your shed door.
Natasher Shed Lock T-Handle
First up, we have the T-Handle Shed Lock from Natasher. This is a straightforward and easy-to-use lock that will fit most shed doors.
It’s made of aluminum and has an adjustable tension knob to help you get the right fit.
The lock also comes with four keys: two for the door and another two for the latch on the inside of the door.
When we tested the Natasher T-Handle Shed Door Lock, we were impressed with its build quality, durability, and functionality.
We found it easy to install and use, and it performed flawlessly no matter what we threw at it.
Once installed, this lock is incredibly durable, and without a key, intruders will find it virtually impossible to access your shed.
The installation process was also incredibly simple, and the inner D handle latched seamlessly to our shed’s framework.
It only took us a few minutes to set up this lock, and all we needed to help us was an Allen wrench!
This lock comes with the lockable T-Handle, an inside D-Handle, two screws, four keys, and a hex wrench.
We should also mention that the screws included with this lock are self-drilling wood screws, so you’ll need minimal tools for installation!
The lock also features a chrome, black powder coating that prevents corrosion and rust from the elements.
Unfortunately, the only downside to this lock is that it doesn’t self latch when you close your shed door, so you’ll have to do this yourself.
Despite this, we still feel that the Natasher T-Handle lock offers great value for money and an excellent level of security for your shed.
Pros
- Easy to install and use: Great for installers with little DIY experience.
- Durable and strong: This lock is weather resistant and made from high-grade metal. This makes it long-lasting and hard to tamper with.
Cons
- Doesn’t self latch when closed: You’ll have to do this yourself when you close your shed door.
Also available from Sears.
QANVEE Shed Door Lock
Next on our list is the QANVEE Shed Door Lock. This is one of the best locks for sheds because it is effortless to install and use.
It’s made of high-quality steel, and Installation is quick and easy. Once mounted, it requires no additional hardware or tools.
The QANVEE is also highly secure, and if you’re looking for a robust and reliable lock, then this is definitely the way to go.
The QANVEE is available in three sizes, including 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1″. These sizes allow you to choose exactly what you need based on how large your shed door is.
Each version of this lock comes with a matching mounting bracket, and they can easily be used together to create a complete system.
You don’t even need any special skills to install these locks; just follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and you’ll be done in no time at all.
When we tested the Qanvee Shed Door Lock, we found it to be very sturdy and easy to install.
It has a sleek design that looks good in any type of setting, and it performed admirably in our tests.
It was difficult to tamper with and attached securely to our shed. All you need to get started is a screwdriver, and you can be done installing it within minutes.
Our only complaint with this lock is that the keys can be challenging to use. Sometimes, it takes a few wiggles to open the lock, which can be frustrating.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a solid lock that won’t break the bank and provides a high degree of security, then the Qanvee is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- Easy to install and use: The installation instructions are easy to follow, and the lock is simple to use.
- Secure and sturdy: This lock is made from high-quality materials and has an incredibly secure design.
Cons
- Temperamental key: Sometimes, the key can be difficult to use, and it may take a few attempts to open your lock.
Also available from Sears.
Alise Flip Latch Heavy Duty Lock
Now, let’s take a look at the Alise Flip Latch Heavy Duty Lock. This lock is designed to withstand extreme conditions like rain, snow, wind, and ice.
It’s also built to last and will stand up well to years of abuse from the elements! In addition to being weatherproof, this lock is also incredibly easy to install.
It doesn’t require any special tools or skills to mount, and it works quickly and efficiently.
This heavy-duty lock is perfect for anyone who wants a durable, secure, and effective lock for their shed.
It’s also available in two different versions, including a standard model and an electric model.
Both versions come with a matching mounting bracket, so you can easily combine them into a complete system.
This lock is made from 3mm thickened stainless steel, and it’s topped off with three layers of ultra-high temperature matte black finish, which doesn’t fade or scratch easily.
This particular kit comes with one latch and four screws. If you have barn-type doors, this latch is a must-have!
We found the Alise Flip Latch Heavy Duty Lock to be quite sturdy and secure during testing.
We were impressed by the quality of the steel used to make this lock and the ease with which it was installed.
It’s also fairly easy to operate, and it took us less than five minutes to figure out how to unlock it.
There aren’t many cons to mention about this lock. However, our main complaint is that this latch doesn’t effectively lock doors that aren’t entirely flat.
For example, if your shed door has a slight bend or curvature, there’s still a risk of someone gaining entry to your shed, even with the latch attached.
However, if your doors are completely flat, we feel that the Alise Flip Latch Heavy Duty Lock does exactly what it says on the tin.
It’s well built and has a no mess, no fuss style installation – what’s not to love!?
Pros
- Durable and strong: Made from 3mm thickened steel, this lock is extremely strong and durable.
- Easy installation: The installation process is straightforward and requires no special tools or skills.
Cons
- Limited application: If your doors don’t have a perfectly straight surface, you’ll need to remove the latch before attaching it.
Also available from Walmart.
Squire Combi Bolt Door Lock
If you still haven’t found the right lock for your shed door, why not check out the Squire Combi Bolt Door Lock?
Unlike our other locks, this one includes a combination style lock along with a deadbolt.
You won’t find another lock that combines both of these features in such a compact design; plus, you won’t have to worry about losing your keys!
The Squire Combi Bolt Deadbolt offers you more security options than most other locks, but it’s also very simple to use.
All you have to do is enter the correct code when you want to open the door. Once inside, you can simply turn the key to release the lock.
This type of locking mechanism is ideal for people who often forget their keys or those who just prefer to keep things simple.
The Squire Combi Bolt Lock is made from high-quality materials with a weatherproof, die-cast body and a ten-year warranty backs it.
This model also offers ten times more combinations than traditional padlocks, thanks to its three-wheel combination locking bolt!
The bolt extends around 5cm past the locking position, and installation is once again quick and simple. This particular package comes with the lock and 6 one way security screws.
When we tested the Squire Combi Bolt Door Lock, we found that it performed flawlessly.
We didn’t experience any issues while using it, and it worked quickly and efficiently every time. However, we did notice that it isn’t suitable for all types of sheds.
This lock will only work properly if your shed door is entirely flat and the lock itself is quite short, so it may not be suitable for larger sheds.
Pros
- Combination Style: This lock offers a higher degree of security compared to other locks. Combinations are tough to crack, and you won’t have to worry about losing your key and being unable to access your shed.
- Simple Operation: This combination lock is simple to set up and install. Once it’s secured to your shed, all you need to do is put in your combination, and you’re good to go!
Cons
- Limited Application: Not suitable for all types of shed doors.
Also available from Ulonet.
Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock
If you’re into all things tech, this might be the lock for you. So let’s take a look at the Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock.
This incredible lock has an embedded microchip that allows you to unlock your door without remembering codes or even inserting your keys.
It works like magic, and there’s no need to worry about forgetting your keys or getting locked out anymore!
There are five ways to unlock your shed door with the Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock. You can use your fingerprint, a code, a fob, a key, and even your smartphone!
The Sifely app is free forever, and it’s an incredibly intuitive program to use.
You can use the app to program your lock (instead of using the lock’s keypad), pair it with Alexa control to lock and unlock via voice command, provide visitors with limited time access, track and report each time the door is unlocked, and more.
This lock even has an auto-lock feature, so if you forget to lock up on the way out, the Sifely door lock will do it for you!
If you don’t want to use the app, you can also use Sifely’s web portal. From here, you can assign or delete various codes, request and download access logs, and more.
What’s more, you can use most of the Sifely lock features without access to the internet, making it ideal to use with sheds holding high-value items.
You can also pair this lock with the Sifely WiFi Gateway to lock and unlock your door from anywhere!
Despite all the techy bells and whistles, the Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock uses only a small amount of power.
With the help of four AA batteries (not included), your Sifely lock can stay juiced up for a whole year!
It’s also weatherproof, so you won’t have to worry about your lock getting damaged by the elements.
The Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock is an impressive, secure addition to any shed holding high-value items.
When we tested the Sifely lock, we were blown away by its capabilities and had very few complaints!
The only real downside to this lock is that the app can be tricky to set up, especially if you’re not a tech user.
Aside from this, we think this lock is an absolute must-have, and we can’t wait to make it a permanent feature on our shed door!
Pros
- Intuitive app and web portal: The Sifely app makes setting up this lock is super easy. Once installed, setting up fingerprints and codes can be done directly from the Sifely app. If you don’t want to use the app, you can use the Sifely web portal, which is also free to use!
- Multiple ways to lock and unlock: With the Sifely lock, you can choose from five different locking and unlocking methods.
- Weatherproof: This lock is weatherproof and resistant to rain and extreme temperatures. This means you won’t have to worry about your tech getting damaged by the elements.
Cons
- App can be difficult to set up: Even if you’re experienced with tech gadgets, you may find the Sifely app challenging to set up.
However, there are plenty of online tutorials to help guide you through the process.
Also available from Fosifo.
Master Lock 141DLF Padlock With Key
If you want to get back to basics, let’s take a look at the Master Lock 141DLF padlock with key.
Not all locks have to be full to the brim with technology and complex locking systems to do the trick, and the Master Lock Padlock proves that!
This lock might boast a simple design, but it’s highly effective. It’s made with a sturdy black aluminum body, which is both scratch and corrosion-resistant.
This means that your lock will remain looking good (and fully functional) for years to come.
When you first open the box, you’ll notice that the padlock comes in two pieces – the main piece and the shackle.
These pieces are held together with a strong magnet, which can easily be separated when needed. Once you’ve got the shackle off, you’ll see that the padlock itself is fairly easy to operate.
All you need to do is insert your key into the hole and turn until the lock clicks into place. Then, simply slide the shackle onto the chain and tighten it down.
There are three different types of keys available for this padlock. The standard key fits all three lock versions, while the master key can only work with the newer version.
While this padlock isn’t as fancy as some others on this list, it does offer a lot of security for the price.
When we tested the Master Lock on our shed door, we found that it was incredibly tough to pick. We also liked how easy it was to operate and how well it worked with our existing chains.
The only downfall with this lock is that although it’s firmly built, it doesn’t do well in extreme cold.
We found this lock considerably harder to open when exposed to freezing temperatures, so bear this in mind before purchasing one.
Pros
- Easy operation: You don’t need to know too much about locks to use this padlock. Simply insert your key into the keyhole and turn until the lock snaps into place.
- Sturdy design: This lock has been designed to last for many years to come. Its solid build quality makes it ideal for outdoor environments.
Cons
- Limited cold weather resistance: If you live somewhere where temperatures drop below freezing, this lock won’t perform as well as in warmer conditions.
Also available from Vittoria Dream.
National Hardware Lokklatch Automatic
Now, let’s take a look at the National Hardware Lokklatch Automatic Lock. Again, this lock may not be as technical as some of our other locks, but it still does a fantastic job!
This lock boasts an impressive array of features. First off, this lock comes with two different gate mounts for variable attachment options.
This makes it easy to attach your lock to various surface materials, including wood, vinyl, metal, or colorbond surfaces.
Second, it has a high level of resistance to picking and drilling. Third, this lock is effortless to operate.
Just push the button on the side of the lock and pull the lever up to release the latch. It also comes with two lokklatch keys, and it can be adjusted horizontally or vertically.
If your shed door warps over time, you can adjust the lokklatch to move with it, so you won’t have to pay out for a new lock!
Finally, this lock is suitable for indoor or outdoor use – so, while it’s perfect for your shed door, you could even buy yourself a second lock and use it inside the home!
When we tested the National Hardware Lokklatch Automatic, we were impressed by the quality of its construction.
Each lock is made from a sturdy, industrial-strength polymer that is resistant to rust and corrosion and should hold up well over time.
The lock is also flexible and adjustable, so you can install it on either your shed door’s right or left-hand side.
In addition, we really enjoyed the fact that it came with a lifetime warranty – what better way to feel confident in the quality of your product?
Unfortunately, the only downside to this lock is that its components are quite lightweight. When we tested this lock, it held out well against our forced entry or damage attempts.
However, we’re not sure how long its components will last in the long run.
Pros
- High level of security: This lock provides excellent protection against picking and drilling.
- Adjustable: This lock allows you to adjust the position of the lokklatch easily.
- Easy to use: Push the button on the side and pull the lever up. It’s simple enough for anyone to use.
- Lifetime warranty: Thanks to its lifetime warranty, you’ll get extra peace of mind and security with this lock.
Cons
- Lightweight components: Some parts of this lock are lightweight, and we’re not sure how long they’d last with consistent use.
Also available from Walmart.
REVOLO Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Lock
Finally, let’s take a quick look at the Revolo Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Lock. This lock is slightly more complex than the National Hardware Lokklatch system.
It’ll be an ideal lock for users seeking an extra layer of protection for their shed door.
This lock uses a unique electronic keypad instead of mechanical levers. This gives it a sleek and modern appearance that fits in nicely with many types of sheds.
You can also program up to 12 different codes per pad, which means you can set different codes for friends, family members, and even your neighbors!
The REVOLO Electronic Keypad lock is made with zinc alloy and a stainless steel frame, and thanks to its IP65 rating, you can rest assured that your lock will remain secure and functional, whatever the weather.
The good news is that this lock is extremely easy to use. Simply press the buttons to enter each of the four digits of your code, then press the “enter” button again to confirm.
Once you’ve entered all four digits correctly, you’ll hear a click as the deadbolt unlocks.
If you need to change any of the settings, just press the “clear” button to remove any previously programmed codes and start over.
We found this lock to be incredibly intuitive and easy to use.
This lock is designed for shed doors. It comes with a heavy-duty steel mounting plate that attaches directly to the door frame.
We did have one issue with this lock when we first installed it. One of the screws holding the lock in place didn’t fit properly, so it couldn’t attach securely to the door frame.
Fortunately, we were able to fix this problem quickly and easily.
All we needed to do was unscrew the screw, slide it out of the hole, and reinstall it. After doing this, everything worked as normal.
All in all, we feel that this lock does a fantastic job at protecting your belongings, offering an easy installation process, and being incredibly practical.
We would recommend this lock to anyone looking for something more advanced than a simple lock and key system, without all the technological hassle!
Pros
- Intuitive design: This lock has a very straightforward design, making it easy to use and understand.
- Easy installation: It only takes about 15 minutes to install this lock, and there’s no drilling required.
Cons
- Lack of a locking lever: While this lock offers some additional security features, it doesn’t include a locking lever like the National Hardware Lokklatch system.
- No warranty: There’s no warranty on this lock, so if anything goes wrong, you won’t find a replacement.
Also available from Dollar Hog.
Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve made it this far, you’ll now be well acquainted with a variety of durable and practical shed door locks.
Before you rush off to make a purchase, though, take a look through our buyer’s guide and familiarize yourself with the most essential shed lock features you should be looking out for.
Shed Door Security Features
When shopping for a new lock, you should always consider how important security is to you. For example, is your shed located in a high-crime area?
Do you store expensive items inside? Are you worried about someone breaking in while you’re away?
These are all valid concerns, and they’re why you should pay close attention to the security features available on the lock you choose.
Deadbolts
One of the best ways to ensure that your shed is secure is by using a lock that includes a deadbolt feature.
Deadbolts offer extra protection against forced entry because they prevent thieves from simply pushing open the door.
They also provide added peace of mind because they can help deter intruders who may try to force their way into your home or business.
Chainlinks
Another common security feature offered by many sheds is a chain-link fence around the perimeter. Chain links come in different sizes but typically range between 3/8″ and 1″.
The smaller size allows people to get past them easily, while the larger size helps keep intruders out.
If you want to add even more security, you can also install a gate that uses a padlock. This will allow you to control access to your shed, ensuring that only those you trust enter.
Keyless Entry
A keyless entry lock makes it easier to get into your shed. You don’t need to worry about having to remember which keys correspond to each lock.
Instead, just press a button on the outside handle, and the lock opens automatically.
Some models even include a sensor that detects motion and unlocks the door as soon as someone approaches. However, these systems come with obvious risks.
Suppose you feel a keyless entry system would be more practical for you.
In that case, we recommend choosing one with another built-in security system (such as a padlock or fingerprint) for extra protection.
Anti-Pry Bars
Some locks include anti-pry bars that protrude outward from the frame of the door.
Anti-pry bars prevent thieves from prying open the door, and they can also help protect the lock itself from damage.
When selecting an anti-pry bar, make sure that it extends at least 2 inches beyond the edge of the door.
If you plan on installing a window in your shed, you might also want to consider adding a second anti-pry bar that extends above the window sill.
This will give you additional protection if someone tries to break in via the window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Shed Locks Work?
Yes! Many people use shed locks every day without any problems. In fact, some of the top manufacturers of shed doors and shed locks actually sell their products specifically for outdoor use. As long as you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, your shed door lock should work perfectly fine.What Is A Shed Lock Bar?
The term “shed lock bar” refers to a type of locking mechanism that attaches directly to the side of a wooden door frame. It prevents unauthorized individuals from opening the door by forcing the door inward toward the wall instead of outward.Can Shed Door Locks Resist Bolt Cutters?
Yes, most shed door locks are designed to resist bolt cutters. Most manufacturers include special features such as hardened steel plates, hardened screws, and other measures to increase the strength of the lock.
Final Thoughts
Whether you use your shed for storing electronics, gardening equipment, bikes, or other valuables, a durable and reliable lock is a must-have item.
We hope you can take inspiration from some of the great locks we’ve reviewed for you, and don’t forget – before you make a purchase, do your research!
