Let’s face it, moving is one of the most stressful activities that most of us must undergo at least one time in our lives. Since you chose PODS, your head is already in the right place. PODS is one of the most versatile moving solutions for people who want to skip over rental trucks. The ability to load your stuff at your driveway, then fly to your new home and receive your stuff at your new driveway is quite nice. But how about securing your POD? Since you have full control over your lock, choosing one of the best locks for PODS is an important decision.
In this guide, we share the most secure and best locks for PODS storage containers. If you plan to store your POD in your driveway for an extended period, it’s smart to consider one of the more secure locks in this guide to prevent picking attacks and physical attacks like a champ.
Below, you’ll find a helpful overview of the locks with the key specs to consider for each. After the overview, continue on to read our reviews of each lock along with tips on how to secure your POD using these locks.
Best PODS Locks Comparison
Lock | Description |
#1) ABUS 20/80 Diskus Padlock |
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#2) ABUS 37/60 GRANIT Padlock |
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#3) Master Lock Model No. 40T Shrouded Padlock |
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#4) Brinks Commercial Stainless Steel Discus |
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#5) Commando Lock Laminated Heavy-Duty Steel Padlock |
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Best PODS Locks Reviews
According to PODS, the best lock for its storage containers is discus padlocks. This type of lock is commonly sold at self-storage facilities, and it’s one of the best padlocks for storage units. However, considering your POD might sit in your driveway for an extended period, you may want to go a step further than a basic Master Lock disc lock. That’s where security pros like ABUS come into play.
In the following sections, you’ll find reviews of each lock to make your final decision an easy one.
#1) ABUS 20/80 Diskus Padlock
If you want the most secure disc lock for your POD, ABUS 20/80 and 20/70 models are your best bet. Both of these locks fit PODS containers for both storage and moving. If you were to compare the ABUS lock to a Master Lock, you’d immediately notice the higher quality materials and craftsmanship offered by the ABUS lock.
First, the ABUS Diskus provides 360º protection with its stainless steel exterior and interior. With this lock, you know you’re getting years and years of rust-free use. Second, ABUS locks are made in Germany with no cheap or inferior parts. Third, ABUS’ Diskus features its flagship ABUS-Plus disc cylinder that provides the highest resistance to successful picking attacks of the locks in this guide. In other words, only a professional lockpicker has a chance, and even that chance is minuscule.
The final highlights are the key-retaining design, cylinder cover to protect the keyhole against the elements, the shrouded shackle to prevent cutting, and the ABUS code card ensures no one is duplicating your keys. All in all, with this lock, a thief has a better chance of breaking the hasp provided by PODS than your lock.
Pros
- ABUS 9/10 security score
- The ABUS disc detainer system is a lot harder to pick than the 4-pin Master Lock or Brinks disc locks
- Interior & exterior stainless steel construction for enhanced resistance to corrosion
- Made in Germany
- Requires a unique code card to make duplicate keys
- Keyed Alike available
Cons
- Opening and closing the lock can take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to Master Locks
- Higher upfront cost
- Might be more lock than you need if you’re not storing your POD in your driveway for multiple days or weeks
#2) ABUS 37/60 GRANIT Padlock
The second lock by ABUS that’s worth consideration is ABUS’ 37/60 GRANIT padlock. Unlike the larger 37/80 model, the 37/60 has a smaller shackle diameter to fit your POD. Outside of the difference in size, the 37/60 features the same outstanding GRANIT features that ensure this lock stands the test of time.
The black GRANIT coating can take a real beating and stand up in the harshest weather conditions. Also, the removable-shackle system operates differently than the key-retaining Diskus lock. With this padlock, a thief must make two cuts to remove the lock body from the shackle, making this lock even more secure than the Diskus with a perfect 10/10 ABUS security score for padlocks.
Lastly, the 37/60 is good for folks who want a maximum security lock for multiple uses. Plus, you get the same ABUS-Plus disc cylinder and unique security card to prevent unauthorized key duplicates. Overall, this is the most secure lock for PODS in our guide.
Pros
- ABUS 10/10 security score
- Includes a light key for clear nighttime access
- The best protection against physical attacks, including cutting
- An excellent choice for harsh weather and road conditions
- ABUS-Plus disc cylinder
- CEN Class 4 certification
- Rekeyable and Keyed Alike available
- A wise choice for city dwellers who need to store their PODS in busy areas
Cons
- The removable shackle prevents the lock from being hung while open
- The highest cost of the five locks
#3) Master Lock 40T Shrouded Padlock
For basic security on a budget, Master’s 40T will get the job done. A 2-pack allows you to double up on your POD. Also, you may want to consider buying a single Master Lock 40T lock to pair with one of the ABUS locks above to add an additional layer of security. The first major difference between this lock and the ABUS locks is the cylinder.
The 4-pin cylinder used in the 40T lock is a lot easier to pick. While this lock will most likely stop casual thieves, it won’t stop an experienced lockpicker from accessing your POD. The key here is to consider the length of time you’ll be storing your POD in your driveway and/or at a POD storage facility. Also, you always want to consider the value of the items you’re moving.
Outside of those considerations, the hardened steel shrouded shackle helps to prevent cutting attacks with bolt cutters, and the stainless steel body helps to prevent corrosion. All in all, this lock is a good get-the-job-done padlock for POD users living in safe suburban or rural environments who don’t plan to leave the POD in their driveway for an extended period.
Pros
- A good affordable padlock for PODS
- Two and three-pack Keyed Alike packages are available
- Stainless steel materials to resist corrosion
- Master Lock Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Key-retaining to prevent leaving the padlock unlocked
- Shrouded hardened steel shackle
Cons
- Much easier to pick than the ABUS locks
- Not a good choice for use in busy urban environments or high-traffic areas
- More prone to rust issues than ABUS padlocks
#4) Brinks Commercial Stainless Steel Discus (673-70001)
Another good get-the-job-done padlock for PODS containers is Brinks’ disc lock. At the time of this writing, this is the most affordable lock of the five. The first consideration is the cylinder. Like the Master Lock disc lock, Brinks also uses a 4-pin cylinder that won’t keep experienced lock pickers at bay.
Also, this lock has the same diameter shackle as the Master Lock disc lock and the same size body at 70mm. The only real differences between the two locks are the price, brand, and rubber jacket on the Brinks lock. If you’re concerned about scratching your POD or belongings, you may prefer this lock over the Master version.
All things considered, this lock is essentially the same as what Master Lock offers, so it really comes down to your preference. Be sure to check the current price for both locks to get the best deal.
Pros
- The most affordable of the five locks at the time of this writing
- Features a rubber jacket to prevent scratches and clanking sounds
- Shrouded shackle to protect against bolt cutter attacks (8100-lb cut strength)
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel body and shackle
- Smooth operation
- Compatible with PODS and U-Hauls
Cons
- 4-pin cylinder
- Not very substantial at 8 oz
#5) Commando Lock Laminated Heavy-Duty Steel Padlock (44ASCZB2KD)
Commando padlocks are quickly becoming one of our favorites because they offer high security for the money. Unlike the Master Lock and Brinks disc locks above, this lock features a 10-pin cylinder that’s a heck of a lot more secure than a 4-pin cylinder. Next, the zinc-plated carbon steel body is highly resistant to corrosion, which makes this lock useful for outdoor applications once you finish using your POD.
As for the company, we like the approach Commando takes. Its locks are made in the USA to meet US Military standards. Additionally, this padlock exceeds ASTM F883-09 for resistance to bumping. The only real drawback is the shackle is not shrouded like the first four locks, though, there are shrouded Commando padlocks available.
Finally, it’s important to note that this lock is smaller than the first four locks with a 44 mm body and an 8 mm shackle. While this lock is secure, you may want to consider using it in conjunction with one of the ABUS locks for maximum security.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- The 10-pin cylinder is harder to pick than the 4-pin cylinders in Master’s and Brinks’ disc locks
- The best bang for your buck of the five locks
- Excellent resistance to corrosion
- Rubber bumpers to avoid scratches and rattling
- Good for a wide variety of uses once you finish using your POD
Cons
- A smaller shackle and body than the first four locks
- Exposed shackle
Bottom Line
The best locks for PODS are primarily disc locks or any compatible lock with a shrouded shackle. All of the locks in this guide will fit through the holes in POD hasps. If you choose a lock not included in this guide, be sure to check the shackle diameter because anything over 7/16″ most likely won’t fit the hasp supplied by PODS.
One final consideration is that PODS containers have two holes, so you may want to mix & match locks. A good combination is an ABUS Diskus and Commando Lock used together. Also, to cut costs, pairing an ABUS Diskus with a cheaper Master Lock or Brinks padlock is another good combo.
Always be sure to consider the value of your belongings, how long you plan to dock your POD in your driveway, and the likelihood of a thief trying to access your POD container before making your final decision.