Detached garages, sheds and workshops often hold some of the most expensive things a household owns: bikes, power tools, mowers, snowblowers and sporting gear. Yet they are frequently secured with the cheapest lock in the house, or with a padlock that has been out in the weather for a decade. A few choices make a real difference.

Start with the door, not the lock

A strong lock on a weak door does not help much. Check that the door is solid, that the frame is not rotted or split, and that the hinges are not exposed with removable pins on the outside. On many sheds, the easiest way in is to unscrew the hasp. If a hasp is used, it should be mounted with carriage bolts through the door, not short wood screws.

Padlocks: what to look for

• Shrouded or closed-shackle designs leave less of the shackle exposed to bolt cutters.
• Hardened steel shackles resist cutting and sawing better than plain steel.
• Weather resistance matters in Colorado, where freeze and thaw cycles can seize a cheap padlock. Look for locks rated for outdoor use and consider a cover.
• Matching hasp quality. The hasp should be at least as strong as the padlock.

Deadbolts for walk-in doors

If the garage or workshop has a standard entry door, treat it like a house door. A single-cylinder deadbolt with a solid strike plate held in with long screws that reach the framing is a big step up from a knob lock alone.

Keying it to the house

Many people carry a separate key for the shed, the garage side door and the house. Locks can often be rekeyed so one key opens several of them, which makes it more likely the outbuilding actually gets locked.

Simple habits

• Lock the outbuilding every night, even when you are home.
• Keep ladders and tools inside rather than leaning against the house.
• Record serial numbers of expensive equipment.
• Lubricate outdoor locks with a dry graphite or lock-specific lubricant before winter.

For help choosing and fitting the right hardware, Choice City Locksmith offers lock installation in Fort Collins and across Northern Colorado, including rekeying outbuilding locks to match your house key. Call (970) 803-1100.