Shipping containers are, without doubt, some of the strongest man-made objects that are built to remain impervious to the harshest weather elements. They are super-strong, waterproof, airtight, and rust-proof. But, leave a loaded container unlocked, and there is no promise of your cargo remaining intact. The same goes for shipping container homes. In fact, the conversion of an intermodal container into a home calls for more reasons to add locks. Container homes are likely to be customized with more than one doorway, window and balcony. This only pushes the necessity for a proper lock that will secure you, your family and your belongings.
So, what are the options for high-security container locks? How do container conversion companies in the UAE provide that additional blanket of security? Let’s take a look.
Six Best Locks To Protect Your Container Home From Theft
#1. Container Padlocks
Padlocks are the most fundamental and universally accepted standbys for securing hinged, sliding or rolling doors. Despite the endless variety and size of padlocks available, the reliability of these locks depends on the quality of the steel they are made from.
Container padlocks are a far cry from conventional padlocks, and they can be used only if the container has a lockbox. Designed in a U-shape, and made of hardened steel and fitted with a high-security cylinder. The U-shape of the lock is designed to fit into the padlock shackle that is sheltered within the lockbox, making this a formidable, tamper-proof locking system. While high-tech digital padlocks are flooding the market, there is nothing like a sturdy steel padlock that comes with a matching set of keys.
#2. Crossbar Locks
A crossbar lock provides an additional layer of security for a padlocked container. The crossbar is an extendable feature made of tubular steel. These locks are easy to install, as they can snugly fit onto the locking rod or handle on the container door. The key lock mechanism keeps the lock firmly in place, thus making the door tamper-proof. Gaining access to the interior of the container is almost impossible with crossbar locks in place.
#3. Hidden shackle padlocks
The hidden shackle padlock is any thief’s nightmare. The lock is armed with steel balls between the shackle and the body. This lock does not budge to any of the standard break-in tools like bolt cutters, lock picks and bump keys. However, your container or container home will require a bit of welding work to mount the matching hasps required for the hidden shackle lock. If your container is kept in an environment where security is unreliable, this lock is your best bet.
#4. Roll door container lockboxes
A rolling door is often an option to hinged double doors for cargo containers. Roll-doors require good maintenance to ensure that they work without getting stuck on their way up or down. There are lockboxes of different sizes and designs that are specifically manufactured for roll doors on containers. While some lockboxes come with the traditional hasps for padlocks, others are designed to lock the door automatically when it closes.
#5. Lockboxes
Lockboxes themselves aren’t locks. They are big steel boxes that provide a tamper-proof covering for padlocks and hidden shackle locks. Lockboxes deter thieves from accessing the padlock, thus providing a double layer of security for the container. Lockboxes have only one drawback: they can limit the size of the lock you want to use. But of course, customization is always an option if commercial lockboxes do not fulfil your criteria.
#6. Truck seals
Truck seals are the cheapest fixtures used for securing shipping containers. They are similar to plastic tags or zip ties and are mostly used to prevent container doors from opening unexpectedly. However, truck seals are also available in other models that are made of thicker metal bolts. Metal bolt seals come in two parts – the bolt and the lock. The bolt is made of iron or steel. When inserted into the locking mechanism, it snaps into place and secures the door.
Pointers To Help You Find The Best Lock For Your Container Homes In The UAE
It pays to invest in a proper container lock because it plays an important role in safeguarding your belongings, without which you could incur a heavy financial loss. Here are some factors that you ought to keep in mind if you are investing in a container lock:
- Double-check the dimensions of the lock shackle or hasps of your container, especially if you are installing a lockbox. There is absolutely no point in buying one that does not fit the hasps.
- A lock is meant to deter thieves from even thinking about breaking into your container homes. Hence, the more complex your locking mechanism is, the safer is your container.
- Some people secure their containers with more than a couple of locks, which is actually a simple but brilliant way to deter thieves who actually prefer easier targets.
- Always remember that an exposed padlock is an easy target for a well-equipped thief. A hidden shackle padlock is a better option but a lockbox is the best choice.
Other Options To Ensure The Safety Of Your Shipping Containers
If there is one thing that calls for the mandatory use of container locks, it is the insurance. Container owners are well aware of the importance of using locks to insure the cargo from theft and accidents. However, there are additional options to beef up the security in your container yard:
- Install a good perimeter fence with high-tech CCTV cameras at vantage points.
- Smart alarm systems like motion sensors and heat sensors will also be valuable investments.
- Hire a security agency or acquire guard dogs.
Find Your Guidance With Super Tech Industries, UAE
Super Tech Industries is a prominent name in the UAE, known for its repertoire in container conversion projects. Super Tech has played a major role in transforming the simple, intermodal container into innovative, customized avatars such as fancy eateries, retail stores, container homes and other prefabricated units. Visit our website to get a glimpse of our projects! Call us @ 971 56 56 56 335 for a detailed discussion!