Hardware stores carry cylinder locks in stock, and online retailers ship them within days
A cylinder lock — the padlock type that uses a key instead of a combination — is sold at every major hardware chain, most big-box retailers, and dozens of online shops. Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware stock them in their padlock aisles. Amazon, eBay, and Walmart online carry dozens of brands and sizes. Local locksmiths can order them or sell you one from inventory. The choice comes down to whether you need it today, whether you want to see it in person, and how much you are willing to spend.
Storage unit facilities sometimes sell locks on-site or recommend a specific brand, usually because that lock fits their gate mechanism or because they have a business relationship with the supplier. Ask your facility manager before you buy elsewhere — some places require locks that meet certain standards, and a few prohibit outside locks entirely. If your facility allows your own lock, you have full freedom to choose where you purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, and Walmart sell cylinder padlocks in-store and online, with prices ranging from under $10 to $50 depending on material and brand.
- Amazon and eBay offer the widest selection of brands and styles, but you will wait two to seven days for delivery unless you pay for expedited shipping.
- Local locksmiths can sell you a lock when ready and may offer rekeying or master key options if you need multiple units secured with the same key.
- Check with your storage facility first — some require locks that meet specific standards or prohibit outside locks, and a few sell locks on-site at a markup.
- Stainless steel and hardened steel locks cost more but resist rust and cutting tools better than brass or plated steel, which matters in damp climates or high-theft areas.
Home Improvement Chains: Same-Day Pickup or In-Store Purchase
Home Depot and Lowe's stock cylinder padlocks year-round in their hardware sections, usually near the hinges and hasps. You can walk in, pick one off the shelf, and leave within minutes. Both stores carry multiple brands — Master Lock, Brinks, and store brands are common — and prices typically start around $8 for a basic brass lock and go up to $40 for heavy-duty stainless steel. You can also order online and pick up the same day at most locations, which is useful if your local store is out of stock.
Ace Hardware, a chain of independently owned stores, stocks cylinder locks but selection varies by location. Call ahead or check their website to see what your nearest Ace has in stock. Prices are often slightly higher than the big chains, but Ace staff tend to know more about lock specifications and can answer questions about which lock fits your storage unit's gate or hasp.
Walmart carries a smaller selection than Home Depot or Lowe's, usually limited to Master Lock and a house brand. Prices are competitive, and you can order online for in-store pickup or home delivery. If you are already shopping at Walmart, this is the fastest route.
Online Retailers: Wider Selection, Longer Wait
Amazon stocks hundreds of cylinder padlock models, from basic $5 brass locks to $60 commercial-grade stainless steel. You can read customer reviews, compare dimensions and materials side by side, and see photos of the lock on different hasp types. Standard shipping takes five to seven days; two-day or next-day shipping costs extra. If you know exactly what you want and do not need it when ready, Amazon often has the lowest price.
eBay has a similar range, with both new and used locks available. Prices can be lower than Amazon, but shipping times vary by seller — some offer next-day delivery, others take two weeks. Read the seller's shipping policy and feedback score before you buy.
Walmart.com ships cylinder locks to your home, usually within three to five days for standard delivery. Prices match or beat in-store prices, and you can return to a store if the lock does not fit your hasp.
Local Locksmiths: when ready Purchase and Custom Options
A locksmith shop can sell you a cylinder lock the same day, often within an hour. They stock multiple brands and can advise you on which lock works best with your storage unit's hasp or gate mechanism. If you need a lock rekeyed — changed so an old key no longer works — a locksmith can do that on the spot, usually for $10 to $20 per lock.
Locksmiths also offer master key options: they can rekey multiple locks so one key opens all of them. This is useful if you rent several units or if you want a backup key system. The cost is higher than buying a standard lock, but it saves time if you manage multiple units.
Find a locksmith by searching "locksmith near me" or asking your storage facility for a recommendation. Call first to confirm they have cylinder locks in stock and what brands they carry.
Material and Price: What Affects Cost and Durability
Cylinder padlocks are made from brass, plated steel, hardened steel, or stainless steel. Brass is the cheapest ($5 to $12) but rusts quickly in damp climates and is straightforward to cut with bolt cutters. Plated steel costs $8 to $18 and resists rust better than brass but still cuts easily. Hardened steel ($15 to $35) is much harder to cut and lasts longer in wet conditions. Stainless steel ($25 to $60) is the most durable and resists rust and corrosion best, making it the best choice for outdoor or damp storage units.
The lock's shackle — the U-shaped metal loop — also matters. A thicker shackle resists cutting better. Most storage unit locks have a shackle between 5/32 and 3/8 inch thick; thicker is better but heavier. If your storage unit is in a high-theft area or outdoors, spend the extra money on hardened steel or stainless steel with a thick shackle.
Checking Your Storage Facility's Lock Requirements
Before you buy, contact your storage facility and ask whether they allow outside locks or require a specific type. Some facilities provide a lock as part of the rental, and you are not allowed to replace it. Others require locks that fit a specific gate mechanism or that meet a certain security standard. A few facilities sell locks on-site, usually at a higher price than you would pay elsewhere, but they may provide compatibility.
Ask your facility manager three questions: Do you allow outside locks? Does the lock need to fit a specific hasp or gate? Are there any brands or materials you recommend or prohibit? Write down the answers so you can match them when you shop.
Comparing Price and Convenience
If you need a lock today, go to Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, or Walmart. Prices are similar across all four, usually $10 to $30 for a decent lock. If you have a few days and want the widest selection and lowest price, order from Amazon or eBay. If you need a lock rekeyed or want information on which lock fits your specific hasp, visit a local locksmith. If your storage facility sells locks on-site, buy from them only if you are in a hurry — you will pay more, but you know it fits.
For most people, Home Depot or Lowe's is the fastest and cheapest option. You can see the lock before you buy, pick the material and size that fits your hasp, and leave with it in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any cylinder lock on my storage unit, or does it have to match the hasp?
The lock must fit your storage unit's hasp — the metal loop bolted to the door or gate. Measure the diameter of the hasp opening and match it to the lock's shackle diameter. Most storage unit hasps are 5/16 inch, which fits most standard padlocks. If your hasp is unusual, bring a photo or the hasp itself to the hardware store and ask a staff member to match it.
What is the difference between a cylinder lock and a combination lock?
A cylinder lock uses a key to open; a combination lock uses a numeric code. Cylinder locks are faster to open if you have the key, but you can lose the key. Combination locks do not require a key, but they are slower to open and easier to forget the code. For storage units, either works — choose based on whether you prefer carrying a key or remembering a code.
How much should I spend on a storage unit lock?
A basic lock costs $8 to $15 and works fine for most storage units. If your unit is outdoors, in a damp climate, or in a high-theft area, spend $25 to $50 on a hardened steel or stainless steel lock with a thick shackle. The extra cost buys durability and resistance to rust and cutting tools.
Do I need to tell my storage facility which lock I bought?
Most facilities do not require notification, but some ask you to register the lock brand and key number in case they need to cut it off during an emergency. Ask your facility manager when you rent the unit or when you install the lock.
Can a locksmith open my cylinder lock if I lose the key?
Yes. A locksmith can pick or drill out a cylinder lock and either rekey it or replace it. The cost is usually $30 to $75 depending on the lock type and the locksmith's rates. Keep your key in a safe place — losing it means paying to have the lock opened and replaced.