Guide · New
Multi-Site Lock Rollout: Phasing, Delivery and Handover
A specification says what to buy; a rollout decides when each site gets it. Phase dates, per-site delivery, handover packs and version control.
Knowledge base
Self-storage lock buying guides and notes
24 practical guides for the people who specify, order and install self-storage hardware — from choosing a lock type to planning a multi-site key system.
Recently added2 guides
Published in the last update cycle.
Guide · New
Compliance Documents for a US Self-Storage Project
What a US specification usually names, who is entitled to issue each document, and what a supplier outside the United States can and cannot provide.
Choosing the right hardware5 guides
Guide
Disc Lock or Cylinder Lock? Choosing by Door Type
How unit doors, corridor doors and roll-up doors each change the hardware decision.
Guide
SS201 or SS304 for Outdoor Storage Units?
Corrosion behaviour in exposed and coastal sites, and how to specify it.
Guide
How to Measure a Storage Cylinder Lock (17 mm vs 19 mm)
Identify 17 mm vs 19 mm, and what to photograph for an accurate quote.
Guide
Combination or Keyed Padlock for Storage Units?
How each option changes key management, onboarding and staff workload.
Guide
Shrouded vs Standard Padlocks: The Exposed Shackle
How a shrouded body changes attack resistance, and what it does not fix.
Planning a facility6 guides
Guide
Planning a Storage Key System Before You Order Locks
Keyed alike, keyed different and manager keys — the five answers we ask for.
Guide
How Many Locks Does a Self Storage Facility Need?
Unit count, spare ratio, manager keys and replacement stock in one framework.
Guide
Master Key Hierarchy: Designing Multi-Site Access
Tenant, group, site, regional and group keys — and what must be decided first.
Guide
Standardising Locks Across Multiple Sites
Writing a lock specification that survives staff changes and re-orders.
Guide
Overlock vs Lockout: Which Hardware for Vacant Units
How each works, how to choose, and why fit is verified on a sample door.
Guide
Multi-Site Lock Rollout: Phasing, Delivery and Handover
How a rollout differs from a specification: phase dates, per-site delivery and handover packs.
Running the site day to day4 guides
Guide
What to Do When a Tenant Loses a Storage Key
Rekey, replace or accept the exposure — cost and risk of each option.
Guide
Replacing Cylinders Without Changing Every Tenant's Key
Keeping the existing key working, and when a full rekey is unavoidable.
Guide
Securing Vacant Units: A Facility Checklist
Hardware, inspection routine, record keeping and shift handover.
Guide
Fixing a Roll-Up Door That Won't Stay Latched
Four checks in order, so you replace the right part the first time.
Buying and comparing4 guides
Guide
How to Evaluate a Self Storage Lock Supplier: 9 Questions
Nine questions that separate a manufacturer from a trader.
Guide
Landed Cost: EXW vs FOB vs CIF vs DDP for Storage Hardware
What each term covers, what it hides, and how to compare on landed cost.
Guide
Sample Evaluation Checklist Before a Bulk Order
Dimensions, keying, finish, function, packaging and documentation.
Guide
MOQ and How to Phase a First Self Storage Order
Phasing by model, validating with samples, and what to do below the threshold.
Compliance and site types5 guides
Guide
ISO, CE and RoHS vs US Standards: What Actually Applies
What each certification does and does not mean for a US project.
Guide
Salt Spray Testing: What It Does and Does Not Tell You
Why hours are not a service life, and what to ask about a report.
Guide
Converting a Building to Self Storage: Hardware Checklist
Door survey, locking points, key plan, overlocks, spares and phasing.
Guide
Climate-Controlled vs Drive-Up Units: How the Spec Changes
Corrosion exposure, door types, lock access and key management by unit type.
Guide
Compliance Documents for a US Self-Storage Project
What a US specification names, who can issue each document, and what we cannot provide.
Reference tables
The parameters buyers ask about most often, in one place.
| Decision | Option A | Option B | How to choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock type | Disc padlock (hasp door) | Cylinder lock (cam / mortise door) | Look at the door preparation, not the product photo. |
| Material | SS201 | SS304 | Indoor and covered → SS201. Exposed and coastal → SS304. |
| Keying | Keyed alike | Keyed different | Groups under one operator → alike. Maximum tenant separation → different. |
| Access | Keyed | Combination | Facility issues locks → keyed. No key management → combination. |
| Fit confirmation | Drawing | Physical sample | Use the sample. It is the only method that catches a 1 mm hole offset. |
Project experience
How we have supported facility and door-manufacturer projects. Customer names and volumes are shared under NDA, so this page describes the work rather than naming clients.