Is your outdoor storage as secure as it could be? Your garden shed can be a tempting target for thieves, especially if you've taken no visible security precautions. "Many people don't secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their homes - often using an easy-to-break lock or padlock to protect valuable contents such as a car, bike, or lawnmower," warns the Metropolitan Police.
It's well worth considering investing a small amount in a high-quality locking solution for your garden shed, whether it's a traditional wooden version or a modern plastic shed. The Met offers further food for thought: "An opportunistic burglar will try a shed or garage first because they can find the tools they need to break into the main house." Don't let your shed be a thief's first point of call by ensuring it's locked down at all times.
Best shed locks at a glance:
The top five most common items stolen from sheds are bikes, lawn mowers, sports equipment, power tools, and garden tools. If that reads like an inventory of your shed's contents, then you really need to think about getting that outbuilding properly secure. Rather than just padlocks, we're taking a look at standalone comprehensive door lock solutions that offer robust 24/7 protection for your shed.
Best shed locks 2025
Best overall shed lock
Concise Designed for wooden sheds and gates, Concise Home's higher-security six-pin lock offers a bolt-throw double-locking action. The 1.8cm steel bolt secures your shed door, locks into place, and makes the whole unit clearly visible, offering a deterrent to anyone scoping out your back garden.
The lock cylinder is made of copper, while the screws provided are galvanised, making them durable and long-lasting. We like that this lock is supplied with five keys, which is great for families who need to access the shed at different times and something reviewers appreciate.
Pros
- Available in two sizes to suit your shed door's dimensions
- Comes complete with five keys for different household members
Cons
- You'll need to drill a precise 26mm hole to fit this lock
Best combination shed lock
Sterling If you're looking for a long-term shed door lock solution, consider Sterling's combination locking bolt. We're describing this as a long-lasting option as the lock has a corrosion-resistant zinc die-cast body, which should survive all kinds of weather for years. Also, once the anti-tamper screws are in place, this lock will be near impossible to remove.
The four digits of this door lock provide you with 10,000 different possible combinations, so it will be hard for anyone fiddling with this fixture to stumble across the correct combination.
Pros
- This lock has a corrosion-resistant zinc die cast body
- Supplied with special anti-tamper security screws
Cons
- You can't remove this lock once the anti-tamper screws are fitted
Best traditional shed lock
XfortThis surface-mounted sashlock is suitable for all kinds of gates, sheds, and other outbuildings. It's a traditional-looking solution that comes supplied with two large keys, making them harder to lose. This lock is a universal solution that's suitable for left or right-handed doors.
The body of the lock has a brass body that's been given a black powder coating to help protect it against the elements. Not included with the lock, there is also an option to add a standard-size door knob at one end of the lock, which is handy if you open and close your shed door often and just want to use the integrated latch rather than the full lock.
Pros
- Attractive, traditional looks for a subtle lock solution
- Reversible design means it can be used on left or right handed doors
Cons
- This lock is only supplied with two keys
Best budget shed lock
MIVITOOM We're describing this MIVITOOM bolt lock as the budget-friendly and simple choice as it's very affordable, there are only three digits to memorise, and it offers an easy-to-turn rotating mechanism to open and close the lock. Those three digits still have a potential 1,000 combinations, so it remains a secure option for everyday use.
Measuring in at 52mm by 42cm, this is a relatively compact option that reviewers suggest is better suited to smaller sheds. It's made from steel that's been given a rust-resistant finish, making it weatherproof for use outdoors. This lock comes complete with the six installation screws you need to fit it to your shed's door frame.
Pros
- This lock is made from steel with a weatherproof finish
- Small-scale design for a discreet door lock solution
Cons
- This lock does offer anti-tamper screws
Best hask and staple shed lock
ADERTOS An Amazon 'Best Seller' in its category, the ADERTOS door lock is a traditional hasp and staple design, but instead of a gap for a padlock, there's an integrated lock that can be opened with one of the two bundled keys. Reviewers share that it is quick to close - you simply turn the latch 90 degrees, and it automatically locks.
This lock is made from a high-quality zinc alloy with a corrosion-resistant finish. It is available in three different sizes and four different finishes: black, silver, vintage bronze, and red bronze.
Pros
- This lock is available in four different metallic finishes
- A classic hasp and staple design that will suit all sheds
Cons
- The lock's hinge will require oiling over time
Best upright shed lock
Squire Depending on the style of your shed door, an upright lock may better suit your needs. There's no reason you couldn't mount any combination lock in an upright position, but this Squire's lock's number dials are positioned in an ergonomic way, with the number facing outwards at the correct angle for vertical use.
This lock is made from solid die-cast alloy steel with a chrome finish plating. The supplied screws offer additional security thanks to their anti-tamper design, something that gives security-conscious users peace of mind. Unusually, it comes in a dark navy blue in addition to a more standard chrome finish.
Pros
- This lock comes with six anti-tamper screws
- Squire offers a 10 year guarantee for this product
Cons
- Reviewers report needing to lubricate the dials regularly
Best compact shed lock
Litensh This small-scale solution from Litensh is another hasp and staple-style lock that's ideal for smaller shed doors. This 90-degree lock can be installed on the right or left side of your shed or outbuilding door, creating a compact and modern security solution for your outdoor storage space.
It is made of zinc alloy with a smart polished and brushed chrome coating. In addition to the 2.5-inch version we're highlighting, it also comes in 3 and 4-inch options. This lock is supplied with two small keys. Reviewers praise its easy installation.
Pros
- This can be installed on the left or right side to suit your needs
- A compact lock that's reported to be easy to install
Cons
- The lock's keys are very small
How we chose the best shed locks
All of these shed locks have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the type, locking style, and effectiveness in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of shed locks to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
Frequently asked questions about shed locks
Is a key lock or a combination lock best?
It's a matter of personal preference and knowing what will suit you best. Unlike a key, you can't lose a combination code (although you can forget it) and it's a handy solution if you need to allow for shared access to your shed. If you're not confident you'll remember a code, then stick to a traditional key lock. You do have to consider a key-based lock is only secure if you're in possession of the key - lose your keyring and you run the risk of someone else getting hold of it or even being unable to unlock your shed.
How do I choose a four-digit combination lock code?
The traditional advice when creating a four-digit code has always been to not start the code with '19' as so many people use a birth or memorable year as their PIN or code, so using a year starting 19 gives your thief a two-digit advantage. Nowadays that advice should be extended to encompass '20' as well. The basic advice is; use four different numbers, not in numerical order, and make the numbers as random as possible.
What else can I do to secure my shed?
The best way to secure your shed is to look at your structure the way a thief would and consider any weak points. Windows are an obvious potential entry point, so you may want to consider window locks or fitting security bars. Loose hinges are also a danger point - there's no point fitting a door lock if it's hanging off its hinges. Good lighting can put off burglars, so think about arranging your garden lighting so it illuminates your shed, or invest in a motion-sensitive security light. Finally, if you want to go all out, shed alarms can provide you with a belt-and-braces shed security system.
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Amy-Mae Turner is a Commerce Content Writer for Modern Gardens, Yours, Take A Break Pets, and A Modern Kitchen. When she's not pottering in the garden or mucking around in the kitchen, she can be found having doggy cuddles with her two beloved cockapoochis.