Selecting the Right Locker Lock

Mike Cioffi, the brand manager at Zephyr Lock, shares what to consider when choosing the right locker lock for your facility.

What is the right lock for your locker room setting? Key lock, padlock, built-in combination, mechanical, electronic, electronic/RFID, or network-based solution?

There are lots of options when it comes to selecting the right lock for your facility. All of these lock types offer a wide range of feature sets to suit your needs. How sophisticated you want to get depends on a number of factors including things like price, number of lockers, aesthetics of the facility, day use versus permanent lockers, and available staff to manage locks.

Here are some points to consider when choosing the right locker lock for your facility:

Key Lock

Pros

Simple to use.
Very economical.

Cons

Intended for metal lockers only.
Keys are small and easy to lose.
Not a theft deterrent.
Forgotten/lost keys need maintenance.
Waiting for replacement keys may render a locker unusable.

In general, the more locker doors you have, the likelihood of a lost key grows. If your budget is on the lower side, then make sure a master key is available and check the prices of replacement keys.

Padlock or Built-In Combination Lock

Pros

Ease of use as most are familiar with a simple, combination-style lock.
User is likely responsible for the lock and/or stolen keys which reduces the liability of the facility owner.
Padlocks can be sold by the business to offset the initial cost and potentially create a revenue stream.

Cons

Need to keep bolt cutters on site in case of a lost combination or key.
Users can leave locks on, resulting in hijacked lockers.
Not the best look to your locker room. A bank of lockers with different types of padlocks doesn’t have the best aesthetic.

Padlocks are an inexpensive option as they minimize the cost of replacement keys. However, they still require some staffing support should users forget combinations or lose their keys.

Mechanical Lock

Pros

No batteries required as opposed to electronic locks.
No keys required, although good mechanical locks have an override key access in the case of a forgotten code or emergency.
Locks allow for shared/day use to help maximize the efficiency of the locker room.
Users enter their own self-selected code reducing the likelihood of forgotten codes/combinations.
Can be mounted on a wide assortment of locker types.

Cons

Can cause an issue in scenarios where no staff is available if self-selected code or locker location is forgotten.
Users can potentially see the code of an open locker while it is in use.

Mechanical locks add a step up in terms of security and functionality for your users. Facilities with more than 30 or so lockers would generally consider mechanical locks.

Electronic/Digital Lock

Pros

Eliminates the need for keys and makes for a more user-friendly experience.
Allows flexibility for shared/day use and/or permanent use.
Aesthetics are very clean and professional looking.
Can be mounted on a wide assortment of locker types.

Cons

Batteries do need to be changed over time, but overall maintenance is low.
The more functionality you add the higher the price point, so figure out your budget before adding all the bells and whistles.

Electronic locks are a nice addition to your locker room setting. Shop around to find the solution that serves both functionality, cost and aesthetics.

RFID Lock

Pros

Many locks have RFID card functionality, eliminating the need for users to remember a code.
Firmware is standardized and can potentially integrate with existing user cards already being use.
Many added features such as audit trail, time-based operations and networkable systems help reduce theft and allow staff to manage large volumes of lockers at one time.

Cons