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How Secure are Metal Lockers?
How Secure are Metal Lockers?
If you’re researching the best methods of storing valuables in a school or office environment, it’s probably been suggested that metal lockers are the way to go. Lockers are neat, versatile, and don’t take up too much space. But just how secure are they?

The answer to this question is dependent on a number of different variables. The type of lock you use, the material the locker is made of, and even the surrounding environment are all factors that dictate the security of any storage system.

In order to maximise your storage security, it’s important that you understand these factors and use this knowledge to invest in the right brand of metal lockers. 

Type of lock

The first and arguably most important factor that informs locker security is the type of lock you use. These days, you tend to have a choice between a lock and key, a padlock, and a digital lock.

The advantage of using a lock and key system is that it’s near impossible to break into without the key. This can result in other issues, particularly in a school environment where students are prone to forgetting their keys.

Many schools opt instead to use padlocks. Padlocks are relatively secure, provided that students (or office workers) don’t share their personal codes. Without this code, it takes a lot of time and effort to break into a padlock protected locker.

The last option you have is a digital lock. In terms of security, these are very similar to combination locks with the added bonus of offering an override function in case of emergency. 

Material and durability

Metal lockers are, of course, made of metal. That doesn’t mean that all are created equal. When shopping for metal lockers, look for products that are fully welded. Ideally, your lockers will have triple-folded door and stile edges for added strength and security. A double-folded floor can also help promote durability. 

Check that the metal is powder coated. Powder coating is a dry finishing process that both protects materials from the external elements while also providing a clean, uniform appearance. Without powder coating, your lockers could easily degrade over time.

Placement

Finally, the last factor that influences security is the placement of your lockers. Keeping storage systems in a relatively open, accessible location will help protect everything that’s inside. 

This is another reason why many schools and offices prefer lockers over other types of organisational systems. They are relatively innocuous and neat, meaning they don’t take away from the overall ambiance of a room. If you have to have your storage in a central location, lockers are definitely the way to go.

There’s a reason why metal lockers are so popular — they really work. By picking the right type of lock, being smart about the location of the lockers, and ensuring the standard of manufacturing and quality of materials is high, you can be confident that your chosen storage system will protect all your important belongings for years to come.