How to Choose the Right Brinks Lock for the Job
A Complete Guide to Brinks Security Products
09/23/26
Choosing the right lock isn't just about buying the strongest option—it's about selecting the right type of security for what you're protecting.
Whether you're securing your front door, protecting valuable tools in a storage unit, locking up your bike, or traveling across the country, every situation calls for a different type of lock. Understanding the differences can help you make the right choice the first time.
Today, security extends far beyond your front door. Students protect everyday valuables, homeowners secure deliveries and outdoor gear, travelers safeguard luggage, and renters protect apartments and storage units. Choosing the right lock helps protect what keeps life and work moving.
For more than 165 years, Brinks has been a trusted name in security. That legacy is built on helping people protect what matters most with products designed for real life. This guide walks through the most common types of locks, explains when to use each one, and helps you find the best solution for your needs.
Start with One Question: What Are You Protecting?
The best lock depends on three factors:
- What you're securing
- How much security you need
- Where the lock will be used
A front door has different security requirements than a gym locker. A storage unit requires different protection than a suitcase. Choosing the right lock means matching the product to the application.
Which Lock Is Right for You?
Here's a quick guide.
Let's look at each category.
Padlocks: The Most Versatile Security Solution
Padlocks are the workhorses of security. They're portable, durable, and can be used almost anywhere.
Choose a padlock for:
- Gates
- Fences
- Storage units
- Toolboxes
- Outdoor equipment
- Trailers
- Utility cabinets
- Sheds
- Backpacks
- Luggage
Brinks offers several styles of padlocks, each designed for different environments and levels of protection.
Laminated Steel Padlocks
Best for: Everyday security with excellent strength.
Laminated steel padlocks are made by stacking steel plates together to create an incredibly strong lock body. They're one of the most popular choices because they combine durability, affordability, and weather resistance.
Choose a laminated steel padlock when securing:
- Storage sheds
- Outdoor gates
- Jobsite equipment
- Tool chests
- Utility trailers
- Garage cabinets
If you're looking for a dependable all-purpose outdoor lock, laminated steel is often the best place to start. Featured Brinks options include: 40 mm Laminated Steel Padlock, 162-40001.
Solid Body Padlocks
Best for: Maximum durability and resistance to attacks.
Solid body padlocks are constructed from a single piece of metal rather than layered steel. They're designed for high-security applications where resistance to cutting, drilling, and physical attacks is especially important. Featured Brinks options include: 1-9/16in (40mm) Wide Solid Brass Keyed Padlock with 2-1/2in Long Shackle Clearance 171-42401.
Ideal for:
- Commercial facilities
- Industrial gates
- Expensive equipment
- Contractor trailers
- Heavy-duty outdoor applications
Discus Locks
Best for: Storage units and applications where bolt cutters are a concern.
Discus locks feature a round design with very little exposed shackle. Because there's less metal available to grip with bolt cutters, they're significantly harder to attack than traditional padlocks.
Discus locks are especially popular for:
- Self-storage units
- Shipping containers
- Moving containers
- Commercial roll-up doors
- Warehouse storage
If you're renting a storage unit, a discus lock is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Featured Brinks options include: 3-1/8 in. (80 mm) Stainless Steel Discus 4-Dial Resettable Combination Padlock 173-80051.
Back-to-School Security
Students carry valuable electronics and personal belongings every day, making simple security solutions useful at school, the gym, and on campus.
- Backpacks
- A small combination lock can secure zipper pulls when backpacks are left in classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, or other shared spaces. Featured Brinks options include: 40mm 4-Dial Resettable Sports Padlock with Carabiner Clip, 175-40051.
- School & Gym Lockers
- Combination locks provide convenient, key-free security for school, athletic, and gym lockers. Featured Brinks options include: 1-9/16in (40mm) Wide Sports Resettable Combination Padlock 175-50054.
- College & Campus
- Students can also use keyed locks for permitted dorm or apartment applications and cable locks to secure bikes and other equipment.
Combination Locks
Best for: Situations where carrying a key isn't convenient.
Combination locks eliminate the need for keys while providing reliable everyday security.
Great applications include:
- School lockers
- Gym lockers
- Employee lockers
- Cabinets
- Personal storage
They're especially helpful when multiple people need access without worrying about lost keys. There are two types of combination locks; preset combination locks where the code can't be changed and resettable combination locks where you can reset the lock to your desired code. Featured Brinks options include: 1-9/16in (40mm) Wide Sports Resettable Combination Padlock 175-50054.
Cable Locks
Best for: Securing larger or oddly shaped items.
Cable locks combine flexibility with convenience. The steel cable can wrap around equipment that rigid padlocks simply can't.
Use cable locks for:
- Bicycles
- E-bikes
- Scooters
- Skateboards
- Backpacks during travel
- Lawn equipment
- Grills
- Patio furniture
- Coolers
- Ladders
- Generators
- Power equipment
Cable locks, including looped cable locks are also excellent as secondary security, helping secure multiple items together. Featured Brinks options include: Covered 6ft (1.8m) x 3/8in (10mm) Flexible Steel Cable Resettable Lock, 175-65804.
TSA Locks
Best for: Air travel.
TSA-approved luggage locks allow Transportation Security Administration officers to inspect your luggage without cutting your lock.
Choose TSA locks for:
- Checked luggage
- Carry-on bags
- Travel backpacks
- Laptop cases
- Camera equipment
They're a simple upgrade that protects your belongings while keeping travel hassle-free. Featured Brinks options include: 1-1/4in (32mm) Resettable Combination Luggage Padlock, 2-pack 165-25209.
Lockboxes
Best for: Securely sharing keys, access cards, fobs and small valuables.
Lockboxes provide secure storage while allowing convenient access for authorized users. Available in multiple sizes for single keys, key cards, fobs, or multiple items, lockboxes come in both portable shackle-style and wall-mounted designs. Options include resettable dial or push-button combinations, along with a variety of weather-resistant covers and protective features designed to help withstand rain, snow, dust, and other outdoor conditions.
Ideal for:
- Realtors managing property showings
- Property managers coordinating tenant and vendor access
- Vacation rental hosts and Airbnb properties
- Families sharing spare keys with trusted relatives or workers
- College students sharing access with roommates or parents
- Businesses controlling access to stores, studios, offices, equipment, and vehicles
- Contractors and service professionals providing secure access to jobsites, vacant properties, and work areas
Instead of hiding a spare key under a flowerpot, a lockbox provides a more secure way to share access. Featured Brinks options include: Slim Portable Resettable 4-Dial Combination Lock Box 175-80005.
Door Hardware: Protecting the Most Important Entry Point
Your front door is your home's first line of defense, making it one of the most important places to invest in quality security. Brinks offers a complete range of residential door hardware—from traditional keyed locks to electronic locks—so you can choose the level of convenience and security that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you're outfitting a new home, upgrading an entryway, or replacing aging hardware, understanding the differences between lock types makes choosing the right solution much easier.
Here's how to choose.
Deadbolts
Best for: Every exterior door.
A deadbolt is the foundation of home security. Unlike spring-latch locks, a deadbolt provides an extra layer of protection against forced entry.
Install deadbolts on:
- Front doors
- Back doors
- Garage entry doors
- Side entrances
For most homes, a quality deadbolt is the single most important security upgrade you can make. Featured Brinks options include: High Security Single Cylinder Deadbolt, 2817-119.
Handlesets
Best for: Main entrances where security and curb appeal matter.
Handlesets combine an attractive exterior handle with a deadbolt, creating a secure and welcoming front entry.
Choose a handleset when:
- Building a new home
- Replacing an aging front door lock
- Remodeling your entryway
- Improving curb appeal
Most homeowners pair a handleset with a high-quality deadbolt for maximum protection. Featured Brinks options include: Contemporary Keyed Entry Door Handleset with Flat Lever and Deadbolt, Satin Nickel E2445-119.
Electronic Keypad Locks
Best for: Homes that want keyless convenience without requiring internet connectivity.
Electronic keypad locks replace traditional keys with a programmable PIN code. Unlike smart locks, they operate independently and do not require a Wi-Fi connection or cloud service.
Electronic keypad locks are a great choice for homeowners who want:
- Key-free access
- Temporary PIN codes for family or guests
- No worries about lost keys
- Simple installation
- Reliable battery-powered operation
They're ideal for:
- Primary residences
- Garage entry doors
- Vacation homes
- Rental properties
- Home offices
If you want the convenience of a keypad without connecting your lock to the internet, an electronic keypad lock is an excellent solution. Featured Brinks options include: Electronic Fingerprint/Keypad Deadbolt with PRO-GUARD™, Transitional Styling, 4392-119.
Keyed Entry Locks
Best for: Exterior doors requiring keyed access.
These locks include a keyed cylinder on the outside with an interior turn button or thumb turn. Many homeowners prefer the convenience of carrying just one key instead of a separate key for every exterior door. Brinks offers keyed alike door hardware options, allowing multiple locks—such as your front, back, and side entry doors—to operate with the same key. It's a simple upgrade that makes everyday access easier while maintaining the security your home deserves.
Common applications include:
- Side doors
- Garage entry doors
- Mudroom entrances
- Basement doors
These locks work alongside a deadbolt to create a complete entry door security system. Featured Brinks options include: Keyed Entry Mushroom Knob, Matte Black 2803-122.
Privacy Locks
Best for: Interior rooms where privacy matters.
Privacy locks feature interior locking without a key.
Choose privacy locks for:
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Home offices
They provide personal privacy while allowing emergency access when needed. Featured Brinks options include: Keyed Entry Mushroom Knob, Satin Nickel 2812-119.
Passage Locks
Best for: Interior doors that don't need to lock.
Passage locks operate freely from both sides and never lock.
Perfect for:
- Hallways
- Closets
- Laundry rooms
- Pantries
- Children's playrooms
- Children's bedrooms
They offer convenience without unnecessary locking. Featured Brinks options include: Wave Lever with PRO-GUARD™ 2766-122.
Knob or Lever: Which Should You Choose?
Both styles provide dependable security, but they offer different advantages.
Choose a Doorknob if:
- You prefer a traditional appearance.
- You're updating an older home
- You want a classic, timeless design.
Choose a Door Lever if:
- You want easier operation with full hands.
- You're carrying groceries or children.
- Accessibility is a priority.
- You're designing a modern home.
Levers are often easier for children, older adults, and anyone with limited hand strength, making them an increasingly popular choice throughout the home.
Door & Window Security Bars
Best for: Adding another layer of protection against forced entry.
Security bars provide reinforcement beyond the lock itself. Use security bars to reinforce sliding doors, hinged doors, and windows for added protection against forced entry.
They're ideal for:
- Sliding glass doors
- Apartment doors
- Dorm rooms
- Vacation homes
- Windows
- Ground-floor entrances
These adjustable bars help resist forced entry without requiring permanent installation, making them a popular solution for both homeowners and renters. Featured Brinks options include: Adjustable Folding Door Security Bar, 675-83005.
Build Security in Layers
The strongest security plans rarely rely on a single product.
For example:
- A storage shed might use a laminated steel padlock plus a security cable for valuable equipment.
- A front door is best protected with both a deadbolt and a keyed entry handleset.
- A rental property can combine secure door hardware with a lockbox for controlled guest access.
- A sliding patio door gains additional protection with a security bar alongside quality locks.
- A college student might use a combination lock on their backpack, a cable lock for their bike, and a security bar on their apartment door to create multiple layers of protection throughout the day.
Layering products creates multiple obstacles that help deter theft and unauthorized entry.
Protect What Matters Most
Every lock serves a purpose, and choosing the right one helps ensure your home, family, business, and belongings stay protected.
Whether you're sending your child back to school with a Chromebook, moving into your first college apartment, protecting tools at a jobsite, securing a storage unit, or upgrading your home's front entry, choosing the right lock provides confidence every day.
For more than 165 years, Brinks has helped people protect what matters most. From backpacks and bikes to front doors and businesses, Brinks security solutions are designed to keep life's most important possessions safe—wherever life takes you.