Best Combination Lock

You head downstairs to the laundry room of your condo or apartment. You’re lugging your detergent, your laundry basket, and your dirty clothes. But whoops! You forgot your keys. Clean clothes are great, but getting back into your condo is far better. Attach a combination lock to your storage unit, and now you have a backup plan.

Just make sure it’s the best combination lock for your needs. If it’s a key lock and you lost your keys, that won’t work. A numeric or alphabetic lock would be better.

Maybe you don’t live in a shared unit at all and need small combo locks for your dog walker or a temporary guest. Finding the best combination padlock could save you a lot of time for unnecessary meetups to trade keys.

Or, if you just want a backup lock without the lockout risks, consider the most secure combination padlock for your home. In the 15 suggested options below, hopefully you can find the best lock for your needs.

Top-Rated Combination Locks

1. Iron Lock – Combination Key Lock Box

While there are plenty of options for a locker lock, this heavy-duty combination lock shouldn’t be underutilized on a gym locker. Use this portable lock on your gate to keep track of up to five spare keys.

Key Features

• Portable and/or wall-mounted options
• 4-Digit combination lockbox
• A/B switch with resettable code

Included inside the zinc alloy box are four screws and four expendable screw anchors to mount this lock against your storage unit wall or another secure place for lockout emergencies.

You can even hang it on your own doorknob to as an emergency option if you get locked out of your own unit and a neighbor can buzz you into the building.

Pros

• Resistant against water, sand and salt erosion
• Anti-rust

Cons

• Sliding door may still stick in a cold-weather climate
• Rain can often drip inside of the compartment area; may need to be wiped out

This lock is covered by a lifetime warranty for its original purchase date.

2. MOFUT Key Lock Box with 4-Digit Combination

While doormats and flower pots are the go-to’s for lockouts, they’re also the first place that thieves look. This MOFUT key lock provides a secure workaround for contractors and other trusted visitors to enter your home while you’re away.

Key Features

• High-strength zinc alloy and solid steel
• Removable rubber cover
• Four-digit combination

The mounting hardware for this combination lock comes with the package. It includes four screws and four nylon expansion dowels to mount the lock on a solid surface. Store multiple regular-sized keys, large keys and/or access keys, as needed.

Pros

• Resists crushing, sawing and prying
• Protected from dust, rust, sunlight, rain, snow

Cons

• Will require entering code to open and close
• No extra way to open the key box if code is forgotten

3. Master Lock ProSeries Zinc Die-Cast Combination Padlock

While combination locks can be placed almost anywhere (doors, gates, bars, etc.), be careful of making the lock accessible. For example, because the lock is located on the bottom, avoid putting it near the bottom of your parking lot gate. If your car is parked in front of the gate, anyone trying to open the lock will have to lean on your car to get to it.

Key Features

• 25-inch wide master lock
• Resettable four-digit combination lock
• Die-cast zinc material

While the heavy-duty shank area may be larger than a traditional padlock loop, it can easily lock around most gates and open-area spots with more flexibility.

Pros

• Combination lock in bottom area makes rain and water less likely to freeze/stick on it
• Cover protects combination lock from dirt, dust and sand

Cons

• Must be shipped separately from other items
• Not ideal for low-hanging gates

4. Desired Tools Padlock Combination Lock

Maybe you’re looking for the best lock for gym locker options. This one is easy to attach to a school, gym or employee lockers.

Key Features

• Available in five colors (black, blue, green, red, silver)
• Resettable combination option
• Four-digit combination

Unlike the lock options above, this is not meant to store anything inside. However, it can be the best gym lock to keep your items secure inside. Just follow the pin instructions to set the code and lock as needed. Make sure numbers are properly aligned in order to re-open.

Pros

• Weatherproof zinc alloy helps guard against cold and wet weather
• Lightweight (5 ounces)

Cons

• May not open if even one number is not properly aligned
• One reviewer reported it was too easy to break into by either putting pressure on the shackle or the wheel underneath

This lock is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and manufacturer warranty.

5. Master Lock 1535DWD Word Combination Padlock

If you’re not someone who is great with remembering number codes, a word-combination padlock may be a much better option for your needs.

Key Features

• Available in four colors (pink, black, light blue, blue)
• Hardened steel shackle
• Metal body

This indoor padlock has a 1.5-inch wide body that can be used to secure your personal belongings. It may be easier to navigate if/when locked in a free-standing area to maneuver the letters. Make sure it is in an area that can be unlocked without excessive difficulty.

Pros

• Anti-shim locking mechanism for extra security
• Easy to reset with a coin on the bottom of the lock

Cons

• Locker color randomly selected at time of shipment
• Only a select number of alphabets are available for each of the four dials

This product is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

6. Master Lock Brass Padlock ProSeries Set

This ProSeries four-digit combination lock has large ergonomic numbers to make it easier to both set and operate the product.

Key Features

• Brass color
• 25 inches wide
• Designed for commercial and industrial applications

If you’ve ever had trouble opening locks with small numbers in low-light or nighttime locations, the larger ergonomic numbers should make it much easier. The shackle seal and dial dust cover protects internal components and dials.

Pros

• No reset tools required
• Corrosion-resistant

Cons

• No reset tool required (may be a con for those who want to make it more difficult)
• Several users said lock jammed in a month or less

This lock is covered by a lifetime guarantee.

7. Master Lock 653D Locker Set

This inner padlock can be used as basic protection for a school and/or gym locker.

Key Features

• Available in four colors (red, blue, yellow, orange)
• Four-digit combination lock
• Metal body and hardened steel shackle

This two-inch lock does not require a combination change tool in order to reset it. It also offers extra resistance to sawing and cutting.

Pros

• Non-slip grip for easy handline
• Bright color to easily identify the lock from afar

Cons

• Locker color randomly selected at time of shipment
• Several one-star reviews complained that the lock was easily broken and belongings were stolen

This lock is covered by a limited warranty.

8. Locker Combination Padlock

There’s nothing wrong with the usual suspects. This three-digit combination lock can secure your belongings in a pinch. If you’re not great with alphabetic codes and/or don’t want to deal with numeric combination locks that may freeze, this keyless option works.

Key Features

• Three-digit combination
• Available in four colors (green, purple, red, blue)
• Metal body, stainless steel cover

This lock, with a hardened steel shackle, features technology specifically designed to protect the latch assembly. There will be no target for the shim tool to hit, which makes the lock more difficult to break.

Pros

• Anti-shim locking mechanism
• Bright colors to easily identify the lock

Cons

• Locker color randomly selected at time of shipment
• Beware of lock around children under the age of three; small parts included

This lock is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

9. DELSWIN Combination Disc Padlock

If you’re looking for a combination lock for your storage units, sheds or truck containers, this is it.

Key Features

• Hardened steel shackle silver lock
• Four-digit combination disc padlock
• Safety circular design

This stainless steel construction is both sturdy and secure. This keyless, heavy-duty lock is easy to reset with a wide application.

Pros

• Anti-corrosion
• Anti-freeze

Cons

• More difficult for cutters to cut through hardened deadbolt
• A few users said the lock material was sharp enough to cut their fingers; operate with care

10. Anvil Combination Padlocks

This TSA-approved combination lock can be used for everything from computer bags, backpacks, suitcases, zippers, carry-on luggage and more.

Key Features

• Hardened zinc alloy
• Four-digit combination
• Steel shackle

With a simple twist and pull of the shackle, you can set your combination in less than 20 seconds.

Pros

• White on black easy-to-read dials
• Steel goes through a hardening and tempering process to boost durability

Cons

• No reset code on locks
• Several users either didn’t receive instructions or could not figure out how to operate the lock

This lock is covered by a comprehensive lifetime warranty, which covers damage by the TSA and baggage handlers.

11. Refrigerator Combination Padlock

There are countless reasons to use a combination lock on your refrigerator, including avoiding late-night snacking, to protect medication, to avoid risks of unauthorized alcohol and even to avoid housesitters overeating your food.

Key Features

• Available in two colors (black, silver)
• Master Lock combination lock included
• Uses the strongest 3M VHB tape available

Combination locks aren’t just for gym lockers or school. Enjoy the extra security for your fridge. And even if you decide you don’t like the idea of a locked fridge, you can always use the Master Lock for something else. Keep in mind that the plate are permanent if properly installed. (Try tape or glue instead if you’re an apartment renter to avoid your landlord charging you for this attachment.)

Pros

• No drilling required
• Strongest 3M VHB tape available

Cons

• Plates are permanent and not removable
• Adhesive may leave slight damage if removed

This refrigerator door lock is covered by a full one-year guarantee, with the option of a replacement or a refund, including shipping costs.

12. Commercial Marine Combination Lock

If you need a lock that works for damp environments such as basements or salt-air marine environments, this is the kind of lock you should be looking for.

Key Features

• Die-cast zinc
• Boron steel shackle
• 316 stainless steel locking bar

This resettable lock includes a four-digit numeric combination. The UV resistant case and soft-touch weather cover is ready for harsh, damp conditions. The main housing unit also has an eye-catching powder coat finish.

Pros

• Cut and pry resistant
• Rust and corrosion resistant

Cons

• One user found out the hard way that her lock was not tamper-proof, specifically when reset key is used
• Lock would work and then not work after several uses, according to some reviewers

This lock is covered by a lifetime warranty.

13. Master Letter Combination Lock

This alpha-combination padlock is best used for residential gates, fences, sheds, workshops, garages and storage lockers.

Key Features

• Four-dial letter combination
• Combination change tool included
• Colors imprinted into lock, painted black

This resettable, keyless lock has a solid body to make it difficult for lock cutters. While the letters are not in alphabetical order, this may be considered as much of a pro as it is a con. This means it would be that much more trouble for a thief to try to figure out the combination word.

Pros

• Weather-resistant
• Cut resistance

Cons

• All letters may not be available on each dial
• Letters are not in alphabetical order

This lock is covered by a limited warranty.

14. Kidde AccessPoint KeySafe

If you have a latch-key kid who is notorious for losing keys, this push-button combination lock may be a better option. That is, assuming your kid will remember the numeric combination and be able to operate it.

Key Features

• Available in three colors (clay, gray, white)
• Holds up to two keys
• Push buttons

Shipped in “certified frustration-free packaging,” this lock can be used indoors or outdoors.

Pros

• Safe for permanent wall storage
• Perfect alternative for people who don’t want to deal with exact angle of numeric locks on numeric wheels

Cons

• Requires punching in lock to open and again to close
• Door may come off completely; be careful how low or high it is placed

This lock is covered by a one-year limited warranty against defects in workmanship and materials.

15. Master Lock 1590D Padlock

With the wide assortment of computer security posts urging users to use both letters and numbers, it makes absolute sense to have a padlock that does the same thing. Ideally it also makes it that much more difficult for a thief to figure out the code.

Key Features

• Available in assorted colors
• Metal body construction
• Hardened steel shackle

This alpha-numeric code is best used for cabinets and school, employee, athletic, and indoor storage lockers. There’s also a resettable combination tool for your convenience. The anti-shim locking mechanism adds an extra layer of security.

Pros

• Available in assorted colors
• Can use numbers and letters more than once

Cons

• Lock color randomly selected at time of shipment
• Several users had trouble setting a new combination; one user had an older lock that worked fine but new ones did not

Bottom Line

Hopefully one of the 15 combination locks above help you feel more secure in your home. Whether you need keys for a lockout, for a dog walker or just so your in-laws can get in your home before you get there, make sure this is a lock that you can easily open. In cold-weather climates, make sure to test this lockout occasionally so it doesn’t freeze. Pouring rubbing alcohol on it will usually unlock a frozen lock. And testing it every blue moon to make sure there are no manufacturer defaults is a good idea, too.

Although this is a reminder you may hear or read nonstop online, whatever you do, do not make your combination lock too easy to remember. Your four-digit home address should never be your four-digit code. And your birthdate is too easy to verify online. Make sure that you and other residents choose a secure code that isn’t obvious to strangers, and never leave your lock code on its current code. Always make sure to scramble the numbers before you leave. While some locks are alpha codes only and others are numeric codes, just make sure you and your family members (who may also need access to the lock) agree on the code. Several users found themselves having to replace locks altogether after getting locked out of their own codes.

Having resettable locks may be both a pro and a con. For a tamperer, it may be too easy to change the combination. But should you not have a reset key or button, you may be stuck buying a new lock altogether unless the original combination eventually works. Make sure your lock works well for you and hard for strangers.