If you’re breaking a sweat at the gym, the last thing you want to worry about is someone breaking into your locker. But here’s the deal: you don’t need to drop big bucks on a Fort Knox-level lock to keep your gear safe.
You heard it right. No one’s walking into Planet Fitness with an angle grinder or a set of bolt cutters. However, that doesn’t mean you should rely on a $2 padlock from the dollar store either.
So what’s the golden mean? In this guide, you’ll find hand-picked, rigorously-tested lock options that offer the perfect balance of security and affordability. We’re talking about solutions endorsed by top security experts, yet accessible enough that you won’t need to take out a second mortgage.
For maximum gym locker security and convenience, opt for keyless locks like combination or smart padlocks. A unique color can also help you quickly identify your locker in a crowded setting.
Are you ready to level up your gym locker game? Then let’s dive right in and unlock the best options for you!
Last update on 2023-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Top Locks For Gym Locker
4 Digit Combination Lock by Desired Tools
This lock is ideal for gym lockers as it comes in different colors (black, blue, green, red, or silver) for you to easily identify your locker amongst the rest.
You can choose the combination required to unlock the lock with an option of 10,000 different codes.
This lock also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and manufacturer warranty.
Master Lock 653D
Another combination lock that’s available in different colors (Red, blue, yellow, and orange)
This lock has a full metal body and hardened steel shackle to keep your valuables safe.
One of the useful features this lock offers is that you can view the combination to unlock the lock on the side of the lock.
With only four numbers displaying on the side of the lock, it makes it easier to read the combination.
ORIA Combination Lock
This combination padlock has a key unlocking function which is very useful if you do forget your combination for whatever reason. Having a key is extremely useful if you have children using this lock.
If you’ve ever had your child change the combination on a lock and then forget what they changed it to, this key will save you from breaking the lock. Setting up a new pin is an easy 5-step process and requires the current pin.
This option comes in a two-pack so you could use the other for your work locker or toolbox. It’s weatherproof as well which also helps prevent rust when there’s a lot of moisture in the gym locker area.
Master Lock 875D Heavy Duty Lock
You might be surprised to hear that most combination locks can be bypassed with a special lock picking tool in addition to turning the numbered wheels into the correct positions.
Picking the lock with a tool usually takes less than 5 seconds for anyone who has done it before but luckily it’s impossible to open this lock without turning the wheels into the correct positions.
Any combination lock can be decoded by someone with experience but it takes a lot longer to do and will deter thieves in a gym as they don’t want to be fiddling with a lock for more than a few seconds.
In addition to being lock pick proof, this lock is made of tough zinc with a brass finish. The body of the lock is 2 in. (51mm) and the shackle is 1 in. (38 mm) length, 1 in. (25 mm) width, and 5/16 in. (8 mm) diameter.
FortLocks Gym Locker Lock
This is a very robust and weatherproof combination lock by FortLocks. With patented internal mechanisms, special high strength zinc alloy, and a hardened steel shackle, this lock is virtually unbreakable and uncuttable.
It’s a bright orange color to easily identify as you approach it. FortLocks is so confident that you’ll be satisfied with their lock that they give you a 100% Lifetime Warranty/Money-Back Guarantee with this lock.
Some may think that this lock is a bit of an overkill for a gym locker but that’s why it’s my recommendation for the other people that want a little extra peace of mind while they’re gyming while still not requiring a key.
Master Lock Bluetooth Padlock
If you want a more futuristic way of securing your gym locker contents, the Bluetooth Master Lock might be the choice for you. The Bluetooth authentication encryption is of a military-grade and won’t be hacked easily.
If you don’t have your phone with you, the lock can be opened by inputting the correct directional code into the lock itself.
You can also share access to the lock to trusted people to open with their phones.
If you plan to store your phone in your gym locker then you can disable the Bluetooth opening functionality on the application.
Fingerprint/Bluetooth Padlock by MEGAFEIS
Take the technology of your lock to the next level with biometric sensors for fingerprint scanning. This lock will open within 3 seconds of placing your fingerprint on the reader.
A quick application download and set-up of the lock with your fingerprint and you’re set. The lock also has Bluetooth unlocking capabilities.
With an IP65 waterproof rating, you can be sure that no amount of moisture in the gym environment will corrode this lock. The battery will unlock the lock around 2500 times at which point you’ll have to recharge it via USB.
If you forget to recharge the battery before it goes completely flat, you can plug it into any USB power supply to power it up again and unlock it. You can set up to 15 fingerprints into this lock for multiple users to access.
Fingerprint Padlock by TOWODE
This is another strong padlock with fingerprint reading technology. Much like the previous lock on this list, this one is also IP65 water-resistant and made of very strong materials.
This one stores up to 10 fingerprints for multiple users and opens within 0.5 seconds of placing your fingertip on the reader.
It’s rechargeable with USB and has around a 6-month battery life depending on how many times you use it per day.
Stanley Hardware S828-145 CD8820 Shrouded Hardened Steel Padlock
If you feel that you need the absolute strongest protection for your gym locker even if you need to keep a key with you to unlock it, the Stanley Hardware Lock might be the one for you.
It has a full shrouded metal body and cut resistant shackle. A patented keyway protects the lock against drilling and it has pry attack resistance as well.
This is the type of lock that you could use to secure your bicycle outside so using it on a gym locker will deter thieves very quickly.
Conclusion: Best Lock For Gym Locker in 2024
Considering the fact that gym lockers are usually in plain sight of many people, you shouldn’t need to worry about having the biggest and strongest padlock available.
Most of the time it just isn’t necessary, especially if you’re one of those people who are just locking up their change of clothes.
Thieves aren’t going to have the opportunity to grind open your lock or cut it with big bolt cutters in the gym so an average-sized combination lock will do the job just fine.
Even though a padlock that works with a key is normally more secure, for a gym locker, having a combination instead of a key is much better as you don’t have to keep your key with you while you’re gyming.
Combination locks can be decoded but thieves can’t spend too much time fiddling with your gym locker without someone noticing and pointing them out to one of the employees.
Just as good as combination locks, Bluetooth, and fingerprint locks offer great security without the use of any keys, and because criminals are more familiar with picking older locks, many of them will be confused with the new technology and move to something they’re familiar with.
Having said this, if you want the strongest padlock available that will fit most lockers, you can go for the last option which works with a key but is tougher than any other lock on the list. Whether it’s necessary though is up to you.
