Combo Locks Vs Key Locks
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Which is the best for keeping your locker secure?
Both are good at securing your locker, chest, and whatever else you need, but there are pros and cons. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose! As you learned on the day you joined the Military, locks are very important.
You will get yelled at or may have to perform a “corrective action”. In your basic training and when you get to your new home in the barracks, locks will be your besties. Choosing the right type is also an important decision. When you’re in your initial training, you may be required to have a specific type.
That’s all good and fine; please follow any list that you are provided. But when you’re on your own, you can lock as you see fit. The best recommendation is to have a couple of sets of each.
Keyed locks are great for higher-security items and travel, whereas combination locks are great when you know you will not have access to a key, like if you’re in your PTs and have very little room. Or you don’t want to hang a key around your neck.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose: Combo Locks Vs Key Locks
| Feature | Combination Lock | Key Lock |
| Security | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| effectiveness | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost | $ 5-7 | $ 6-10 |
In short: Combination locks work best if you find it hard to keep your key in a safe and secure place.
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Keyed locks are great when you need extra security. They tend to be more durable and less likely to be successfully tampered with, compared to combination locks.
You may be required to have some as part of your initial training, or possibly a deployment requirement.
If you buy a set, you can use the same key for multiple locks, which is nice in your room or while traveling.
They are not great if you are unable to carry a key. PT uniforms are not the best for carrying items. And if you’re anything like me, I always worry about them flying out during a run.
They have the same weakness as combination locks. That is, bolt cutters. If someone really wants in, they will.
If you don’t get a set, you could have a stash of keys that you may not know what they belong to down the road.
Combination locks
No need to worry about keys. Great when in PTs or traveling and you don’t need to worry about finding a key.
Does matter when you have combination locks; most of them you set, so put in your numbers on any one. No need to carry multiple keys.
One downside is that if you have an issue with remembering numbers, this could come back to bite you. But some options have both.
Combination locks are easier to break than most key locks. This depends on models and companies. Depending on its use, key locks tend to give the most security.
If you want a deeper dive into cleaning, then you should check out the Cleaning and Maintenance Guide.