Fit a strong hasp and staple lock to your shed door in an afternoon, with the right screws and padlock.
SL-01Choose the right hasp, staple and padlockBuy a heavy-duty hasp and staple set with a hidden-screw design — this stops the screws being reached once the hasp is shut. Match it with a closed-shackle padlock rated for outdoor use, so there's little shackle exposed for bolt cutters. Measure your door and frame overlap to check the hasp will sit flat on both.
SL-02Remove any old lock or haspUnscrew the old fitting and pull out the screws with pliers if they're stuck. If the old screw holes are in the way of the new hasp position, fill them with wood filler and let it dry fully before you carry on. Sand the filler flush once dry.
SL-03Check the door and frame timberPress a finger into the wood where the hasp and staple will sit. Soft, spongy or crumbling timber won't hold screws properly, however good the hasp is. If you find rot, treat or replace that section of timber before fitting anything — a lock screwed into rotten wood will pull straight out.
SL-04Mark the hasp and staple positionHold the hasp on the door so the fold sits right over the join with the frame, leaving as little gap as possible for a bolt cutter or crowbar. Mark the screw positions with a pencil. Close the hasp over the frame and mark the staple position the same way, checking it lines up before you drill anything.
SL-05Drill pilot holesDrill a pilot hole at each marked point, about 2-3mm smaller than the screw gauge, to stop the timber splitting. Only drill as deep as the screw is long — going too deep risks poking through a thin door skin or into the shed's electrics if you've had a light or socket fitted. Keep the drill square to the surface.
SL-06Screw the hasp to the doorUse the security screws supplied with the hasp — these usually have a one-way or star head that ordinary screwdrivers can't undo once fitted. Drive them in firmly but don't overtighten and strip the pilot hole. Check the hasp sits flat with no rocking.
1 set · One-way security screws (supplied with hasp)
SL-07Screw the staple to the frameClose the hasp over the frame and check the staple lines up with the loop before fully driving the screws. Fit the screws partway first, test that the hasp closes smoothly, then tighten fully. If the alignment is out, loosen and adjust rather than forcing it.
SL-08Fit the padlock and test itFit the padlock through the hasp and staple and lock and unlock it a few times to check it moves freely. Check there's no gap wide enough to fit a bolt cutter or crowbar between the hasp, staple and door. If there is, refit the hasp closer to the frame.
SL-09Treat exposed wood and tidy upDab a little wood preservative or matching paint over any bare screw holes or sanded filler to stop water getting in. Sweep up wood shavings and dispose of the old lock and screws. Keep spare padlock keys somewhere other than the shed itself.
1 tin · Wood preservative or exterior paint (small tin)