When it comes to locks for your summer camp or community escape room, there are plenty of options. Now, I’m not talking about an electromagnetic lock with a trigger and controller. That would cost $200-$500 for the one lock and we want to keep the costs low.
Here are 15 lock variations that range in price from $2-$80 each.
KEY LOCKS
These are your typical locks that can be found just about anywhere. Players love finding keys.
- 【4 Lock & 12 Keys】--The padlocks set include 4 locks and 12 keys, each pad lock with 3...
- 【High Security】--Durable solid brass pad locks’ body and lock core have strong...
COMBINATION LOCKS
I suggest you stay away from the standard round combination lock that is often used. Many kids have trouble with working them. Instead, use combination locks where you simply have to align the correct numbers. These come in lots of sizes, from suitcase locks to much larger ones. These locks are great since there are so many ways you can reveal a set of numbers for the lock.
- Safe & Convenient: 4 digit combination password means 10,000 unique combinations, which is...
- Resettable: The 4 digit combination is easy to reset as needed and well remembered.
- Luggage padlock is best used as a luggage lock or backpack lock.Note: Measure your door's...
- Set your own three-digit combination luggage lock for keyless convenience, Steel shackle...
WORD LOCKS
Here we have combination locks that use letters instead of numbers. Great to use with clues that lead to a word in a book.
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction: Made from stainless steel for long-lasting...
- Secure Combination Lock: Features a 5-digit combination lock for secure storage and peace...
- Sturdy locker lock: This Master Lock combination lock is made from a durable, heat-treated...
- Easy to set combination lock: The easy-to-use Set Your Own Word combination design allows...
DIRECTIONAL LOCKS
These are fun locks to have. Left, Left, Up, Right and unlock. Keep a few of these on hand as they can break with excessive and rough use. Unfortunately, these locks are no longer being made. If you find one online, it may be overpriced. Check local hardware stores.
- Indoor padlock is best used as a school locker lock and gym lock, providing protection and...
- Set your own directional combination lock for speed and easy combination recall; For combo...
BOTTLE LOCKS
Want to hide a clue or puzzle in a bottle and lock it up? This is the lock you need.
- ❗⚠️CHECK THE SIZE BEFORE BUY⚠️❗: This bottle lock fits bottle openings...
- Secure Bottle Cap Lock for Multiple Settings: This soda bottle lock cap provides reliable...
PASSWORD LOCK BOX
This lock is also a box and a great place to hold keys to another lock or a message of some sort. Attach it to a wall or set it on a table.
- STURDY AND DURABLE: Fayleeko key lock box is made of high strength zinc alloy and...
- SAFE AND SECURE FOR YOUR KEYS: The 4-digit code allows you to set your own combo code with...
ELECTRONIC TOUCHPAD CABINET LOCK
This neat lock is perfect for locking a desk drawer or a cabinet. You could even make a wooden box and install this lock. you might think that an electronic lock like this would be very expensive, but this one is under $40 at the time of this article posting. Oh, and this lock also opens with an RIFD card that comes with it.
- 🔒 3 Unlocking Methods – Password, RFID Card, or Both: Choose from three secure...
- 🏢 Dual Use Modes – Public & Private: Perfect for shared or personal use. Switch to...
CARDKEY TRAVEL LOCK
While the cabinet lock above can also be opened with a cardkey, this little lock does not require installation. How fun would it be to have players find a cardkey and have to figure out what to do with it?
- TSA APPROVED SECURITY FOR EVERY TRAVELER – Travel confidently knowing your bags are...
FINGERPRINT TRAVEL LUGGAGE LOCK
Okay, these locks are a bit pricey at around $60, but imagine the players of the game learn that the only way to open this lock is to use the finger of a certain staff person (who may or may not be in the room at that time).
- Our fingerprint padlock allows you to open the lock quickly and easily in less than a...
- If you see the red light blinking for about 6 seconds after you turn on the padlock, it...
MAGNETIC CABINET LOCKS
These low tech locks can be found nearly anyplace that sells baby items. It’s to keep kids out of drawers. Install this lock on a cabinet or drawer and then hide the magnetic knob. Presto! A low-cost and unique lock. These usually come in packs of 4-6. Each individual lock is between $2-$5.
- [ 20 LOCKS + 2 KEYS ] Baby Child Safety Magnetic Cabinet Locks Work Both for Drawers and...
- [ WORKS FOR CABINETS AND DRAWERS ] Extra Stronger Locks work on Max 2 inches cabinets door...
ANTIQUE STYLE PADLOCKS
Depending on the theme of your escape room story, these types of key padlocks can be a neat addition.
- DURABILITY- Exceptionally strong and used for both indoor and outdoor decoration. This...
- HIGH QUALITY- Padlock comes with 2 keys, cast iron lock, anti-corrosion padlock. Gives...
CHINESE OLD STYLE KEY LOCKS
There are a variety of locks that are called Chinese Old Style. These are usually small and meant for jewelry boxes – which is a great place to keep small items or notes.
- Material: Zinc Alloy
- Size: 2.36 x 0.35 x 1.2 inch ( L x W x H)
- Antique style: Vintage padlocks are designed in an antique style and can be a good...
- Unique Chinese design: Unique Chinese style design, reflect your unique taste. Can be used...
ICE CREAM PINT COMBINATION LOCK PROTECTOR
Looking for something really different (and a bit silly)? Empty out your favorite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream pint (into your mouth, of course), clean the pint and place an item or note inside. Then lock it down with this protector.
- THE ORIGINAL ICE CREAM CANTEEN – We created the original insulated canteen made for ice...
- TAKE ICE CREAM ANYWHERE - Crafted from durable, food-grade stainless steel with...
LILY WATER PADLOCK
If you can find one of these locks it would be a really neat addition to your collection. The keys are the cool part. They are rare, but I did see one on Ebay recently for $80.
LION LOCK
Have a couple of cabinets that you want locked up? Want to create a story where the goal is to free someone who is handcuffed to something? Having a pair of handcuffs in your collection of locks can come in handy.
- Fully Brass Made Padlock - Fully Working - Comes with Key as shown in pictures
- Best Quality Reproduction - Antique Style LION FACE Lock - Brass Made - Working Lock -...
BONUS: HASP
Let’s say you have multiple groups solving their own puzzles, each looking for one key, and you only want to use one lockbox. You can use a hasp to lock a box using up to six different locks. Always have a hasp.
- Package includes 8 pack Lock Out Tag Out Hasps, 4.5 inch body length, 1.75 inch body...
- This lockout hasp uses with lock out tag out locks, tags, and on lockouts for breakers,...
For information on How to Create a Low Cost Escape Room for Camps, Youth Groups and Community Centers check out my book.
Leave a Comment