You can’t use just any lock for a walk-in cooler. Walk-in coolers are large commercial refrigeration systems. As their name suggests, they are large enough to “walk in.” Whether you own a restaurant, cafe, food processing business or any other business that has a walk-in cooler, you’ll need to choose the right type of lock for it. Here are five essential features to look for when choosing a walk-in cooler lock
#1) Resistant to Cold Temperatures
Walk-in cooler locks must be able to resist cold temperatures. After all, they are designed for use in cold environments. Conventional walk-in freezers have a temperature of about 35 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas walk-in freezers have a temperature of about minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll need to choose a walk-in cooler lock that’s able to withstand the cool air.
#2) Strong Seal
When choosing a walk-in cooler lock, make sure it has a strong seal. Walk-in cooler locks are used to connect the doors to the large refrigeration systems after which they are named. With a weak seal, some of the cool air may leak out of the walk-in cooler. A strong seal, on the other hand, will contain the cool air to the walk-in cooler.
#3) Adjustable Roller Strike
Another essential feature to look for in a walk-in cooler lock is an adjustable roller strike. The roller strike is the part of a walk-in cooler lock that the latch touches or strikes when closing the door. If it’s adjustable, you’ll be able to move it so that it’s aligned with the latch.
#4) Padlock Support
If you plan on securing your walk-in cooler, you should choose a walk-in cooler lock that supports a padlock. A padlock is a simple lock consisting of a pad and shackle. Some walk-in cooler locks feature a pre-drilled hole through the body. You can place the shackle of a padlock through this hole, at which point the door will be locked.
#5) Powder-Coated Finish
You should consider choosing a walk-in cooler lock with a powder-coated finish. A powder-coated finish is exactly what it sounds like: It consists of powder particles that are blasted onto the surface of an object. Walk-in cooler locks are typically made of metal, such as cast iron, but you can find them with a powder-coated finish. The powder-coated finish helps to protect the underlying metal from wear and tear. It will prevent moisture from reaching the underlying metal — something that could otherwise lead to corrosion.