How To Install a Lockbox on a Shipping Container
In this video, we will show you the proper way to install a lockbox on a shipping container. We will teach you the step-by-step process of installing the Container Modification World’s High-Security Bolt On Lock Box on a sea can
List of Tools Required:
Marker
Centre Punch
Drill
Pilot Bit
Large Drill Bit or Step Bit
5/8 Flat Wrench or Socket
What Comes With This Lock Box:
Lock Box
Carriage Bolts (Insulated and Non-Insulated)
Flat Washers
Nylock Nuts
Back Washer Plates
Lock Receiver
Shackle Lock (ONLY in Lock & Lock Box Combo)
Note: The shackle locks come Keyed Alike or Keyed Different.
Purchase Container Modification World Products Featured in The Video
How to Install a High-Security Lock Box on a Shipping Container
In this installation guide, Channing McCorriston, The Container Guy, walks through the step-by-step process of installing a high-security lock box on a shipping container. The goal is to ensure a professional, secure installation while accounting for differences between insulated and non-insulated containers.
This guide focuses on proper marking, drilling, alignment, and hardware selection to maximize container security.
Tools You’ll Need
Before starting, gather the following tools:
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Marking pen
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Drill with pilot bit
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Larger drill bit or step bit
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5/8-inch wrench or socket
Having everything ready before marking and drilling ensures the installation process goes smoothly.
What Comes with the Lock Box
The lock box kit includes:
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Two sets of carriage bolts for insulated and non-insulated containers
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Flat washers
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Nylock nuts
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Back washer plates
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Lock receiver
The back washer plates serve two purposes. They reinforce the interior side of the door and also act as precise marking templates during installation.
The lock box is available either by itself or bundled with a compatible lock.
Choosing the Correct Hardware
Container type determines which carriage bolts to use:
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Non-insulated containers use carriage bolts suited for corrugated steel doors typically found on 20-foot and 40-foot units.
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Insulated containers such as reefers or 53-foot units require longer, thicker bolts designed for doors up to 4 inches thick.
Selecting the correct hardware ensures proper clamping force and long-term durability.
Installation Location
The lock box is typically installed on the right-hand door of used containers. Factory-new containers may already include a lock box.
Recommended installation height ranges from 42 to 60 inches from the bottom of the container, depending on preference and access needs.
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Mark the Doors
Use the large back washer plate on the right door to mark the bottom position and bolt holes. This plate can also serve as a leveling guide.
Transfer measurements to the left door using the washer plate as a ruler to keep everything aligned. Use the smaller washer plate to mark the corresponding holes on the left door.
Precise marking is critical to ensure proper alignment between the lock box and lock receiver.
2. Drill the Holes
Center punch your marks to prevent drill bit wandering.
Start with pilot holes, then enlarge them with the correct size bit.
You will drill through the first layer of corrugated steel on both doors. Only drill through the second layer on one hole per door. This approach maintains structural integrity while providing secure mounting points.
3. Insert the Carriage Bolts
Slide the carriage bolts into the lock box slots. The diamond-shaped cutouts prevent the bolt heads from rotating during tightening.
Insert the bolts through the drilled holes in the container door.
4. Secure the Lock Box
Inside the container, place the back washer plate over the bolts, followed by two grade 8 washers and 7/16-inch nylock nuts.
Tighten everything evenly using a 5/8-inch wrench or socket. Proper torque ensures the lock box remains secure without distorting the door.
5. Install the Lock Receiver
Mount the lock receiver to the left door, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the lock box.
It is essential that both components are plumb and properly aligned. Misalignment can affect door operation and compromise security.
6. Install the Lock
Use an 80 mm (3 1/8 inch) shackle lock, preferably stainless steel.
These locks typically come with four keys. If managing multiple containers, consider ordering locks keyed alike so one key can operate multiple units.
Additional Tips
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Use the back washer plates as marking guides for precision.
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Ensure the lock box and receiver are vertically aligned before final tightening.
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Tighten hardware evenly to avoid door distortion.
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Consider adding a security decal after installation as a visible deterrent.
Final Thoughts
Installing a high-security lock box dramatically increases the security of a shipping container.
By following proper marking, drilling, and hardware selection procedures, you can achieve a clean, professional installation that protects valuable equipment and materials.
Attention to alignment, correct bolt selection, and secure fastening ensures the system performs exactly as intended.