15 Dec How to Open and Close a Portable Storage Container
Portable Storage Container Operation
So, you’ve recently rented or purchased a shipping container for portable storage, and you’re ready to load it. But wait—how do you open the doors? And how do you secure them again when you’re finished?
Whether you’re storing equipment for a construction project, safeguarding business inventory, or securing personal items during a home renovation, Pro Box Portable Storage has what you’re looking for. Our containers are easy to open and close, yet they boast the innovative ProVault Locking System for maximum security. Here’s everything you need to know about portable storage container operation.
Opening Your Portable Storage Container
No special tools or skills are required to open a portable storage container, but knowing the right order to proceed avoids frustration. Follow this step-by-step guide to access your items with ease.
1. Safety First
Inspect the ground around the container doors to ensure it’s clear of obstacles like rocks or loose tools. Tripping hazards and clutter can quickly turn a simple task into a mishap.
Then, wear work gloves to protect your hands when operating the steel doors and locking systems. If you’re in a low-light area, have a flashlight handy to illuminate the locks and hinges.
2. Unlock the Container
Pro Box takes security seriously, so if you’ve chosen one of our containers, rest assured it’s built to keep intruders out. This means you need to tackle the locking mechanism before you can open the doors.
If you’ve added your own padlock, start by unlocking it with the key or combination and set it aside. Then, disengage the ProVault Locking System. To do so, simply lift the protective cover to expose the keyhole, insert the key, and turn it smoothly. This locking system is engineered to resist tampering, so only the authorized user can gain access.
3. Open the Right Door
The right-hand door is designed to open first on most containers. To begin, flip up the securing tabs that hold the vertical locking bar(s) in place. Then, turn the handle(s) attached to each locking bar until they’re perpendicular to the door. This movement disengages the locking cams at the top and bottom.
Now that the door is free, pull the handle(s) toward you to open it. Keep in mind that doors with two handles require you to pull on both at the same time. Swing the door fully open using the bar on the inside.
4. Open the Left Door
With the right door open, you can now access the left door. Begin by flipping the tabs on the locking bar handles as you did with the right door. Then, step inside the container and check the bottom right corner of the door. If you see a cane bolt and spring latch, lift and turn the bolt to the right (not all shipping containers have this feature).
Next, rotate the handles and swing the door open as you did with the right door. You’re now free to grab what you need without the doors getting in your way.
Closing Your Portable Storage Container
Once you’ve finished accessing your items, it’s time to secure the container. Closing it properly is just as important as opening it.
1. Close the Left Door First
If applicable, double-check that the cane bolt inside the container is still turned to the right (the open position). Pull up on the locking bar handle(s) and push the door closed, ensuring it’s aligned with the cam latches. Rotate the locking bars back into their original vertical positions and secure them with the tabs. Turn the cane bolt inside the container to the left until it drops into the designated hole.
2. Close the Right Door
As this door overlaps the left, it must be closed second. Pull up on the locking bar handle(s) and close the door. Rotate the locking bars back into their original positions and secure them with the tabs.
3. Engage the ProVault Locking System
Once both doors are shut, insert your key into the keyhole, turn it, and replace the protective cover. The ProBox Puck Lock is a 100% hardened steel lock featuring a hidden six-pin tumbler system. This protects the lock from being drilled out, pried open with a crowbar, or cut with a reciprocating saw. For added peace of mind, consider attaching a high-quality padlock to the container handles.
Safe Container Handling Tips
Follow these handling best practices to ensure safety and keep your Pro Box container functioning optimally:
- Maintain level ground: Always place your container on a flat, stable surface. An uneven base may lead to alignment issues, making the doors hard to open or close.
- Keep it clean: Debris can collect in the door tracks, interfering with their operation. To avoid this, quickly sweep the area around the doors before opening or closing.
- Avoid overloading: Stuffing your container or piling items near the doors may create pressure points that make the doors hard to open. Distribute weight evenly and keep heavy items toward the back.
Troubleshooting Container Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to tackle issues with your Pro Box container.
Stubborn or Stuck Doors
- Check for obstacles blocking the door’s hinges, tracks, or locking mechanisms.
- Lubricate stiff hinges or locking bars with a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid oil-based lubricants, which attract dust and grime.
- If the door still resists, apply gentle, steady pressure rather than forcing it open abruptly. This helps prevent damage to the structure.
Lock Troubles
- Ensure you’re using the correct key and inserting it fully into the lock.
- Blast debris out of the keyhole with compressed air.
- If problems persist, contact our customer service team.
Why Choose Pro Box Portable Storage?
With these tips for efficient container opening and closing, you should be ready to maximize this portable storage solution. Still need to rent or buy a container? Pro Box Portable Storage has you covered. We are committed to delivering superior storage solutions with no hidden fees. If you’re in Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, or Texas, count on us for secure containers, fast delivery, and unparalleled customer satisfaction. To get started, please contact us for a free, quick quote.
No Comments