I note that vendors tend to use the same or similar descriptions on multiple platforms so copying/pasting a description to the site of your choice will probably get you much the same item. Also, I haven't tried to find the best deal - shop around.
None of this should be read as an endorsement of any platform or product.
Timer padlocks
Two basic types, the plastic ones and the metal ones. These have been discussed fairly extensively on this site:
- Plastic padlocks. These became available first. They have a cable and a catch, which is disabled when the timer is running - that means you can't start the timer and then lock it, you have to lock it then start the timer. You also need to be able to operate the catch to release the padlock. The physical weak point is the cable; the ends are crimped over the plastic sheath, and can pull out if enough force can be applied, e.g. by twisting the lock against the cable. An example product is this or this - note different body styles but basically the same mechanism.
- Metal padlocks. these have a metal body and hasp, with very similar controls and display to the plastic versions. They are mechanically very different, using a motor to retract a spring loaded catch, so you can start the timers and verify the time is correct before actually locking them. They have a couple of ways of escaping them (see the thread). Example product listing here
I've used both the above locks extensively. The following products are just what I've seen while poking around AliExpress recently; I haven't bought any of them and don't have any info other than what I've seen on the site.
"Kitchen safes"
These seem to be low-cost knock-offs (in terms of functionality) to the Kitchen Safe or KSafe (which is also an option). They're aimed at keeping yourself or others out of treats, addictive substances (e.g. to help quit smoking, lose weight et c), or as a "phone jail" (e.g. to keep kids off phones during meal times).
- Older, round model. This has a 999 hour (plus 59 minute) timer (as opposed to the 99 hour timer on the padlocks above). Plastic, so probably won't last long if you really need to break into it.
- Larger square plastic box. I think I saw a comment suggesting this has 12 day limit. It's pretty big. Also, a number of listings for this item also show a nastly 3-digit combination version, and some suggestion that occasionally this has been shipped instead of the timer version. Vent holes may allow keys to be reached.
- Metal time-lock box. I like the look of this one; just saw it recently (and it kinda prompted this post). This seems pretty solid, and has a 365 day timer on it. The batteries are 4xAA, and it has a USB-C power socket as well. There are a couple of sizes. There is a charger cable hole (i.e. for charging an enclosed device) that might be a problem (not sure how big it is), although it might also serve as a place to attach an anchor chain...
These are intended to lock you away from fiddling with your phone, e.g. to allow you to study, and are therefore about phone sized - which means they're much smaller than the above boxes.
Most have finger holes to allow you to answer a call; to use as a key lock you juts need to have something you can drop into the box to block the holes, or some come without them, for example this box has models both with and without the finger holes.
Cigarette timers
This device is intended to hold a pack of cigarettes to aid in slowing down consumption. It's small and portable, and fairly cheap, but I'm not sure how its user interface works - there are +, - and SET buttons (rather than, say, Hour, Minute & Lock), and a display of HHH:MM for the time.
If anyone buys any of these (or something similar), please post a response as to how well it worked...
