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When you walk into a hardware shop, the choice of padlocks can feel overwhelming. Closed shackle or open shackle? Key or combi? Which one is really right for your needs?
In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about selecting a padlock, so you can make an informed decision the next time you need to lock up your possessions.
1. What do you need a padlock for?
Firstly, consider the usage of the padlock and how likely it is that someone will try to access the item it’s attached to. For high value items, such as bicycles, motorbikes or expensive tools, it’s worth investing in a higher quality padlock.
The higher the value of an item, the more determined thieves will be to try and break the lock. Not only does a robust padlock look unappealing to a thief, but it will stand up for longer should they try to attack it.
2. What shackle size do you need?
There are three main padlock shackle types – open, closed and long. Each have different benefits and usages:
- Open shackle: An open shackle padlock is ideal for low to medium security. They’re the most common types available and are very versatile and easy to use with a range of different hasps and chains. However, as the shackle is completely exposed, they are more vulnerable to attack, so are great for securing lockers or small storage boxes.
- Closed shackle: Consider a closed shackle padlock when securing high value items. These padlocks will have protective ‘shoulders’ surrounding a large portion of the shackle, making them more resistant against attack. Many insurers require you to have a closed shackle padlock due to their attack-resistant properties. If you’re securing a bike, high-value tools or industrial environments, opt for a closed shackle.
- Long shackle: Longer shackles are great for securing larger or trickier shaped items, as their extended shackle offers extra clearance space. However, much like open shackled padlocks, the long shackle is exposed, leaving it vulnerable to attack.
3. Where are you using the padlock?
Once you’ve determined the style of padlock you’ll need, it’s important to assess the weather conditions the padlock will be subjected to.
If you’re securing a garden shed, you’ll want a padlock that can stand up to the wind and rain it’s likely to be exposed to. Our All Terrain range is a great option for this – salt spray tested to 312 hours and with a weather resistant design to keep water and dirt out of the locking mechanisms.
If your shed contains higher value items, consider the CP50CS, with a closed shackle and protective dual compound cover to keep it protected from the elements at all times.
Securing a beach hut or marine-side container? You’ll want to select a marine grade padlock that can stand up to being subjected to high salt conditions. Our Stainless Steel padlocks have been salt spray tested to 480 hours, demonstrating their durability against corrosion.
Choosing a padlock for indoor use? You don’t need to worry about weather resistance, but you should still consider other environmental factors. For example, if you’re securing a toolbox in a dusty workshop environment, choosing a padlock with a protective cover, such as our CP range, can help protect the inner workings of the padlock from dust and debris.
4. Certifications
Many home or vehicle insurers will require a certain level of padlock to be used, and it’s always important to check your policy documents before you select a padlock.
There are a few different padlock certifications to be aware of, including:
- LPCB
- CEN
- Sold Secure
Many insurers will look for CEN (Central European Norm) grade 3 or above, and the CEN ratings go as high as 6 for very high security environments. For bikes and motorcycles, insurers will look for the Sold Secure rating, which goes from the lower ‘Bronze’ to the highest ‘Diamond’ level.
When you’re choosing your padlock, not only should you check your insurers requirements but also again consider what you’ll be using it for. If you’re locking up a bicycle or motorcycle which you intend to leave unattended in public, for example in a work or busy shopping centre car park, looking towards the higher Gold and Diamond rated locks and chains is a must. These locks are tested to the highest standards and perform the best when attack tested.
There are many types of different two-wheel locks, from D-locks and folding locks to disc locks and padlock and chain sets. These allow greater flexibility for locking up your bike or motorcycle in a range of different environments. If you’re locking up your bike at home, you may also wish to consider a ground anchor – a permanent fixture which a chain can be secured to.
In the home, you should again consider the usage. If you’re locking up a shed that contains expensive tools or gardening equipment, opt for a padlock that is at least CEN grade 3 so you can be assured that if the worst does happen, your possessions will stay protected.
5. Key vs Combi
Now you’ve established the usage, shackle type, environment and certification level, it’s time to choose the style of padlock you need.
Combination padlocks have many benefits – there are no keys to carry, and potentially lose, and you can choose the code to something that is memorable to you. They can also easily be recoded should the lock be compromised, or if someone who once had the code no longer needs it.
However there are drawbacks of combination padlocks, too. While there are over 100,000 possible combinations in a five-wheel padlock, these can be easily forgotten over time, or even compromised if the combination is likely to be shared amongst multiple people.
In this case, opting for a keyed padlock would provide a more convenient solution. Keys can be cut and shared between those who need access, and you can also take advantage of the different keying options:
- Keyed alike: A number of padlocks can be opened using one key.
- Keyed to differ: Each padlock is opened using its own individual key.
- Master keyed: All padlocks have their own key, but there is also one key that can open all of them.
Keyed padlocks have many other benefits too. There are more body and shackle sizes available to suit the application you require it for, and they’re quick and easy to use. At Squire, many of our keyed padlocks are independently tested to some of the highest industry standards – including CEN and LPCB – to ensure the highest performance.
6. Check your hardware
It’s important to remember that your padlock is only as secure as the hasps, hinges and chains it’s used with.
If you’re securing a shed that has rusty old hinges or a hasp and staple that has seen better days, then a highly secure padlock will only do so much. At Squire, we offer a selection of hasp and staple sets for a variety of uses. They’re made from hardened steel with anti-corrosion finishes to ensure they stand up to the elements.
Now you have all the knowledge you need to select a padlock, why not check out our extensive range? From combination to keyed padlocks, marine-grade to all weather padlocks and the world’s strongest padlock, we have something for everyone. Our website allows you to filter results by shackle type, security rating, size and much more, to help you find the perfect padlock.
If you still have questions, please contact us and one of our team will be able to help.
