Securing outdoor assets has never been more important. From garden sheds and gates to boathouses and outdoor equipment, anything left outside is constantly exposed to the elements - rain, frost, salt air and dirt can all take their toll on standard security products.
Belongings left outdoors are not only at the mercy of the weather but can also be prime targets for theft. Sheds, gates and boathouses can appear less monitored, making them attractive to opportunist thieves. Investing in robust locks and visible deterrents can help protect your property and give you peace of mind.
In this blog, we’ll explain what makes outdoor environments so demanding for padlocks and why many standard designs struggle. We’ll also look at how our All Terrain padlocks are designed to address these issues, tested and built for long-term outdoor use.

Why traditional locks aren’t enough
Most padlocks are manufactured for general use rather than prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions. When used outdoors, moisture can enter the lock body or combination components and dirt and grit can interfere with the internal workings of the padlock.
Online, many users report their padlocks being frozen or stuck after exposure to freezing or wet conditions. Repeated exposure to rain, frost and salt air can cause corrosion, internal damage or general wear. Over time this not only affects the padlock’s functionality but can lead to costly replacements or repairs. Choosing weather-resistant materials and carrying out regular maintenance can help ensure your locks remain reliable and protect your outdoor assets effectively.
How an all-weather padlock range solves these problems
An all-weather padlock is designed with harsh weather conditions in mind. This typically includes corrosion-resistant materials, protective covers on the body of the padlock to reduce water and debris ingress and mechanisms designed to continue operating smoothly in wet or dirty conditions.
Testing plays an important role when designing padlocks to be used in these conditions. Spray and salt testing is used to simulate long-term exposure to moisture and corrosive environments. These tests help to assess how well a lock resists rust and continues to function after extended exposure, so it’s useful to look out for these tests when choosing padlocks for coastal or industrial settings.
Ease of operation is another key factor. Locks used outdoors are often handled in poor weather, sometimes with gloves, so ergonomics and reliable opening mechanisms are essential.
The Squire All Terrain padlock range
Our All Terrain range has been developed specifically to address the challenges of outdoor use, without sacrifice to performance.
The CP50ATLS is our 50mm combination padlock, with a rustproof stainless-steel shackle to prevent corrosion and protective covers to stop water, grit, mud and salt from entering the mechanism. The padlock has undergone 312 hours of rigorous salt spray testing, proving its corrosion resistance and long-term durability.

Its four-wheel combination offers a convenient solution with no keys to lose, providing 10,000 possible sequences. The double locking mechanism adds extra protection, while ergonomic rubber sides and an angled open/close button make it easy to operate, even in wet conditions. Backed by a 10-year guarantee, the CP50ATLS is ideal for boats, coastal properties, sheds and outdoor storage.
CP50ATLO offers further toughness, utilising a hardened steel shackle with an anti-corrosion finish, ideal for higher security outdoor environments such as shared or commercial spaces.
Like the CP50ATLS, it features a fully recodable four-wheel combination with 10,000 settings, double locking, ergonomic rubber sides and an angled opening button for easy use.
For larger or awkwardly shaped items, the CP50ATLS/2.5 and the CP50ATLO/2.5 provide long shackle versions of our standard All Terrain locks. The extended 2.5 inch shackle allows greater clearance for securing gates, larger shed doors or multiple items at once, while still offering the same corrosion-resistant materials, protective covers and ergonomic design as the standard models.
The ATL52S and ATL42S provide solid security for lighter-duty outdoor applications. They are highly resistant to weather, making them suitable for sheds and other moderately exposed environments.
Benefits of choosing our All Terrain padlocks
Investing in our All Terrain padlocks means choosing security that lasts. Our locks are designed to withstand all weather conditions while reducing maintenance and replacement costs by extending the working life of the lock, particularly in locations where exposure cannot be avoided.
They are simple to use, easy to maintain and versatile enough for a range of outdoor applications. As a trusted British brand, we stand behind every All Terrain padlock by offering a 10-year guarantee, providing peace of mind alongside proven performance.
Choosing the right padlock for outdoor security is essential. Standard locks often fail under harsh conditions, compromising both convenience and safety.
For a complete guide on selecting the right padlock for your needs, take a look at our detailed blog on how to choose a padlock.
To explore the full All Terrain padlock range and compare which models are best suited to different outdoor environments, view the complete collection here.
Keyed Padlocks
Combination Padlocks
Stronghold Padlocks
Marine Grade Padlocks
All Terrain Padlocks
Security Bolts
Hasp & Staples
Key Safes
Padlock & Chain Sets
Security Chains
Ground & Wall Anchors
Garage Defenders
Security Cables
Sold Secure Bike Locks
Bike Lock Security Kits
D-Locks
Chain Bike Locks
Lightweight Bike Locks
Folding Bike Locks
Cable Bike Locks
Frame Locks
Brake Disc Locks
Helmet Locks