What Makes A Good Padlock?

There are many types of padlocks on the market. They come in all sizes, styles, weights, materials, and security levels. But how do you know what is best?

Here’s a quick guide on what to look out for when finding a new padlock

Size matters

• Choose a padlock size that looks right for the job

• A chunky body and thick shackle adds strength, the bigger the better

• It is more resistant to attack, and a visible deterrent

Materials

• Look for high-quality materials

• Most locks are made from brass or steel, and vary in construction

• Such as solid brass, laminated steel, armoured steel, solid hardened steel

• Brass is a softer metal for general purpose low security

• Hardened steel is best for attack resistance

• Hardened boron alloy steel is super tough and incredibly hard to break

The shackle

• Thickness and strength are key

• The thicker the shackle, the harder it is to cut through

• There are open and closed shackle versions

• Open shackle – exposed above the body lock. Convenient, but easier for thieves to cut through

• Closed shackle – the body covers part of the shackle for minimum exposure to attack

Opening Methods

• General purpose locks have 4 cuts on the key and around 1,000 different keys

• High security locks have 5 or 6 cuts per key and up to 260,000 different keys

• Combination padlocks use dials to open the lock, no keys to lose

• General purpose combination padlocks have 4 dials for 10,000 different combinations

• High security versions have 5 or 6 dials for up to 1 million different combinations

Weatherproof

• For outdoor locks, look for weather-resistant materials

• Such as rustproof stainless steel, electrophoretic finish or locks with polymer covers

• Check the salt spray test. The higher the rating, the longer the lock should keep working

• Keyhole cover

Security Ratings

• Check security ratings shown on your padlock

• General purpose locks show the manufacturer’s own ‘security rating’ guide

• Higher security locks show trusted industry standards such as LPCB, Sold Secure, police approved Secured by Design and CEN (the European standard for minimum levels of security and performance).