Padlocks have been used by many people to protect what they hold dear against many security threats. Padlocks are portable locks, which can be used to secure property, commercial establishments, luggage, bicycles, and truck doors amongst many other things. In this article, we take a look at the things a buyer needs to consider when selecting the best padlock for their needs.

Components of a padlock

In order to understand how a padlock works, we must first understand its components. A padlock is made up of three main parts – the body, the shackle, and the lock mechanism. 

The shackle

The typical shackle is a U-shape metal loop, which can enclose a chain or a security hasp and staple. It is an obvious point for attack and tampering in any padlock. There are three types of padlocks available based on their shackle – open, close, and semi-enclosed. A close shackle padlock has built-in shoulders to minimise exposure to the shackle. A closed shackle padlock is more secure than a semi-enclosed or open one. However, close shackle padlocks usually have one limitation, which is their size clearance. 

An open shackle padlock tends to be easier to use, even in small clearances such as chain links. That said, the exposed shackle makes it more vulnerable to tampering and attacks. On the other hand, a semi-enclosed shackle padlock is a compromise between the two types. 

The lock mechanism

The padlock’s locking mechanism includes the wafers or locking pins, the springs, and the keyway design. The combination of the number of pins, the various lengths of the pins, and the pattern of the keyway determines the key pattern of the padlock. 

The body

The body encloses the protects the locking mechanism of the padlock from any form of tampering or other kinds of attack. It can be made from pressed steel, laminated steel, solid brass, or solid steel alloy. 

How to pick the best padlock

As there are so many different types of padlocks to be found, it can make purchasing one difficult. Below, we have broken down a few ways buyers can pick the best padlock for their needs when they shop around. 

Choose a padlock for its level of security

Padlocks are usually given a level of security that details how secure they are. These are the sold security and CEN security ratings. The sold secure security ratings have three categories – gold, silver, and bronze. Each rating category corresponds to levels of attacks that the padlock must be able to withstand. Gold is the highest of the three security categories.

For CEN security ratings, they are categorised from CEN 3 to CEN 6. CEN 6 is the highest of the CEN security ratings. 

Choose the right size

The size of the padlock will also affect its intended use and application. Buyers should therefore make sure to use appropriately sized padlocks. For instance, for large gates, it is better to use a larger padlock instead of a small and flimsy one. Likewise, a chunky, heavy padlock would be very impractical to use for luggage. 

Pick the right shape

Padlocks typically fall into four shapes: 

Discuss: Also known as circular, they are characterised by their round shape. They are generally used to secure doors and sheds. 

Conventional: They are usually used for low-security applications. They can often be found in factory gates, toolboxes, and securing parked motorcycles.

Anvil: Also known as straight shackles or shutter locks, they are used to secure the roller shutters of businesses.

Shackleless: Unlike their name, they do actually have shackles, but it is hidden in the underside of the padlock’s body. This makes them difficult to tamper with, and they can withstand most attacks. They are usually used to secure warehouse doors, the double door of trucks and container vans. 

Consider the padlock’s body material

The body of a padlock has a very important role. This is because it protects the locking mechanism from any attacks. It houses and encloses the lock cylinder and mechanism of the lock. Here are a few metals a padlock’s body can be made of.

Solid brass: They are cheap and not considered very secure. This makes them susceptible to attacks and tampering, and they provide a lower degree of security. These padlocks are typically used in applications that need a lower level of protection.

Laminated steel: They are made from several layers of pre-punched steel plates. These plates are riveted together to form the padlock’s body.

Pressed steel: They are formed from two heavy-duty stainless-steel shells, which make up the body’s front and back. They are welded together around the lock mechanism. This offers a good degree of security for general use and applications.

Solid steel: They are harder and tougher than brass padlocks, this makes them more robust and resilient to tampering and attacks.

Armour encased: They are used to increase the level of security of a brass padlock. The brass padlock is encased in a hardened steel jacket, which protects it from attacks such as drilling.

Consider the size and shape of the shackle

When buying padlocks, buyers need to consider the size of the shackle for their intended use. Shackles that have a diameter of up to 7mm are used for low-security needs. Those that have a diameter between 7-10mm are used for medium security needs. Shackles that have a diameter greater than 10mm are for higher security applications.