PROMOTIONAL ARTICLE
How to Choose the Correct Padlock
Call : 021-508 1250
If you are in the market to purchase a padlock then you most probably want to lock up something valuable or stop someone gaining unauthorised access to an area . Either way , if you make the wrong choice you have wasted your time and your money and made the job of the thief a lot easier .
Your best starting point in deciding on which padlock to purchase is having the correct information to decide on what is the correct choice for your specific needs . Here are a few simple things to consider when making the decision . Applying these principles will guide you through the myriad of different padlocks and marketing jargon which is in the market place , all of them trying to convince you to part with your hard earned money .
Firstly , consider the following points :
How valuable e item you want to protect ?
The more valuable the item , the more secure the padlock should be and therefore the higher cost of the padlock .
Consider the complete system you need to use
The padlock is only part of a security system . Thieves target the weakest link in the system , so you will also need to get a high quality hasp or chain . Square link hardened steel chain is the toughest chain you can get .
What is the rating of the padlock ?
Padlocks are not created equal , so it is important that for security and insurance purposed the padlock you choose should comply with an independent rating . In South Africa there is a SANS specification for padlocks . When looking for high security padlocks and the padlock complies with the rating then you are assured that it is a quality padlock . When in doubt , choose a quality brand of padlock . It is true , that you get what you pay for . Cheap , high quality padlocks just do not exist .
Do you need a special key system ?
Depending on your specific needs , you may need more than one padlock and then you can consider having the padlock as being keyed alike ( all padlocks work on one key ), or you may need a master keyed system ( all padlocks have their own unique key , but there is a single key which can open all the locks in the system ).
For very high security systems you should use a restricted keyway , such as the US Patented Edge Key system from Master Lock . This ensures that no unauthorised duplicate keys can be made as there are no key blanks available . Duplicate keys can only be made in the factory for the authorised owner of the system .
The three main components of a padlock include the body , shackle and locking mechanism . Quality of manufacture as well as design and materials used determine the level of security of the padlock . Terms like laminated steel body , dual ball bearing locking mechanism , octagonal shackle and Boron Carbide ensure that you are choosing a padlock which is soundly constructed .
Design and components of a padlock to consider
What size padlock body is correct ?
This will be determined by what you are using it for . A huge padlock on a suitcase is inappropriate , as is a small padlock on a garden gate . Your logic will guide you correctly . Also remember that a size alone is a poor indication of the strength of the padlock . Large , cheap padlocks will not offer the correct level of security required .
Which body design is correct ?
Padlocks are available in different design configurations , each with their own advantages
Discus type padlocks – have no angular corners and the shackle is well protected . These are often used with cycle chains , security cables and securing door on sheds and garages . These locks offer best value for money .
Shutter style or what is commonly known as “ insurance ” padlocks – have a rectangular shape and the securing pin moves between two pillars of the lock . These are popular with roller shutters on shop fronts as well as security chains .
Conventional padlocks – have a body which houses the locking mechanism and the shackle is attached to the body . These are very common padlocks and their application possibilities vary from high security areas to low security situations , depending on their size and type of shackle .
Open type shackles – the shackle is exposed and has no protection .
Closed type shackles – shackle is protected by a shroud on the lock body , this protects the shackle from attack from tools .
Shackles can be normal length or long length . The longer the shackle the easier it is to cut the shackle with bolt cutter or a saw .
Shackle material and shape is also important . The shackle should at least be of hardened steel and plated with chrome or nickel to prevent rust . The ultimate is an octagonal shape shackle made from Boron Carbide , this material is twice as tough as hardened steel and makes the shackle much more cut resistant .
Shackleless padlocks – are unique in that they do have a shackle , but that the shackle is a solid pin that is encased in a solid body and therefore cannot be seen . They need to be used with a specially designed hasp and are used in very high security situations such as warehouse doors .
Which body construction is correct ?
The purpose of the lock body is to protect the locking mechanism . It has internal cavities which house the different parts of the locking mechanism . It also has channels to house the shackle of the lock . The main body types are :
Pressed steel – these are two halves of the body which are made from pressed steel and then welded together once the internal parts have been inserted . Discus type locks are usually made in this way .
Solid brass – manufacture of these locks is easy , as brass is soft , however , the soft brass is susceptible to attack by drilling , hammers and crow bars . Brass locks are best used in lower security situations . Sometimes the brass body is armour encased with a hardened steel jacket , this increases the resistance of the soft brass to being attacked .
Laminated steel – the body is constructed of layers of pre-cut steel plates which are then sandwiched and riveted together . This body offers increased security and can be used in high security areas . The Excell and Pro Series padlocks are good examples of this .
Which type of shackle is correct ?
Shackles are available in different shapes and materials . Shackle less than 7mm in diameter are considered low security , up to 9mm is medium security and over 9mm as high security .
However , the shape and material used is also important . Material development has shown that an octagonal shackle offers very good resistance to bolt cutters and that Boron Carbide is much tougher than hardened steel . The combination of both makes for a very tough and cut resistant shackle . The only padlocks to use this enhanced and patented design is the Master Lock Excell and Pro Series locks .
Stainless steel shackles are great for outdoors where protection against rust is important , but stainless steel is not the best material to combat being cut by bolt cutters . It is also very expensive .
Which lock mechanism is correct ?
Critical elements of the lock mechanism include the locking device , number of pins in the locking cylinder as well as the keyway . The best combination of these features would be having a lock with 6 pins , dual ball bearing locking mechanism and a restricted keyway .
This would mean that the possible key combinations would be more than a million , the shackle would not be able to be pulled out of the lock body and there would not be any key blanks available to make unauthorised duplicate keys .
Many cheap locks with only 4 pins are available with as few as 20 key differs , which make the likelihood of one key being able to open many locks very high . Again , purchase a respected brand of padlock , such as Master Lock to avoid these pitfalls .
Is the lock to be used indoors or outdoors ?
If the lock is to be used outdoors , then choose one that is designed to cope with the elements . Some padlocks feature a weatherproofing jacket manufactured from rubber or plastic .
In salty or corrosive environments , a padlock specifically designed for that will need to be used . These locks use materials such as stainless steel and phosphor bronze .
Padlock maintenance
This is an aspect that is overlooked and neglected by most users . A small amount of lubricant applied once or twice a year should be sufficient . Do not use graphite powder or any wet lubricant . These over time damage the internal mechanism of the locks . The best lubricant is a dry type lubricant which contains PTFE , as these lubricants protect the lock and do not attract dust and dirt into the workings of the padlock .
That , in a nutshell is the points you need to consider when choosing the correct padlock for your lockup and security requirements . If you still are unsure , then best go talk to a reputable lock or security specialist who will be able to guide you to make the correct choice .
Call : 021-508 1250