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How to pick the right padlock
Choosing the right padlock can be a little more complicated that you
might imagine and there are a number of different factors to consider.
PADLOCK BASICS
Padlocks comprise of:
Shackle - a metal loop that opens
up to lock it in place (often available in
various lengths and diameters)
Body - the solid part of the padlock
that contains the locking mechanism
Locking mechanism - a core part
of the padlock and most of the time is
a cylindrical keyway where the key is
inserted, often there may be combination
locking system and even smart locks
with features such as remote unlocking
and alarms.
Padlocks can be compromised by
nature (if they are not weather-proof), by
force (bolt cutters, hammers, sawing or
drilling), or by manipulation method of
attack, such as picking.
‘The durability and
service life of a padlock
depends not only on the
type of the mechanism
but also the type of
metal it is made of’
Therefore, it will be important to
choose the padlock based on its
application requirements, and choose
the correct level of protection, weather
resistance and durability. This would
be done by looking at the type of the
padlock shackle, security mechanism,
and padlock material.
There is no easy way to compare
different manufacturers products.
When it comes to higher security
padlocks however, there are three
industry standard ratings which offer a
comprehensive guide to the security
level of a padlock:
BS EN 12320 is the UK version
of a grading system created by the
Association of Building Hardware
Manufacturers, and uses several
methods of attack on the lock to identify
weather resistance and security.
Sold Secure security ratings led by
Master Locksmiths Association falls
into three categories; Gold, Silver and
Bronze, with each category being
subject to and proven to withstand
increasingly harsh levels of attack test.
CEN (Central European Norm)
was devised by major padlock
manufacturers of the EU some time
ago; similarly categorised `from
CEN 3 to CEN 6, each category
having withstood the associated
test requirements. (CEN 6 being the
highest).
The durability and service life of a
padlock depends not only on the type
of the mechanism but also the type of
metal it is made of:
Aluminum is a light and corrosion-
resistant metal. In terms of reliability,
aluminum mechanisms are inferior
to other locks made from more
durable materials, so would not be
recommended for outdoor use, but
rather for reassurance purpose on the
small luggage.
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Brass is more durable, and is a two-
component alloy based on copper and
zinc. Brass padlocks are corrosion-
resistant, have good wear-resistance
and strength. The disadvantage of the
brass is its darkening potential in the air.
For this reason, a protective coating is
applied to the brass locks.
Cast iron is a strong alloy of iron
and carbon. It has a high melting point,
a special hardness and low ductility.
Inexpensive production of cast iron
makes this material in demand in the
production of locks. However, there is a
drawback - this alloy at low temperatures
becomes brittle and loses its durability.
Steel/hardened steel locks are usually
very durable and cut-resistant. Steel can
have different strength characteristics.
Various components are added to the
alloy of the steel, which give the metal
certain mechanical properties. Stainless
steel, treated with high temperatures,
takes the leading place among metals
in the production of locks. The coating
with chrome, nickel or zinc significantly