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 fining 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 1million 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).