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The choice of your padlock depends essentially on the following 5 elements:
The domain of use: The location, the climate, the ways of use and your user habits will all influence your choice of a padlock.
The level of protection: the break-in resistance level is usually assessed depending on the size of the place to be secured and the possessions that you want to safeguard. Other factors to consider are the technical aspects and the key type.
Technical aspects: depending on the sought domain of use, requirements and the level of security, technical elements must be taken into account (the material of the lock body and shackle, the locking system, the anchorage mechanism and the protection type).
The ergonomic aspects: it is important to consider the convenience of the padlock and its usability subject to any usage constraints and depending on the size of the object or the place to secure.
The type of key: The level of security provided by the key may determine your choice depending on the level of protection expected and the use of your padlock.
First of all, a padlock must be practical, easy to recognize and light. Our ‘Travel Sentry Approved’ certified models, identifiable by a red diamond, are often recommended for a trip. Only TSA certified padlocks – those approved by the international transport administration - can be opened by Customs officers with a special key without damaging the baggage if a search is carried out. Examples of use: suitcases, backpacks, handbags, hiking bags, sports bags, bag carts or golf tripods, cases, transport cages...
Resistance to moisture, frost and dust are important factors to consider. In the outdoor environment you also need to consider whether the place to be secured is more or less isolated. Indeed, in uninhabited areas it will be easier to use more noisy break-in tools without fear of being interrupted. In this case, one may want to prefer high security padlocks (industrial domain). Examples of use: Garages, gates, fences, garden sheds, lawn mowers, BBQ, furniture, stables, chains...
First of all, a padlock must be practical and chosen according to the intended use and the desired level of security. Combination code padlocks for indoor use are often chosen for cloakroom lockers to avoid worries about the risk of losing the key (e.g. at a gym...). Indoor padlocks with a master key are usually chosen when several people are expected to operate the padlock (e.g. in condominiums...). Examples of use: Lockers, closets, safe deposit boxes, school dining rooms, wardrobes, cellars, shutters, computers, tools, chains...
Corrosion resistance is a key factor when a padlock is used near a sea shore, or on boats. Make sure that your padlock is completely made of materials treated against corrosion (body, shackle, latching mechanism...). Some padlock for sea shore use also have PVC protection of the body or shackle to withstand such outdoor aggressive factors as moisture, salt, dust and shocks. Example of use: entrances to marines, pontoons, shipyards, docks, jet ski, towing, engines...
On a construction site, equipment and numerous access points sometimes need to be secured. At construction sites, preference is often given to multi-purpose padlocks. Note that resistance to outdoor aggressive factors shall be taken into consideration at open-air sites (dust, mud, water...). If you need to protect equipment or important documents we recommend to use either shouldered shackle padlocks or locks resistant to attacks by tearing, cutting and sawing of the shackle, lock picking and drilling. Examples of use: fences, secure access (power or gas facilities...), tools, machinery, containers, warehouses, hangars, precast, chains...
Protection of industrial property (material and intellectual) and people (chemical products, electrical restriction areas...) in an industrial park requires padlocks of high security offering a high level of protection. The technical characteristics of a padlock defined prior to the selection of the padlock (armoured body and shackle, anti-tearing, anti-lock picking, anti-drilling, anti-smash protection... for sensitive locations, composite non-conductive coat for electrical lockouts...) Examples of use: fences, gates, access to high security areas, secure access (power or gas facilities...), post offices, warehouses, hangars...
Various solutions exist to protect vehicles. Regardless of the selected solution (a padlock for a chain or an anti-theft cable, HASP fitted on your vehicle, a motorcycle U-lock, a rotor lock...) your locking device must provide protection against picking, smashing, shackle sawing or clipping. In addition, your antitheft padlock must be resistant to aggressive effects of moisture or dust. Similarly, cables and chains used with a padlock must provide similar protection. Examples of use: motorcycles, scooters, quads, bicycles, trucks, campers, caravans, trailers, spare wheels...
When the fashion gets involved! But not only that, because this type of a lock must be practical, besides the decorative aspect. They can be designed with a trendy finish and ergonomics. In addition, they can range from a simple decorated padlock to a truly luxury model (in which case the design, the finish and ergonomics are the key elements to choose your padlock). Examples of use: backpacks, hand bags, sports bags, roller bags, ski bags, key chains, jewellery boxes...
Combination code padlock (combination code lock)
Combination code locks are used when the use of a key may be bothersome for the user (luggage, bikes, cloakroom lockers, school lockers…) or when the same secure access is used by different role players. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the combination code padlocks are as effective in terms of security and protection against theft as the key padlocks. If you opt for a combination code lock, make sure nevertheless that ferrules (or wheels) have the least possible play – as otherwise a skilful and experienced malefactor might find the opening code.
Key padlock (key lock)
In the case of a key padlock, your choice of the key type will depend on of the level of security and convenience criteria. Standard flat key, paracentric key, reversible flat key, reversible flat key with owner’s card (see paragraph 06: choosing a padlock according the key)
The padlock shackle diameter, its height and width are important elements that will partly define the resistance of a padlock and its level of protection. The shackle material is also an aspect to be taken into account according to the use domain of the lock (outdoor, marine environment...) and the expected security constraints. Its material will also determine the mechanical strength of the shackle in torsion
The larger is the padlock shackle diameter, the more difficult it will be to cut it. For example, padlocks with shackles less than 4 mm in diameter can be easily cut with a simple rescue cutter. A secure padlock must have a shackle of 6 mm in diameter and up to 10 mm for high security padlocks.
The shorter is a shackle, the more difficult it will be to cut it. A padlock shackle usually has the U shape with 4 typical heights (short, standard, half-long and long) to use the padlock in different configurations. The half-long and long shackles, which expose more surface, are practical in some situations but are more vulnerable. The height of the shackle can be technically reduced if the shackle is shouldered, that is when the side extensions of the padlock body cover a portion of the shackle. The length is thus reduced and, therefore, the shackle is less exposed to the cutting, sawing or smashing with a heavy object.
The width of the shackle is usually dependent on the width of the body of the lock. Therefore, the choice of the lock size, depending on the desired use, will determine the width of the shackle.
Hardened steel ensures protection against sawing. Hardened molybdenum steel has high resistance against cutting and sawing. Brass or stainless steel are recommended for protection against corrosion by oxidation. Stainless steel is designed especially to withstand salty environments
The weight, width, shape and material of the padlock body are the elements to be taken into account for the choice of your padlock. These elements are taken into account on the basis of the padlock’s usage domain and the anticipated security constraints.
The padlock weight could be of consideration when it comes to a padlock for travel or a padlock for a gym locker, for example, where a lightweight and easily transportable padlock is preferred. The weight depends on the size of the desired padlock and its material. Thus, brass and steel locks are typically heavier than plastic composite or aluminium padlocks.
The width of the padlock depends on shackle dimensions as required by specific usage, as well as on the ease of handling considerations (it is not always best to use a too big lock in a congested or very small space).
An extension of the padlock body may be provided to cover a part of the shackle. In this way, the padlock body gets 'shoulders' to protect and reduce the height and length of the shackle of your padlock which is thus less exposed to the cutting, sawing or smashing with a heavy object.
Steel, primarily for indoor use. Stainless steel or brass are used for protection against corrosion by oxidation (outdoor use). Stainless steel is designed especially to withstand salty environments. Solid brass is still the most used material for padlocks. The finish in this case could be chrome that brings aesthetics and brilliance while retaining the stainless properties required outdoors. Non-conductive composites are used most often in a professional environment with possible colour coding.
The locking mechanism at the bottom of the padlock body, at the front or on a side
Usually, a padlock’s lock mechanism is operated from the bottom. However, this may be inconvenient if the padlock location leaves little space for access to the locking mechanism. In this case, choose a padlock with the locking mechanism at the front or on a side (straight-shackle padlocks).
Protection against tearing and extirpation of the padlock cylinder
The drill bit rotates in a void
Impossibility of picking the padlock’s locking mechanism (with a paper clip or lock picks)
It will be impossible for an intruder to turn the key to open the padlock even by tapping on a strike key (or a percussion key) which moves the lock cylinder pins
The padlock cannot be broken with a hammer, and the cylinder cannot be knocked off the padlock body
The padlock’s locking mechanism cannot be torn by a large cutter. The front part breaks but the cylinder remains attached to the padlock body
The padlock shackle material can have properties to enhance the security of your padlock against sawing (hardened steel or hardened molybdenum steel)
Reproduction can be performed by any locksmith and does not require special machinery. As a blank of this type of key is publicly available, the reproduction of the key would only require standard tools and, contrary to high security keys which require a specific tool provided by the manufacturer and a more complex mechanism guaranteeing a high level of security.
Paracentric keys are flat keys serrated at the lower edge and at some side points on the edge of the key to enhance protection against picking. Paracentric keys can be reproduced by a locksmith or by a key copying shops but many models are patented, such as the Adriatic model by Thirard.
Unlike most keys that can be inserted in one single orientation, the reversible key can be inserted either way. In other words, the insertion into the padlock’s keyhole of a reversible key can be done with the key facing either side.
This feature requires you to bring your code card to the manufacturer, together with the requirement to provide proof of identity. Only the manufacturer is able to make a copy of your keys from the controlled reproduction card which was delivered at the time of purchase.
This function requires you to lock the padlock before you can pull out the key: the key cannot be removed unless the lock is properly closed, i.e. only if the shackle is properly locked in the padlock body. This helps not to misplace your keys during the operation.
The concept of a master key is to allow opening different padlocks with a single key. Such padlocks with a master key are called key group padlocks. They are manufactured at the factory as a group or a batch that opens with the same key, and therefore having the same combination. The key group padlocks are typically used when the use of a too large number of key becomes risky (private enterprises, administrative centres...). Manufactured «by group keys», these padlocks have a combination that can be also compatible with some models of security latches or cylinders manufactured with the same combination. You can therefore use one single key to operate them all (for more information, see our tips page: One key that opens all).
Padlocks can be supplied with different combinations, but still be opened with a single key. In this case, we use the concept of general pass and partial pass. Role-based access systems allow to structure different access permissions to a site taking into account different routes of persons within the site, as well as their access permissions and refusals: Co-owned properties, hotels, business offices, public structures such as cities, hospitals or schools and industrial parks where several parties are engaged in different services... (To learn more, visit our tips page: your Role-based access system)
Generally, the greater is the number of pins allowing the passage of the key in the lock cylinder, the higher is security. In other words, the greater is the number of pins, the higher is the level of protection (particularly against picking). However, it is preferable to specifically seek protection against picking (which prevents break-ins by inserting metal rods or clips), protection against tearing and extirpation of the padlock cylinder.
Other criteria for the padlock shackle selection :
An adjustable shackle with different shackle heights for different uses with the same lock.
While most padlocks have the U shape, some incorporate instead a straight bolt typical for monoblocks commonly used for chains, door padlocks and hasp padlocks. This type of a shackle is easy to operate and has a special advantage in that very little surface is exposed to break-in attempts once in the closed position. This remarkable advantage made straight-shackle padlocks are also popular for cellar doors, sheds, warehouses or containers, as well as barriers and sometimes for coin or token distribution machines. You should check the shackle to body distance and the width between the 2 shoulders.
Straight-shackle padlocks can have two openings for the bolt in the padlock body in order to hold the links of a chain (protection against sawing or clipping the bolt) thus enhancing security. You should check the shackle to body distance and the width between the 2 chain attachment passages.
A sheath that covers the shackle to protect the padlock against the risk of corrosion caused by moisture (water spray, mud...) or dust.
A sheath that covers the shackle of a padlock used primarily for electrical lockouts.
The shackle is sometimes substituted by a cable which provides flexibility of attachment. There are cables of different length, and some padlock allow to adjust the cable length.
Other criteria for the selection of the padlock body :
A sheath that covers the padlock body which allows to enhance protection against shocks, dust and water oxidation. PVC sheaths are also used in industrial applications to cover lockout padlocks for electrical boxes or electrical switchboard doors.
It protects the locking mechanism.
It allows to drain any water that may accumulate in the internal mechanism of the padlock.
The padlock body which allows to install a changeable cylinder. The locking action is effected by the cylinder cam. The padlock body which allows to install a changeable cylinder. These padlocks offer the possibility to change the cylinder in order to increase the level of security or to change the opening mechanism without having to change the padlock. The padlock locking action is effected by the cylinder cam. The level of security of the cylinder is therefore determined by the choice of this type of a padlock. Padlocks with a changeable locking mechanism are also used in implementations of role-based access systems or when migrating to a master key security system (allowing to open different security checkpoints with the same code)
Other types of keys :
For artillery padlocks - historically, artillery padlocks were intended for locking ammunition boxes. They are still used for other applications, including marine. Their mechanism is simple: the padlock is locked by turning the screw with a triangular or square key.
If a key has a card code, the reproduction of the key requires the code inscribed on the reproduction card that will be controlled. The reproduction of your keys can be performed only based on the provided code and not from another key, therefore the security level of your padlock is increased, but you should retain your reproduction card in a safe place. Duplicating a key based on the code card requires special machinery supplied by the manufacturer for the reproduction of the keys.
