You might be surprised to hear that choosing the right padlock to suit your needs is not as easy as you might think. A padlock is a padlock, right? Well, yes and no. There are so many different places they can be used and so many different materials or features, that we have decided to draw up a list of six essential recommendations for helping you choose the right one for you.

1. Consider the value of the assets being protected.
This variable will determine the level of security required from the padlock, which depends on the following criteria among others:
– The material used for the body and shackle, mainly. Steel is the most common material used for high-security padlocks, especially when subjected to such treatments as case-hardening or hardening. Brass, zinc alloy, stainless steel and aluminium padlocks are used for products with an intermediate level of security.
– The size of the padlock. As a general rule, the larger the padlock, the more secure it is. Size provides greater resistance against force and sawing.
– The shackle securing mechanism. The standard shackle securing mechanism is based on a double lock with springs. However, higher security padlocks use steel balls at the joint between the body and the shackle that prevent attempts to open the padlock by force.
– The lock. For key padlocks, a dimple key can prevent attacks (lockpicking, for example) better than a flat key.
Key retention. This system holds the key in the lock when the padlock is open. This is a common aspect of industrial safety padlocks, for example.

2. Measure the inside space of the ring or mounting where the padlock will be installed.
It will be no good choosing a certain padlock if its shackle is thicker than the space inside the ring or mounting where it will be installed. Measure this space before buying your padlock. If that mounting space does not suit your requirements, it can always be replaced or a hasp can be installed allowing for the padlock shackle thickness you need.

3. Make sure that the shackle is long enough.
In terms of length, padlocks can have either a short shackle (also referred to as standard length), a long shackle, an extra-long shackle or an adjustable-length shackle. Just as we recommend measuring the inside space of the ring or mounting, it is also a good idea to consider whether or not it can be reached easily and is therefore comfortable for opening the padlock with ease. Padlocks with long or extra-long shackles can be a good option in tight spaces.

4. Will the padlock be used outside or indoors?
If the padlock will be used outside, we recommend using corrosion-resistant padlocks. Padlocks made from stainless steel are the best at withstanding the elements. Nickel-plated brass padlocks are also good for outdoor use, albeit to a lesser but highly acceptable degree. All the other common padlock materials guarantee good durability for indoor environments.

5. Choose between a key or combination padlock.
There is no doubt that a key padlock offers greater security than a combination padlock. On the other hand, the convenience of a combination padlock is undeniable for protecting suitcases, gym lockers, etc. when carrying a key implies an obvious risk of loss. The most common are those with three or four 10-digit dials, giving 1,000 or 10,000 possible combinations in each case. It is also worth mentioning that combination locks exist with a security key and even padlocks that open with a magnetic key.

6. Keyed to differ, keyed alike or master keyed padlocks. Which to choose?
– Keyed to differ. Padlocks are usually sold in this format. Each padlock can only be opened with the keys supplied in the box or blister pack (unless copies are made of those keys, of course). This is because many users only need to buy one padlock and the number of people around them that may need to use the padlock is low.
– Keyed alike. Let’s say that the user or users need to install several padlocks close to one another. It is obviously not ideal to have to switch keys every time you want to open or close a different padlock; a better system would be to use a single key.
– Master keyed padlocks. These are used in an installation or building where numerous padlocks are needed and when an access hierarchy system needs to be created. Hence, a master key opens all the padlocks in the system and the keys at lower levels can open various padlocks or only one padlock.

Both keyed to differ and keyed alike padlocks can be purchased from hardware stores, locksmiths or on the Internet at any time. For master keyed padlocks, the best idea is to contact a locksmith or hardware store for them to order a master keying plan from the manufacturer based on the needs of the customer.

In future posts, we will further develop these recommendations on choosing the right padlock by adding more details that will help you understand the characteristics and features of these security devices.