What should I look for in a padlock?

Author: Prof. Mekhi Dach PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Six Tips for Choosing the Right Padlock
  • Consider the value of the assets being protected. ...
  • Measure the inside space of the ring or mounting where the padlock will be installed. ...
  • Make sure that the shackle is long enough. ...
  • Will the padlock be used outside or indoors? ...
  • Choose between a key or combination padlock.

How can you tell a good padlock?

Here's a quick guide on what to look out for:
  1. Size matters. • Choose a padlock size that looks right for the job. ...
  2. Materials. • Look for high-quality materials. ...
  3. The shackle. • Thickness and strength are key. ...
  4. Opening Methods. • General purpose locks have 4 cuts on the key and around 1,000 different keys. ...
  5. Weatherproof.

What type of padlock is most secure?

ABUS Granit™ padlocks meet highest security standards and are considered to be among the most secure padlocks in the world. Their tensile resistance is over 6 tons. High-quality materials and careful finishing are the basis for the quality of these padlocks that are made in Germany.

How do you pick a padlock?

To find the pin at the back of the lock, gently push up on the top of the inside of the lock with the pin until you feel something push upward. Once you've found the pin, press down on the handle of the pick to lift the end of the pick and push the pin up above the cylinder.

What does 50mm padlock mean?

Padlocks tend to be measured by body size (width), the larger the body, the thicker the shackle, and greater the horizontal and vertical clearance will be. Above you can see the Squire Stronghold Range that goes from a 50mm body to an 80mm.

The 4 Best Padlocks by Level of Security

What is a standard padlock size?

Some common lengths and designations are: LS: 3/4" (19mm) LF: 1-1/2" - 1-9/16" (38mm - 40mm) LH: 2" (51mm)

What are the numbers on a padlock mean?

A “Direct Code” is the exact numbers related to the cuts or the depths of each valley in your key. This is typically used to identify a specific key and how the lock should be combinated to allow the key to operate. For the most part, this happens from the lock manufacturer.

What household items can you pick a padlock with?

Fashion a lock-pick using household items.

Bobby pins or hair pins work best, but you can also use heavy-duty paperclips, or other stiff bits of wire. First create your pick by opening out one of the bobby pins or paperclips until it is straight. Then bend the last 1/8" of the pick up at a 20 degree angle.

What is the tiny hole in a padlock for?

A1: Some padlocks, especially those for outdoor use, may have a tiny hole in the side of the cylinder slot. One of its functions is to keep the padlock mechanism unaltered over time, expelling water which could stagnate due to excessive humidity or freeze inside the padlock at low temperatures.

What is the hardest padlock to break into?

ABUS Granit™: one of the world's most secure padlocks with a tensile resistance of over six tonnes. Granit locks have a tensile resistance of over six tonnes, making it almost impossible for attackers to release the shackle from the lock body by force.

What makes a padlock secure?

Lock Size. The bigger the lock, the more secure it is because thicker metals are more resistant to breaking. Also, larger lock bodies provide more space for additional pins or internal safety features, and internal locking mechanisms can also be larger and more robust.

Is key or combo lock better?

Since they don't contain dials, keyed locks offer a superior level of security when compared to combination locks. Unless a thief has the key, he or she won't be able to open it. Furthermore, keyed locks are better protected against shimming than combination locks.

What is shackle in padlock?

Shackle: Most often a loop of metal (u-shaped bar) that opens up to lock and unlock the padlock - available in varying lengths and diameters to fit a variety of needs.

What is shackle diameter on a lock?

As a rough rule of thumb, a shackle up to 7mm in diameter can be considered to be low-security, from 7 to 9mm - medium-security and 10mm or bigge' - high-security. In addition, you need to take into account the shackle's material.

Are laminated padlocks good?

Laminated locks are made from steel but are laminated to prevent rust, making them both strong and weather resistant- this makes the padlocks extra protective.

How do you open a padlock without a key?

  1. Step 1: Insert the tip of the screwdriver inside the keyhole until it reaches the barrel of the lock.
  2. Step 2: Thrust the screwdriver in and out of the lock while jiggling it.
  3. Step 3: Continue to shake the lock until you hit the tumblers and you open the lock.

Do bump keys work?

When executed correctly, lock bumping is effective in nearly 90 percent of all cylinder-type locks produced today. Perhaps one of the most disconcerting aspects of lock bumping is that it can often go undetected, which means that your home can be broken into without any signs of forced entry.

Can you pick a lock with a bobby pin?

The bobby pins will serve as a pick and a lever so you can successfully open the door. In choosing the bobby pins, make that they are sturdy so that they won't break once you start picking the lock. The size of the bobby pins will also depend on the size of your lock.

How do you pick a lock with simple things?

Lock Picking Technique
  1. Insert Tension Wrench into the Bottom of Key Hole and Apply Slight Pressure. ...
  2. Insert Pick at Top of Lock. ...
  3. While Applying Slight Torque to Your Wrench, Scrub Your Pick Back and Forth in the Key Hole. ...
  4. Repeat Until All the Pins Set.

How do you pick a lock without a tension wrench?

You use the manly art of improvisation and MacGyver yourself out of this tough spot with nothing but paper clips and pliers, of course. Picking a lock with paper clips works pretty much the same way as picking a lock with a traditional tension wrench and rake.

How do you pick a padlock with a screwdriver?

To pick a lock with a screwdriver, you need a flat head screwdriver. Insert it at the bottom part of the keyhole. Once it is placed inside the keyhole, turn it clockwise. Apply the right amount of pressure while the screwdriver is in the position.

How do I find my key code?

Finding the key code
  1. In the documentation of the vehicle. Sometimes the key code is in the vehicle manual or on a label with the lock or key.
  2. On the key. It would be an engraved or hewn in code. ...
  3. On a metal plate in the glove department or elsewhere in the car.
  4. On the lock's housing.

How do I know what key type?

Most lock manufacturers use a distinctive bow design to identify their keys. First try to locate one that matches yours. Also look to see if your keys has a name or any numbers or letters on them. Letter/Number combinations such as SC1, KW1, Y1 etc.

What do key numbers mean?

Keys are typically printed with an alphanumeric code called a key identification number, a key code or a key number that allows locksmiths and companies to replicate keys without the need to install a whole new lock system.

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