A padlock is only as good as its weakest point, and on many storage units, sheds and gates that weak point is obvious to anyone with bolt cutters.
How padlocks are defeated
- Cutting: long exposed shackles are easy for bolt cutters.
- Prying or shimming: cheap shackles can be forced or shimmed open.
- Attacking the hasp: screws pulled out or the hasp cut instead of the lock.
- Corrosion: seized locks invite forcing.
What to look for
- A shrouded or closed shackle that leaves little room for cutters.
- Hardened or boron-steel shackles.
- A solid, laminated or hardened body.
- A weatherproof cover for outdoor use.
- Restricted keys if you need to control copies.
Do not forget the hasp
Pair the padlock with a heavy hasp that is bolted through the door, not screwed into the surface, and ideally one that covers its own fasteners when locked. On storage units, check the facility's rules on lock types.
Keyed alike
If you have several padlocks, having them keyed alike means one key opens all, which reduces the temptation to leave locks unlocked.
How padlocks fail
Cheap padlocks are easy to cut, pry or shim. Weak hasps and staples are often the real weak point.
Choosing better protection
Look for hardened shackles, shrouded designs and a lock body with anti-drill features. Match the hasp to the padlock; a strong lock on a thin hasp is wasted.
Keeping it working
Keep padlocks lubricated, protect them from ice and snow, and keep a record of keys. See safe maintenance.
Matching the padlock to what it protects
A shed with garden tools and a storage unit with business inventory carry different risks. For the first, a weather-resistant padlock with a shrouded shackle is usually enough. For the second, choose a disc or high-grade shrouded lock, fit it on a solid hasp and position it so the shackle is hard to reach with bolt cutters. Check whether the storage facility limits the type of lock you may use.
For padlocks and hasps in Toronto, see padlocks.