Wednesday, 15 February 2023
When it comes to protecting your possessions, being able to lock them away is a definite relief. Therefore, a padlock is likely amongst your first thoughts.
However, a cheap, flimsy padlock can be as bad as having no lock at all, so you need to choose the right one. Especially if you’re items are expensive or sentimental.
There are so many factors you need to consider when choosing the right padlock. But what are they, and where do you start?
In this blog, we’ll help you choose the ultimate padlock to suit your individual requirements.
What are you locking away?
Firstly, you need to identify the reason you require a padlock.
Of course, the reason is to protect your possessions. But dig a little deeper – why do they need protecting?
Perhaps you need to store your gym bag safely away whilst you go swimming, or you want to protect the expensive gardening equipment in your shed from burglars. Maybe your important, confidential documents need to be locked away from prying eyes.
There are so many reasons you might need a padlock and your reason will influence your choice of padlock.
Your padlock options
Next, you need to explore your options.
From simple brass padlocks to top of the range high security padlocks, there are so many padlock varieties available. However, not all will be suited to your specific requirements.
When choosing your padlock, you need to consider the value of the possessions you’re protecting.
The higher the value of your items, the higher the security required. This may mean spending a little more to get the perfect padlock.
You also need to consider where your padlock will be used, indoors or outdoors? If you’re going to be using it outside, you’ll need to purchase a durable padlock with anti-rust properties. And will a key or combination be more practical? These considerations should help you narrow down your options.
Here’s a quick round up of some of the different varieties of padlock available.
Brass padlocks
Brass padlocks are the simplest padlock available. This fuss free option is weather resistant, meaning it can be used both indoors and outdoors without any risk of weather damage.
Possibly the lowest cost option, brass padlocks are a favourite among many for securing areas and items that require basic security – school lockers for example.
High security padlocks
A step up from brass padlocks in terms of security, high security padlocks are usually manufactured from either hardened or stainless steel and are resistant to twisting and cutting.
Hardened steel padlocks go through a properly controlled heating and cooling process during the manufacturing stage to create an even stronger, more durable material. However, unless a corrosion resistant coating is applied, they can be vulnerable to rust when used outdoors.
Although not as strong as their hardened steel counterparts, stainless steel high security padlocks are naturally rust resistant, making them a popular choice for all-weather outdoor use.
CEN rated padlocks
These are padlocks that have met the Central European Norm (CEN) padlock testing standard.
There are six levels of CEN grading. The lowest, grade one, consists of padlocks ideal for everyday use – locking a cabinet for example. The highest grade, grade six, is usually reserved for commercial security uses – locking storage units and even shop shutters.
For home security, CEN rated padlocks at grades three through to five are recommended.
Combination padlocks
Combination padlocks are usually unlocked using an electronic or mechanical keypad.
They prove to be especially beneficial to those who tend to forget their keys.
Choosing a combination padlock means there is no key to possibly fall into the wrong hands, therefore reducing the risk of any unauthorised persons accessing your possessions.
Marine weatherproof padlocks
Marine weatherproof padlocks are the most robust padlock available.
Because they’re weatherproof, they’re perfectly suited to outdoor use, where they can provide ultimate protection against humidity and other extreme weather conditions whilst still protecting from impacts and attacks.
High quality padlocks from Lockshop Direct
From Yale and TSS to Abus and Master Lock, here at Lockshop Direct we supply only the most high quality padlocks.
Visit our product pages to view our vast range.
If you’re unsure which padlock would be best suited to your requirements, or have any questions about our range of products, simply get in touch.
Call us on 0330 174 0851 or fill in our online enquiry form.
Author: Innocent Olwo
Back to listing