Which Type of Padlock Should You Buy?

Ask yourself these questions to help figure out what kind of padlock you need.

Looking for a new padlock for your home or business? Stop by RBM Lock & Key. We have plenty of options to choose from. We’ll help you go over the following questions to make sure we get you the right padlocks for your needs and your budget.

What is the Purpose of the Lock?

First of all, it is important to consider why you need the padlock, as this will determine the types of security features you need to look for. If you are simply locking a toolbox or shed to keep nosy kids from endangering themselves, you do not need an expensive high-security lock. A simple warded padlock will do. If your aim is to deter serious thieves, you will want a more secure option such as a disc lock or laminated pin tumbler lock with shrouded shackle. Either type of lock is difficult to cut and difficult to pick due to the large number of spring-loaded pins.

How Strong is the Item Being Locked?

If a thief sees that they cannot easily pick or cut through your padlock, they will look for other ways to gain access to the locked item or area. For example, they could easily cut through a chain link fence or smash in the door of an old wooden shed. You don’t want to spend money on a top of the line padlock if a thief could easily bypass it.

Will the Lock Be Used Indoors or Outdoors?

If your padlock is going to be used outdoors, it needs to be weatherized so that it does not rust shut. A brass, thermoplastic, aluminum, die-cast zinc, or solid steel lock body should work. For extra protection, consider getting a lock with a protective rubber or plastic casing.

Will You Ever Need to Rekey the Lock?

If you are buying a padlock for use on a business or rental property, you may encounter a situation where you need to rekey the lock. Perhaps you lost a key or need to make sure a former employee or tenant will not be able to continue accessing the property. You might choose either a combination lock or an interchangeable core lock. Combination locks are available in dial and push-button designs, either of which can support easy combination changes. Push-button designs that allow you to use more than 3 digits in the combination are more secure than standard combination dials. If you prefer a key to a combination, interchangeable core locks allow you to change out the lock cylinder without disassembling the whole lock so you can swap keys easily.