Types Of Padlocks And Their Features

Individuals and businesses often use padlocks to secure equipment or locations against possible thieves. Padlocks are available in a surprisingly large number of types, but the two most often used are combination padlocks and key padlocks. These usually have a lock body and a shackle of varying lengths. The shackle is the part of a padlock that slides through a loop or hole in order to secure whatever it is that needs to be secured. The tumblers and the combination dial or keyhole are located in the body of the lock. These are what enable you to unlock or lock your padlock. Which type of padlock you will want to use will depend on its location and purpose. Choosing the right padlock for the right purpose is important, since it can impact your insurance company's willingness to compensate you in the event of a break-in.

Buying a Padlock

When you're buying a new padlock, you have plenty of choices, even within the combination and keyed categories. An essential thing to keep in mind when purchasing a new padlock is to get one that has sufficient clearance at the shackle. You have to be able to close the lock onto the loop or hole of whatever you're securing, and if the shackle is too long or too short you might not be able to do this. Below are short descriptions of some of the padlocks available today.

Closed Shackle

With a closed shackle padlock, the shackle is enclosed so as to make it more difficult for criminals to cut the padlock with bolt cutters. Insurance companies prefer this type of padlock.

Straight Shackle

This type of padlock is perfect for locking the kind of roll-down shutter doors you see on storage units, shipping containers and warehouse stores. Otherwise, it is quite similar to a closed shackle padlock.

Discus

While similar to the closed shackle model, a discus padlock is not spring loaded. This means that a criminal attempting to drill or force it will not be able to open the lock.

Long Shackle

As the name implies, these padlocks have a longer shackle. While this might be more convenient in some ways, it is also much less secure, since it offers a criminal a better chance of cutting through the shackle.

Combination

Combination padlocks are opened by manipulating a dial combination. While quite popular with many people and even businesses, the truth is that combination locks are not nearly as secure as a keyed padlock.

Talk to a locksmith to find out what kind of padlock is best in your situation.