A padlock is far from simple and straightforward. There are many different types, each with their own specific functions and each with their role to play in securing certain things. In this guide, you can find out more about what components made a padlock, the different types of padlocks available, and which are most suited to particular security requirements, amongst other things.
What is a padlock made up of?
While you’re likely to come across various different types of padlock on the market, the main skeleton is essentially the same across the board.
Padlocks are made up of three main parts – the body, the shackle and the locking mechanism. The body is what holds everything together and what the shackle and locking components stem from. You’ll find that most padlock bodies are either square, circular, rectangular or cylindrical.
The shackle is the name given to the U shaped piece of metal which you hook around the object you wish to secure. Shackles can either swing or slide out of the body of the padlock when unlocked, although in more rare cases, they can split away from each other.
Finally we come to the locking mechanism in padlocks. This component typically comes are either an integrated or modular mechanism. Traditional integrated locking systems force the shackle to engage with the tumblers in the padlock. They usually require a key to be unlocked and cannot be disassembled. The modern modular locking mechanisms contain a plug within a cylinder that can only be turned with the right key, and they are usually self-locking. Padlocks with a modular locking system can usually be taken apart to service or to replace parts.
What are the different types of padlocks available?
Marine or weatherproof padlocks
You’ll find plenty of padlocks available on the market today known as marine padlocks or weatherproof padlocks, which are specially designed for use outdoors and in harsh outdoor environments. Their features won’t rust and can withstand humidity and salty water, which is what makes them perfect for using on boats or near the shore. They’re heavy-duty too, which makes them strong against impact and a very reliable security piece.
Discus padlocks
Discus padlocks can be identified by their circular body and round shaped shackle. The body itself is made up of two metal frames put together, allowing the shackle to pass through the inside of the body, making these types of padlocks extremely secure. Discus padlocks are not spring loaded, meaning any impact or damage to the padlock will not cause it to unlock – it’s this that makes discus padlocks extremely popular.
Combination padlocks
Rather than requiring a key to unlock the shackle, combination padlocks require the correct sequence of numbers or letters to disengage. The sequence is usually chosen by the owner of the padlock, meaning the chosen code can be a sequence known only to the owner which makes combination padlocks very secure.
Shutter padlocks
Shutter padlocks are extremely sturdy, thanks to their solid rectangular U-shaped body and sliding bolt-like shackle. Their name comes from the design being originally intended to secure shutters, but they can be used for many other security requirements too. When unlocked, the shackle will slide out to the side, making shutter padlocks very easy to use for securing anything close to the ground.
Lever padlocks
Probably the most old-fashioned padlock design available today, lever padlocks secure an item through a set of levers within the body of the lock, which restrict the bolt from moving too far out of the body. Lever locks with an odd number of levers within the body enable the shackle to open from either side.
Padlock security issues
Some padlocks are much more secure than others, and the type you should choose largely depends on your own particular requirements. When considering which padlock to choose for your own security needs, it’s well worth bearing in mind some of the problems associated with certain padlocks, before choosing which one to invest in.
One factor to think about is the strength of the padlock shackle. As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the shackle, the more secure it is, as it’s much more difficult to cut through or snap a thicker shackle. The highest security shackles typically have a width of 10mm in diameter or more, whereas the lowest security shackled will measure less than 7mm in diameter.
Another security issue to think about is how much of the padlock’s shackle is exposed. Higher security padlocks have a much more closed in shackle, with only a small amount on show outside of the body. A smaller portion of shackle on show makes these padlocks much harder to manipulate. While open or long shackle padlocks are much easier to attach and lock, they are also easier to attack or manipulate – something well worth considering when trying to find the best padlock for your needs.
CEN – the padlock certification to bear in mind
The Central European Norm (CEN) is a certification used to determine how secure a specific padlock is. If a padlock has a high CEN rating, you can trust that it is secure enough for your own applications. In some cases, an insurance company will expect you to utilise a highly rated CEN padlock when taking out cover with them.
The CEN certification is split into six different grades – each grade is assigned as follows:
- Grade 1 – Low security
- Grade 2 – Normal security
- Grade 3 – Medium level security
- Grade 4 – High security
- Grade 5 – Extra high security
- Grade 6 – Maximum security
Grade 6 level padlocks are recommended for commercial use, whereas grade 5 padlocks should be suitable for consumer use, in most cases. For individual requirements, you can expect padlocks with grades between 3 and 5 to be good enough.
Please note that there are a number of manufacturers who do not pass their padlocks through the CEN ratings, and some even provide the ratings themselves to their padlocks.
Recommended padlocks for particular applications
As mentioned earlier, there are certain padlocks that are more suitable for certain applications than others. Here we have highlighted a few recommendations for the most common applications we are asked about.
- The best type of padlock for sheds – most types of padlocks are suitable for use with sheds, however, for optimal security, invest in a weatherproof padlock for long-lasting security. A combination lock is also useful when multiple people require access to the shed.
- The best type of padlock for gates – opt for shutter, discus or weatherproof padlocks for securing your gates. They usually have thicker or more closed in shackles.
- The best type of padlock for boats – a marine or weatherproof padlock is a must for securing items or parts of your boat. Made from stainless steel interiors and an even tougher exterior, you’re much more likely to keep impact or attacks at bay, as well as the harsh weather conditions.
- The best type of padlock for shutters – of course, the recommended type of padlock for shutters would be the shutter padlock. As previously mentioned, their design is made to secure something that lies close to the ground, and their bolt-like shackle will reduce the chances of manipulation.
If you require further information about padlocks, their features and their uses, feel free to get in touch with our team. We know the ins and outs of padlock security and will be able to offer advice and recommendations on which padlock to invest in for your own specific uses.