Herbert Miller
When you need to buy padlocks, all that you can think of is that it should lock well. But there is more to a padlock than the locking mechanism.
The padlock you purchase should be secure and durable enough to avoid any picking or shimming. Adding to that, it should also be of the right size for your use.
Padlocks these days come with features like weather resistance, corrosion resistance, cut resistance, etc. It is also important to know whether or not the padlock of your choice can be used outdoors. Knowing these features can make your purchase a lot easier.
Keeping these in mind, we have compiled a top ten list of padlocks with their features, along with the pros and cons.
In a Hurry? Check out our Top Picks:
Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.
Best Overall
Stanley Hardware Shrouded Hardened Steel Padlock
- Hardened steel frame
- ASTM Security
- Stainless steel material
- Six-pin cylinder
Best Budget
Desired Tools 4 Digit Combination Padlock
- Weatherproof
- Zinc alloy material
- Provides 10,000 different combinations
- Easily readable numbers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Premium Choice
Sargent & Greenleaf 951C High Security Padlock
- Stainless steel frame
- High-security cylinder
- ¾-inch steel chain
- One control key
- Three operator keys
1. Stanley Hardware Shrouded Hardened Steel Padlock
The Stanley Padlock is fully shrouded and comes with hardened steel that can even withstand drilling. It is made of alloy steel and dual stainless-steel ball-bearings that provides ultimate strength to this padlock and promising security.
This product features a removable cylinder with an anti-pick mechanism including six pins, adding to the top-notch security.
This padlock features a patented keyway cover, which plays the role of a shield against drillings. It also comes with molybdenum shackles that make the padlock resistant to sawing or cutting.
One downside to the product is that it is more on the heavier side, but that is a given due to its construction. This padlock is also not weatherproof, so outdoor exposure may affect the depreciation quicker.
Pros:
- High strength
- High density
- Anti-pick mechanism
- Anti-drill feature
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not weatherproof
2. Desired Tools 4 Digit Combination Padlock
Looking for a padlock that is low in price but does not compromise its quality? Then the Desired Tools 4-Digit Combination Padlock is what you need.
This padlock comes with the construction of zinc alloy and plated steel providing a lightweight finish. It is a compact lock that is ideal for lockers or cases or maybe general storage but definitely not for outdoors. It does not provide weatherproofing.
You can easily set and reset your lock combination to any 4-digit number out of the 10000 possible combinations. The numbers are easy to read and even maneuver.
It comes in different colors; you can choose one of your preference. This product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and manufacturer warranty.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Safe
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No weatherproofing
3. Sargent & Greenleaf 951C High Security Padlock
Next up, let’s have a look at our premium choice – Sargent & Greenleaf 951C High Security Padlock. One of the main reasons why this product bagged this position on our list is because of the outstanding security it provides.
This padlock was designed mainly for military purposes in order to secure the ammo cases. Hence, it can withstand brute force very well.
It features a Medeco key core that is easily replaceable. If you do not want the core the product comes with, you can change the cylinder.
The frame is constructed from sturdy stainless steel and is extremely weatherproof. So, this padlock is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Sargent & Greenleaf 951C High Security Padlock also has other high-quality materials like ceramic alloys layered over the frame. Therefore, it has excellent resistance to drillings, cutting, sawing, etc.
Furthermore, the padlock comes with a 12mm shrouded shackle, which ensures protection from bolt cutters. Although this product is on the expensive side, it is definitely worth the purchase.
Pros:
- Stainless steel frame
- Durable
- Easy to re-key
- Anti-drill shield
- Interchangeable key cylinder
Cons:
- Quite pricey
- Heavy
4. ABUS 20/70 Diskus Stainless Steel Padlock
Handmade in Germany, the ABUS 20/70 Diskus Stainless Steel Padlock features deep welding technology. This guarantees spectacular strength and high security, easily making it one among the best padlocks out there.
The body of the padlock is made from stainless steel with an impressive finish and a disk lock core system. Coming in a disc-like shape, it has a rigid core, so break-in attempts will be the least of your worries. This product will not break easily since it uses technology to withstand drilling or cutting.
The 20/70 Diskus Stainless Steel Padlock stands out from the rest of its competition with its ABUS-plus locking system. It also has a resistance against corrosion and is not easy to damage.
You will get this lock in two sizes, i.e., 50mm and 80mm. These padlocks are perfect for storage units.
Pros:
- Rugged
- Stainless steel frame
- Anti-drill and anti-cut
- High security
- High-quality raw materials
Cons:
- Not easy to make new keys
5. Master Lock 178D Combination Padlock
With thousands of possible lock combinations, the Master Lock 178D Padlock comes with a 4-digit combination for the highest security.
The lock in this padlock is placed at the bottom. It comes with a compact cylinder providing sturdiness to this product.
It is made of high strength hardened steel, making your padlock secured from break-ins with its cut resistance.
This padlock uses a key to set and reset your combinations. If you lose this key, changing your combinations will be an issue and especially if the key goes to the wrong hands. Whoever has the key can change the combination of the padlock.
It can be used for both indoor and outdoor purposes, be it for lockers, gates, sheds, or even storage units.
It is also accompanied by a limited lifetime warranty that can keep your mind at ease.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Secure
- Indoor and outdoor use
- High strength hardened steel
- Cut and saw resistant
Cons:
- Misplaced key can be problematic
6. ABUS 80TI Titanium Aluminum Alloy Padlock
The ABUS 80TI Padlock is made with a titanium aluminum alloy providing high torsion and lightness.
Titanium is an aluminum alloy made by ABUS that is about 30% lighter than brass. This product is durable as well as lightweight. The double bolts add more to the durability of this padlock.
This padlock, along with the hardened steel construction, also features a nano-protect coating, adding corrosion resistance to it.
It features a six-pin cylinder with a paracentric key profile. This makes it difficult for any unauthorized access by picking locks. It also comes with 2 keys for you to use. However, it may not be as secure against drilling.
It comes with a 2″ width as padlock body, 1-3-8″ shackle clearance, and 3-8″ diameter. Some users have reviewed this shackle size to be a little on the thicker side. It is always better to check beforehand if it is compatible with your use.
Pros:
- Secure
- Corrosion-resistant
- Durable
Cons:
- No anti-drill plate
- Shackle too thick
7. ORIA 4 Digit Combination Padlock
Constructed from zinc alloy and steel, this product is a sturdy four-digit combination padlock from ORIA. It offers about 10,000 combinations, so it is not easy to guess the combination. Moreover, the padlock is quite simple to reset.
This lock is resistant to rust, and apart from that, it is waterproof as well as weatherproof. You can use it for your bag, gym lockers, bike, etc.
ORIA offers two padlocks in the pack, so this product is undoubtedly an excellent value for money.
In regards to its functionality, setting the right combination will unlock the shank. For locking, you need to press the chain towards the hole and release it when you hear a clicking sound.
Overall, ORIA Combination Padlock is a high-quality lock boasting an exceptional design and functionality. It is extremely simple to use, so you will not have difficulty setting it up.
Pros:
- Dust-resistant
- Weatherproof
- Easy to use
- Sturdy material
Cons:
- A little heavy
8. Master Lock 1500T Locker Lock Combination Padlock
The Master Lock 1500T Locker Lock is an ideal combination padlock for indoor use. From lockers, cabinets, and even drawers, you can use this for any purpose as long as it is indoors.
The shackle of this padlock is made of hardened steel and an anti-shin technology, thus proving resistance from cutting and sawing. The cover is made of stainless steel for enhanced sturdiness and provides strength and security with the anti-shim locking mechanism.
This product comes with two locks with a three-digit combination, with one combination opening both locks.
It comes with a body dimension of 48mm wide lock, 7mm diameter shackle with 19mm length, and 21mm width.
Rest assured, this padlock also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Saw resistant
- High strength
- Durable
- Secure
Cons:
- Not for outdoor use
9. Kwikset 50 MM SmartKey Padlock
Nowadays, there are many companies that manufacture high-quality hardware products, and Kwikset is one among the best that does not disappoint. Here, we will talk about one of its products, the SmartKey Padlock.
How is it smart? Well, their one key opens doors to many. With just one key, you will be able to access all locks. So, no more carrying around four to five different keys any longer. This is as good and convenient as it gets!
This SmartKey Padlock is constructed from hardened molybdenum, so it ensures anti-cut and also resists any attempts like sawing. You can use it for your front and back doors, garage, outdoors, etc.
In addition, it also features a double ball-bearing lock system. This mechanism guarantees maximal security. You can rely on the Kwikset SmartKey Padlock for protection and enjoy a stress-free time.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Simple to rekey
- Durable and sturdy
- Bump-proof
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Quite large and heavy
10. Medeco M3 Shrouded Boron Padlock
Last but certainly not the least, we have the Medeco M3 Shrouded Boron Padlock. This item is yet another lock that guarantees high security and performance for your benefit.
Medeco manufactures the padlock in two types of frame styles. The first style is for outdoor use that prevents damage from weather conditions. The other features a shrouded chain that offers extra security and protects from cutting or sawing.
No matter which you opt for, both promise protection as the shackles are constructed from sturdy boron steel.
Another amazing feature of this product is its impressive strength. Even in the case of an attempted break-in, the padlock will not break easily. Rest assured; you will not be disappointed!
Duplicating a key is entirely out of the question because of its exclusive keying system. It is designed in such a way that picking the lock open will be next to impossible.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty shrouded shackle
- Resistant to picking
- Features a code card for protection against duplicate keys
Cons:
- Not easy to re-key
Padlocks Buyer’s Guide:
Let’s look at some of the factors you need to keep in mind while purchasing a padlock.
Material:
In this write-up, we have seen that most, if not all, padlocks are made from hardened and sturdy steel. This is because steel is highly resistant to damage and is not easy to break. It ensures durability and resistance; hence, the perfect material for manufacturing locks.
Area of use:
You should take into account whether the padlock will be used indoors or outdoors. There are padlocks made with corrosion resistance that is compatible with outdoor settings.
If you are using the padlock for your valuables, getting a high-security padlock with a drill and cut resistance would be ideal.
Type of Shackle:
Shackles come in different sizes and different constructions; a thicker shackle will not fit in areas with smaller space. The same is the case with the length of the shackle.
Conclusion
All the locks mentioned above are of high quality with heavy-duty material, thus, assuring high strength and durability. You will be able to determine which features to prioritize depending on your area of use.
Now that we have come to the conclusion of this guide, we hope that you have a complete idea of which type of lock you need. All there is left for you to do is go to amazon.com and purchase the one you have set your eyes on.
