The right padlock depends on what it is protecting and where it will be used. A gym locker, a backyard shed, a storage unit and a construction gate all call for different levels of protection, and in Ottawa, any outdoor padlock also has to survive freezing rain, road salt and deep cold. The four things that matter most are the shackle, the body, the locking mechanism and the cylinder, and a padlock is only as strong as the hasp or chain it is attached to.

Have a question about securing a gate, shed or storage unit? Call (613) 707-4884.

1. The Shackle

The shackle is the U-shaped bar that loops through the hasp, and it is the most common point of attack with bolt cutters or a pry bar.

  • Hardened steel or boron alloy shackles resist cutting far better than plain steel or brass.
  • Thicker shackles are harder to cut, but must still fit through your hasp or chain.
  • Shrouded or closed shackles are partly enclosed by the body, leaving little room for bolt cutter jaws or a pry bar. They are a strong choice for storage units and gates, as long as your hasp is designed for them.

2. The Body

  • Laminated steel bodies are made of stacked steel plates. They are common and reasonably strong.
  • Solid steel bodies offer better resistance to hammering and cutting.
  • Solid brass bodies resist corrosion well, which is useful outdoors, but brass is softer than hardened steel.
  • Stainless steel combines strength with good corrosion resistance, which suits marine and very wet locations.

3. The Locking Mechanism

Inside the body, the shackle is held either by a spring latch or by ball bearings. Inexpensive padlocks often use a single spring-loaded latch, which can sometimes be released by shimming or by striking the lock. Better padlocks use ball-bearing locking on both legs of the shackle (often called double locking), so the shackle cannot be pried out of one side and the lock resists shimming.

4. The Cylinder: Keyed or Combination

Keyed padlocks

Basic padlocks often use simple wafer or low pin-count cylinders that offer limited resistance to picking. Better models use more pins, security pins or disc-detainer mechanisms. Higher-end padlocks may also use restricted keyways, so duplicate keys cannot be cut without authorization.

Combination padlocks

Combination locks remove the problem of lost keys and are handy for lockers and shared access. However, many low-cost combination locks can be decoded, so they are best for low-risk uses. If several people need access, plan to change the combination when someone leaves.

Keyed-alike and rekeyable padlocks

For a business or property with many gates, sheds or storage areas, padlocks can be ordered keyed alike so one key opens them all, and some brands offer rekeyable or interchangeable-core padlocks that fit into a broader master key system.

Matching the Padlock to the Job

  • Gym or school locker: a basic combination or keyed padlock is usually enough.
  • Shed or garage door: a hardened-shackle, double-locking padlock with a weather-resistant body, plus a solid hasp bolted through the door.
  • Storage unit: a shrouded-shackle or disc-style padlock, if the unit's latch accepts it.
  • Gates, trailers and construction sites: a high-security padlock with a hardened shackle, paired with a heavy chain or a protective hasp.

Don't Forget the Hasp

A strong padlock on a weak hasp is a common mistake. Thieves will often unscrew or pry off the hasp rather than attack the lock. Use a hasp made of hardened steel, mounted with carriage bolts through the door rather than short wood screws, with the fasteners hidden when the hasp is closed. The same applies to chains: a cheap chain undoes the value of a good padlock.

Padlocks in an Ottawa Winter

  • Choose corrosion-resistant materials or a padlock with a weather cover or keyway shutter to keep out ice and grit.
  • Hang outdoor padlocks with the keyway facing down so water drains out.
  • If a lock freezes, use a lock de-icer rather than hot water, which can refreeze inside and make things worse.
  • Lubricate outdoor padlocks before winter with a product designed for locks.

Your Next Step

Decide what you are protecting and where, then choose the shackle, body and mechanism to match. If you are securing a business, our article on high-security locks for businesses covers when stronger hardware makes sense. To learn about upgrading to high-security hardware, visit our high-security locks page or call (613) 707-4884.