Investing in a High Security Padlock is a wise investment, especially when it comes to keeping your property secured.
When selecting a High Security Padlock, it is essential to think like a burglar who will use brute force to break it. Certainly, the intruder will use a considerable amount of force to drill or cut it, therefore, you need a padlock that’s tough to drill, resistant to twisting, and resistant to cutting.
Also, with the vast range of High Security Padlocks in the market, it can be challenging to select the best security padlocks, however, this needn’t be the case. Some of these padlocks are hyped to the extent that you may end up purchasing a low-quality padlock for a lot of money. With that said, here is a roundup of things that you should look for when buying a security padlock.
Build quality
Properly-engineered padlocks are the best. Purchase the models which have parts that are machined to accurate tolerance and make sure that the locking mechanisms incorporate the ball bearings. Proper engineering to very accurate tolerances, using durable materials, makes padlocks more resistant to breakage. A Heavy Duty Padlock with raised shoulders is more preferred as it can help to conceal the shackle.
Specific Insurance Rating
Check if the Heavy Duty Padlock that you are buying has met the Specific Insurance Rating. Some insurers at times specify that a padlock should be security rated to either ‘CEN' standards or ‘Sold Secure'. Where the insurers stipulate this, they'll normally specify the rating needed, for instance, Gold, Silver or Bronze that equates to 5,4, or 3 respectively in the European CEN ratings. A High Security Padlock with a shackle that has a thickness of fewer than 11 millimetres is unlikely to meet the lowest of these ratings.
Hardened or stainless or both
In good security padlocks, you will notice the word stainless or hardened. Both of them refer to the steel that they are made from. Hardened refers to the processes during manufacturing which involves proper-controlled heating and cooling stages. As a result of this, the steel becomes harder to break or cut. Stainless refers to what is in the steel that makes it resistant to rust.
Third party approvals
You are surely not going to test the Heavy Duty Padlock before you purchase it. The independent testing bodies have already tested the padlock to ensure that it’s up to standard, so before you buy a Heavy Duty Padlock, look out for these approvals.
Kite Mark – This is the oldest quality mark. The British Standard Institute owns it, and it is used internationally. This symbol is recognized as the benchmark for the best locks.
Sold Secure – This is a standard owned by Master Locksmiths' Association. It is respected by the insurance and police industry too and collaborates with the police to keep up-to-date with the new techniques used by thieves.
Manufacturers go to great extents to make high-quality padlocks that last but no lock is fit and safe forever, so be prepared to replace it after a while. You’ll need to extend the durability of the Heavy Duty Padlock and you can do this with lubrication which works great in preventing corrosion-especially for a device living outdoors.
Not sure which is the correct High Security Padlock for you? Click here to see our handy measurement guide.