Investing in a high-security padlock is a wise move, especially when it comes to keeping your property protected from theft or vandalism. When selecting high-security locks, 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 maximum security padlocks that are tough to drill, resistant to twisting, and resistant to cutting.
Also, with the vast range of high-security padlocks on 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 and using durable materials make padlocks more resistant to breakage. A closed shackle padlock is often ideal as they're far less prone to cutting.
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' (Central European Norm) standards or ‘Sold Secure'. Where the insurers stipulate this, they'll normally specify the CEN level or rating needed, for instance, Gold, Silver or Bronze which 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 CEN grade.
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 involve properly 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 recognised as the benchmark for the best locks.
Sold Secure – This is a standard owned by the Master Locksmiths' Association. It is respected by the insurance and police industry and collaborates with the police to keep up-to-date with the new techniques used by thieves.
Major padlock 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.
Or if you have any questions about supplied padlock keys, specifications or anything else, speak to a member of the Lockshop team and we'd be happy to share any information with you.