There are many types of padlocks available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. Padlocks vary by dimensional and application needs. High security locking systems with more standard options can also be used, with most padlocks adding even more variations. Here is a rundown of the most common types of padlocks used for business security:
Keyed Padlocks
Keyed padlocks are the most common type of padlock, and can be found securing everything from gates and fences to storage sheds and toolboxes. These locks require a key to open, and come in either a single- or double-sided configuration.
Disc Padlocks
Disc padlocks are similar to keyed padlocks, but feature a disc-shaped locking mechanism instead of a keyway. These locks are often used in high-security applications, as they are more difficult to pick than traditional keyed locks.
Parts of a Padlock
Shackle material, thickness, and length are a variable option. These options are important security features. Most padlock shackle materials will range between nylon, braided steel, aluminum, stainless steel, boron or hardened alloy steel. Nylon may be a consideration as it could be used with electrical applications.
Shackle length is commonly referred to as clearance, meaning the measured space between the inside top edge of the lock body to the inside edge of the arc of the locked shackle. Most padlocks range from three quarters of an inch shackle clearance to around three inches, and sometimes more.
Shackle thickness is the diameter of the locking shackle and typically range from low security options around three sixteenths of an inch in diameter to high security nine sixteenths of an inch in diameter.
Shackleless padlocks aren’t necessarily without a shackle. The shackle is hidden inside the lock body or concealed when locked, for example, puck locks.
Padlock Lock Body
Lock body materials range by security need from nylon, aluminum to various type of steel and steel alloy. Lock body size has a wide range of options from a compact one and one fourth of an inch to a long body of three inches or more. Security needs, space, and key technology will often dictate what size padlock is needed.
Shrouded refers to an extension of the padlock body to cover a portion of the shackle and is used to prevent clear access to the shackle with cutting attacks.
Keying
For padlocks, there are many options available for keying technologies. There are high security key options. Abloy and Medeco make the best high security padlocks on the market. Combining high security key technologies such as Abloy Protec2 or Medeco M4 with high security materials like hardened alloy steel and boron.
Other keying options include master key systems available with most higher security options. Padlocks can be included in a facility master key system used with door hardware. Orders of padlocks can all be keyed alike for group applications or where key security is not a concern. Similarly, orders of padlocks can all be keyed differently also for group or facility applications but where different areas may be restricted to specific personnel. There are several padlocks on the market that have Bluetooth capabilities which provide several benefits such as remote programming and remote, temporary codes or access. Most include audit capability so you can see when the padlock was accessed and by whom with the added bonus of never needing to rekey because there are no keys to misplace.
There are many options to choose and many factors to consider when choosing a padlock security solution. RA-Lock Security Solutions can help you find the right padlock security solution for your business needs. Contact us to discuss which product is right for you.
