Padlocks are portable fastening devices, used for security purpose. They are available in different styles, sizes and materials. They are made up of solid brass, stainless steel and other hard metals. Based on the design and purpose, padlocks are classified as armoured padlocks, combination padlocks, discus padlocks, block lock padlocks etc.
The armoured padlocks, best for gates and garages, are made up of stainless steel armoured case padlock. The combination padlocks consist of a solid brass body. They operate on the re-settable 3 digit combination codes, instead of keys. They are widely used for locking bicycles, lockers and luggage cases.
The discus padlocks offer outstanding security through their anti-drill plate, stainless clad padlock, stainless steel interior, hardened steel shrouded shackles and a deadbolt locking lever. They are best for lockers, garages and bicycles. The block lock padlocks are meant for high security areas. The exceptional security is achieved through the special high security cylinder and the thug proof hardened steel rotating shackle. The steel rotating shackle prevents cutting from any saw. It is the best option for the heavy duty needs. Irrespective of the different sizes and materials, the main focus of the padlocks is their security. The high security with the padlocks is achieved through their bump resistance, key control, pick resistance, drill resistance and force resistance features.
Bumping is usually a method of entry of the burglars. They simply use the bump key and the lock opens as if it was left unlocked. The UK padlock manufacturing companies focus on this aspect of security. The latest padlocks come with high security cylinders that fail the key to set into the pins inside the cylinder.
Another important feature of padlocks is resistance to lock picking. Though it is common strategy in home burglaries, but the high resistance padlocks prevent any instrument to fit into it. The high resistance padlocks are impossible, or otherwise extremely difficult, to be opened with any kind of instrument. The high security cylinder is lined with the spool pins, which provide resistance to picking.
Drilling is a commonly employed method for breaking locks. The drill bits drill through the cylinder to bypass it. The high security padlocks use very hard metals that obstruct drilling. The padlocks possess solid metal shroud that offer armoured protection against the bolt cutters.
In addition to drilling, the locks are also opened through force. The high security padlocks fix so tightly that the attacks related to kicking, prying or sawing do not pull it away. They use hardened boron alloy shackle to protect against cutting and sawing. Moreover, they use laminated steel body for reinforced locking to combat any type of impact.
In addition to all these forced impacts, the high security and durability is attained through the non-corrosive nature of the padlocks. The three layered plating of high resistance steel protects against rust and corrosion. Moreover, the padlocks also have weather and temperature resistance properties. They possess a re-key-able design, which facilitates the security restoration through fast and easy cylinder replacement. Thus, the padlocks are reliable devices to protect against all threats of theft and any unauthorised use.