Many people have a lot of faith in padlocks. When they go to the gym and lock their valuables in a locker, they use a padlock to keep thieves from stealing their car keys and wallet. Those who rent out a storage unit again use a padlock to keep their things safe from thieves. There are many reasons people use padlocks to secure their precious items. But is a padlock really going to stop a thief? Your basic padlock that you picked up for $10 or $20, the answer is no. A simple bolt cutter, drill, or cutting torch for the more determined thief, a padlock is not a big challenge. They can break into any padlock in seconds.

Padlock Locking System

So is there a padlock or locking system you can rely on? There are some on the market that will deter the average thief. However it also will determine how much time said thief has to try to crack your locking system. The more basic your padlocks are the quicker it is to crack. The idea is to make it more and more challenging so it takes more time. This will encourage a thief to move on to an easier target. Texan Lock & Key has some suggestions of which ones will most likely deter burglars or thieves.

Mul-T-Lock Rated Padlock & Key

The top rated padlock is the Mul-T-Lock. This lock can be a bit pricey, but is well worth it for the protection if offers. The Mul-T-Lock has a hardy design. The shackle is one of the lock’s strengths. The shackle rotates making it difficult to grip with cutters or grind with a grinder. Not to mention, the shackle is well protected. The keyway is rated one of the best locking mechanisms making it very difficult to pick. Again no padlock is 100% secure. Tests were conducted to see how long it would take to break through the lock and what tools were needed. The basic bolt cutter didn’t work. It was unable to get enough room to slide the bolt cutter around the shackle to cut or grip it. It came down to using a grinder. The grinder took six minutes to cut through. Depending on the padlock and its location, six minutes is usually too long for a thief to work on a padlock.

Honey Puck Lock

Another highly recommended lock is the Hockey Puck Lock. The hockey puck lock is a cheaper alternative then using the Mul-T-Lock. The hockey puck lock comes in two parts. One is the lock and the other is a special hasp that is installed to completely protect the shackle. This lock is a lock you will likely use on buildings, sheds, or even moving trucks. This lock has been tested as well. The conclusion is that it would take a drill gun to drill the lock itself. That took one minute to do. But cutting the lock off the door took a professional locksmith 10 minutes to remove. Once again 10 minutes can be a lifetime to a thief who is looking for a quick score. Due to that one fact, this lock will deter the average thief.

Best Disc Padlock

There is a basic padlock you can use, if you’re not too worried about what you’re trying to secure but want that added protection. The Disc Padlock is the best one in this category for a $20 value. This lock is designed to expose the shackle very minimally. This will prevent a pair of bolt cutters to cut through the lock. Bolt cutters are the most common tool that thieves use to get past padlocks. However the disc padlock can be cut through very quickly. Don’t use this padlock for your more precious valuables and not where a thief has the time to cut it.

RESIDENTIAL HOME LOCKSMITH SERVICES IN KILLEEN, AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO, ROUND ROCK, SAN MARCOS, FRISCO, NEW BRAUNFELS & HOUSTON TEXAS

Most people feel that a padlock gives security and reassurance and that their belongings or even their lives are safe. Burglars and thieves see a padlock as an easy score. Don’t become a victim of theft. Use a proper padlock that will deter those who are looking for a quick score. Texan Lock & Key hopes this will help give you the proper protection you seek. Contact us for all your locksmith needs!