Padlocks

[quicksandfarmer]

I have four gates and three barns that I like to keep locked. I'm thinking of getting a new set of locks and I'm curious what everyone likes. I've had problems with lightly-used locks seizing up with time. I've tried various keyed-alike locks, which are handy, but I can't match the ones I have any more.

Thanks.

 

[aczlan]

We use master locks at work (with a whole bunch of locks). When you get them, the keys have a lock number on them and you can order more locks with the same number.
As for keeping them freed up, the only way to do that is to exercise them and hose them down with some kind of lubricant. As I recall, we use something like white lithium grease on them every few months.

Aaron Z

 

[California]

I like the powdered graphite that goes in as a dust. It won't get gummy.

When I started here in 2001 there were a dozen unlike locks on doors, cabinets, tools. You needed to take along a big ring of keys like a jailer to get anything open.

I bought a dozen S Parker 'Jaws' padlocks all keyed alike. Very reasonable price via Ebay.

S. Parker's website: Padlocks

Nearly all the padlocks have outdoor weather exposure, and the fog here has salt from the ocean 10 miles west. In near 20 years these locks have been fine, with a little maintenance - the graphite powder. This model lock isn't huge and I don't know how pick-resistant it is, don't know if I would use it in the city with sophisticated burglars. In my use, the mounting location would give way before the lock itself. Out here where pilferage of tools etc would be the greatest hazard, they have been ideal.

 

[Captain Dirty]

Any padlock exposed to the weather will get moisture inside either from rain or from humidity and condensation. The best "weatherproofing" I have seen is definitely low tech--a flap of old inner tube nailed to the door or gate above the hasp. The flap should be generous enough to allow some air circulation as well as access to operate the lock but secure enough not to be blown aside by storm winds.

As Aaron Z said, exercise and lubrication are necessary.

 

[ArlyA]

I agree with Capt dirt. We need to cover the locks here or they freeze over the course of winter. We still need to keep them oiled and we use Super Lube 51004 Synthetic Oil with PTFE and do that yearly. And better locks do work better, last longer and must have more brass and stainless parts in them.

 

[RNeumann]

I’d hit up a locksmith. I have good old Master Locks that I can still get keyed the same. It’s been 30 plus years and I must have 20 or so floating around.
But a locksmith can get “nicer” locks that will last and can be rekeyed. Keyed alike is a must for me.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

What about settable combination locks? Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[Scook222]

I use the brass 4 number locks from Wally World and they have worked pretty good and I don’t have to worry about losing the key. They have held up pretty good out in the weather but not so well in the back of my truck when that get full of grease and mud, but I can clean them up and they still work.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

No reason to get expensive locks. Battery operated cut off tool gets through the best and hardest in seconds. Locks only keep the honest folks honest. I have a set of 8 keyed alike Master locks. Just look through the locks on display and pick out ones with the same number. At Lowes I could have had 12 all the same.

Ron

 

[Jstpssng]

What about settable combination locks? Anyone have any recommendations?

I have a Master resettable with 4 dials, but it's a PITA on locks you will be using often, vs simply using a key.

 

[oosik]

I have several Master locks - all keyed the same. Never had a moments trouble with any of them.

I do have a hidden key. That way I don't have to come back into the house if I should want to unlock one.

 

[bunyip]

I found that some big name locks only have 5 to 12 combinations so when you order a number alike they just come from a batch, surely the crooks know this and can buy a few locks and know one key will open yours.
Had a locksmith make me a batch of SS locks to use outside and he keyed them all alike, cost more but know they are unique, the locks come in unkeyed and all tumblers and keys are made by the locksmith, about $40 each.

 

[ArlyA]

Master builds good locks and discount ones. For something you need to open, plus hope to keep locked, we go with the good ones. Here is some that are keyed alike.

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-...ter+lock+pro&qid=1558178259&s=gateway&sr=8-15

 

[Thomas]

I give our locks good spraying of brake cleaner.

 

[s219]

What about settable combination locks? Anyone have any recommendations?

I've had good luck with these, we put them on about 6-7 farm gates and been using them for about 4 years now:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Master-Loc...mbination-Padlock-with-1-5-in-Shackle/3056627

They make them in various lengths.

I had one get sticky and "oiled" it with diesel (only thing I had at the time) and it solved the problem. None of the others ever had an issue, but I figure it might be good to lube them periodically since they are totally out in the weather unprotected.

 

[bobmisi]

I was a locksmith for 32 years and I have to say if you want a quality lock for out in the weather, go with an American 700 series padlock. They are keyed available keyed alike and are rekeyable. They are as good as you can get for the weather, but keep them lubed up and they will last a long time. They are extremely hardened so bolt cutters are almost useless against them.

 

[Looking4new]

I use master padlocks and lube them with graphite twice a year. At the same time as I 'do' the padlocks, I also lube all the other locks on the property as well as the vehicles.

 

[3930dave]

Master builds good locks and discount ones. For something you need to open, plus hope to keep locked, we go with the good ones. Here is some that are keyed alike.

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-...ter+lock+pro&qid=1558178259&s=gateway&sr=8-15

That's the one I was trying to find on the Master site. Have them at work, on outside sheds. One froze once this winter, methyl hydrate got it open quick. We had a brutal Winter for ice; this is actually a good review, at only one freeze-up.

I like to use spray graphite on locks, but almost any lube is better than nothing.

Rgds, D.

 

[Gunny]

I've had 10 American 5200 series padlocks (keyed alike) for over 10 years. All but one are exposed to the weather and other than an annual lube spraying, nothing done to them and they're still functioning quite well.
That's the same padlock we used to get through the US Army supply system and I figured that if it was good enough for the Army's security, it was good enough for me,low bidder issues withstanding.

 

[California]

I read recently that because graphite is conductive, if you put it in an automotive lock it can get into the electronics. This can make the lock ignore your remote, or even ignore the open/close button on the door. Anybody know if this is valid?