Padlocks Technical Advice Centre

This this our dedicated help, advice and testing results section for padlocks. Every time we get a good question from a customer, or asked to test a product, then we post the answer or results here. Use the list of Categories or the Search Box below to find the answer you're looking for. Don't worry you can get back to your basket our products by clicking our logo above.

We've also created a concise guide with the most commonly asked questions to download and print here:

A padlock for all seasons with this multi-purpose lock

The Abus Silver Rock range is an excellent all round performance padlock complete with zinc body and hardened steel shackle. Traditionally, zinc is known as a ‘soft’ metal given to corroding easily so is usually found combined with other metals in alloys. However, Abus have developed this special type of zinc solid bodied padlock that […]

Do you have an outdoor combination padlock with an override key?

Do you have a heavy duty outdoor combination padlock that I can override with a key? I have a lot of people who need to have access for a set period of time but then the group changes. I do not want them to be able to change the code whilst they are using the […]

I have multiple access points, can I use the same padlock key?

I have multiple access points to the same large site and the visitors do not always use the same entrance. This is a site out in the country that has a number of access roads. I don’t really want to have to give all the users a lot of keys so they can use any […]

Do you have an outdoor padlock long enough to secure my tank fitting?

I need to lock off some diesel bowsers. These are basically diesel tanks on a trailer. The trouble I am having is finding a padlock that has a long enough loop but not too long as it gets in the way of other fittings. The loop needs to be a minimum inner height of 40mm […]

The fittings on my gate barrier do not line up. How can I padlock it?

I have a barrier that I need to padlock but the bar fitting does not line up with the plate on the post. The gate fitting sits lower so the holes on the fittings are staggered. Unfortunately I can’t change either the gate bar or the post and the holes in the fittings are too […]

Locking off vehicle access with a padlocked parking post

There are situations when a track or drive needs to be closed off to vehicles but still allow access to pedestrians. The use of a folding parking post, locked off with a suitable padlock, is ideal. By securing the post in the upright position you can close off a drive or track to vehicles yet […]

How do I secure my suitcase whilst travelling?

I recently travelled across the UK on a coach and was unfortunate enough to have my suitcase targeted by thieves. They had taken my case from the luggage hold and took it onboard to look through. Luckily I have got everything back and no-one was hurt.  I travel around the UK quite often and have […]

What is the best padlock for a shipping container?

Q: We have a shipping container with an enclosed lock box on the front which makes it difficult to get a big padlock up inside and locked onto the metal ring. Is there a good solution? A: We get this question a lot since containers are being used more and more for work site and […]

Advice for schools buying padlocks for lockers

We supply a lot of padlocks for school lockers and we’ve learned a thing or two in the process. Over the years we’ve gone from simply supplying locks to manufacturing, testing and providing advice to schools, universities and colleges worldwide. Here is what we have learned: Master keys for your padlocks A master key is […]

What type of chain for my closed shackle padlock?

You advise that a decent closed shackle padlock is needed for maximum security but it is impossible to get two chain links into a close shackle padlock. Does this mean that closed shackle lock are only any good for attaching to a bolt or a hasp and staple? It is true, a closed shackle padlock […]