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Padlocks Technical Advice Centre

This is 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:

What is the best outdoor combination padlock with a reset key?

We have a number of padlocks that use a key to enable the resetting of the combination. This is ideal when you do not want users to be able to reset the code but you still need to have the ability to alter the combination when required. We find sites catering to groups of visitors […]

How do you get locks keyed alike for multiple access points?

Where you have multiple access points to one site we can supply a set of padlocks all keyed the same so one key will open any of the padlocks in the suite. This is ideal if you have a large site with a number of access points where visitors can use any of the gates. […]

What is the best long padlock to lock my diesel tank?

The best way lock off Diesel bowsers, which are basically diesel tanks on a trailer, is an outdoor padlock with a long enough loop to secure it but without it being too long so that it gets in the way of other fittings. The padlock shackle generally needs to be a minimum inner height of […]

How can I padlock a gate barrier with offset fittings?

Offset gate barrier fittings can be hard to secure but there is a way to get around this. When the holes on the gate fitting do not line up with the holes in the plate on the gatepost it can be hard to secure the gate, especially if the holes are too small to use […]

What is the best outdoor padlock to lock off vehicle access?

The Abus Diskus range is well suited for securing the folding parking post used to close off tracks and drives to vehicle access. By securing the parking post in the upright position with a suitable padlock, it is an ideal way to still allow access for pedestrians but not to vehicles. From the Abus 23 […]

What is the best way to secure a suitcase whilst traveling?

A small combination padlock is an ideal way to secure your suitcase whilst traveling. Many suitcases have the addition of small loops at the base of the zip tabs, specifically designed so you can add a padlock to secure your case. If your suitcase doesn’t have these loops then you may still be able to […]

What is the best replacement padlock? Mine has been cut off!

A padlock can need replacing for a number of reasons. Sometimes they are cut off because an attempted break-in has occurred or a poor quality padlock has seized up. We were recently contacted by a customer whose padlock on the communal gates has been cut off whilst someone was trying to break into the property. […]

What is the best padlock to secure a shipping container?

We are often asked what is the best padlock for a shipping container and especially on those that have a lockbox in place. Shipping containers are not all the same which makes the question a little harder to give a straightforward option. Many containers have a box covering the main fitting, which is excellent for […]

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 is the best type of chain for a closed shackle padlock?

A closed shackle padlock offers a lot more protection from bolt cutter and saw attacks but it does restrict the space for any fittings. However, this does not mean you cannot use a chain. You need a good quality hardened steel chain which comes with one of the end links longer than the other. This […]