Which Outdoor Padlock Is Best to Lock Ladders to a Vehicle?

Many worksites now require ladders to be securely locked to vehicles during transportation and when parked. This prevents theft, meets site safety policies, and reduces liability. Because most roof rack ladder brackets only have fixing holes around 7mm in diameter, the padlock you choose must be compact, weather-resistant, and practical for daily use.

Key Considerations Before Choosing a Padlock

Hole Size

Most ladder clamp brackets have small securing holes, so the shackle diameter of the padlock must typically be 5–6.5mm. Choosing a padlock that is too large will prevent it from fitting correctly.

Weather Resistance

Ladders travel through all weather conditions and are often stored outside. A weatherproof or marine-grade padlock will last longer and remain reliable in rain, frost and coastal environments.

Keying System

Where multiple workers use the same vehicle, keyed alike padlocks allow any authorised person to unlock the ladders using a single shared key. For larger fleets, this helps avoid lost keys and unnecessary downtime.

Recommended Outdoor Padlocks for Securing Ladders

Abus 65/30 – Durable, Everyday Outdoor Use

The Abus 65/30 padlock has a 5mm hardened steel shackle, making it a suitable fit for most 7mm bracket holes. It is durable, dependable and well-suited to general outdoor environments.

Abus 65IB/30 – Marine Grade Option

For coastal regions or environments with persistent moisture and salt, the Abus 65IB/30 is the marine-grade version. It has the same dimensions as the 65/30 but with a stainless steel shackle for improved corrosion resistance.

Abus 64TI/30 – Lightweight Titalium Padlock

The Abus 64TI/30 provides the same shackle size as the brass version but is lighter, making it practical where weight matters. Titalium offers strong resistance to corrosion and a good strength-to-weight ratio.

Abus 70IB/35 – Weatherproof with Protective Sheath

With a 6.5mm shackle, the Abus 70IB/35 may be a tight fit in some brackets unless holes are slightly widened. The plastic body and shackle coating reduce metal-on-metal rattling and prevent damage to ladders or the vehicle during travel.

Keying Options for Work Teams

• Keyed Differ: Each padlock has its own key. Suitable for individual use.

• Keyed Alike: One key opens all padlocks. Ideal for teams or multiple vehicles across a company fleet.

Summary

Choosing the right outdoor padlock for securing ladders ensures equipment stays protected, site regulations are met, and day-to-day use remains practical. Matching the correct shackle size and weather resistance level is essential to ensure the padlock fits securely and performs reliably over time.