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:

Do you need a high security padlock that is happy in all weathers?

For those wanting something from our higher security range there is the Abus Extreme 83WP/53 padlock, complete with high security features and yet highly weatherproof. The hardened alloy steel shackles, anti-pick barrels and the increased security technology of the double ball bearing locking mechanism, makes this lock an ideal high security measure. The incorporation of […]

We need different levels of high security padlocks. Is this something you can do?

We need a couple of different sized padlocks but we are not sure which will suit us best. For some of our sites we need the highest security you have but there is also a number of places where security is required but not quite at the same level. Also, for the highest security padlock, […]

A guide to Sold Secure Padlocks

Sold Secure is one of a number of testing standards for locks and padlocks. You will see the name or logo on many bike locks and very occasionally on padlocks. Sometimes your insurance company might specifically ask you for a padlock with a Sold Secure rating of Bronze, Silver or Gold. The standard was originally […]

Is there a list of useful resources and links for padlocks?

There are various bodies surrounding the padlock market including locksmith associations, manufacturers and testing institutes. We’ve produced this page in an attempt to have them all on one place. The UK Locksmiths Association UK Locksmiths Association provide intensive two day and three day Locksmithing courses including benefits for its members including industry news and advice. […]

My local Police have recommended ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Secure By Design’. What is this?

Unfortunately this is a mistake on behalf of the Police. A few years ago a specification was written that included advice for locks and bicycle alarms. As a result somewhere along the line the same standards were applied to padlocks and now the Police and insurance companies continue to recommend that you get a padlock […]

What padlock does my insurance company require?

It is likely you will be asked for one of the following by your insurance company: 1. You must have a 5 lever padlock 2. You must have a closed shackle padlock 3. You must have a CEN graded padlock of 3 or more 4. You must have a Sold Secure padlock It is firstly […]