Saltwater / Weather Testing of Padlocks

Manufacturers often claim that their padlocks will last for many years outdoors, but how do they know? Some well-established padlocks have been in use long enough to prove themselves in the real world, but newer designs rely on controlled testing in accelerated weathering tanks. These specialist chambers simulate harsh environments, including humidity, salt spray and temperature changes.

A padlock placed in one of these tanks for 24 hours can show similar corrosion effects to a lock left outside for around a year. This allows manufacturers to quickly understand how materials, coatings and internal components will perform over time. It is not a complete test of longevity, because regular opening and closing naturally causes wear, scratches and exposure to fresh moisture. However, the salt spray test is still one of the best industry indicators of how well a lock will stand up to coastal air, rain and long-term exposure.

We filmed this process at the ABUS testing facility in Germany, where you can see how the tanks work and why they are considered a benchmark for marine and outdoor padlock performance. The video below gives a more detailed explanation of the test conditions and how they relate to years of real-world use outdoors.