Padlock Info Needed

[Ah Pook]

I know some on here are locksmiths but I can't remember who. I'm looking for a "theftproof/unpickable/unbreakable" padlock. I know, there isn't such a thing. :) What comes close? Size is not a factor and I would prefer a combination lock.

TIA,
Tom

[KarlPMann]

If you insist on a combination type, there's probably only one that sounds even close to what you want. It's made by a company called Sargeant & Greenleaf. It is used by the military (and most other government agencies) and meets both MILSPEC and GSA approval. It also has the nice feature of having a fully changeable combination (something like 100,000 possible combinations). The downsides are both the expense (last I heard near $100.00) and availability (I doubt you will find one stocked locally). Also, they aren't real big, so they can be cut rather easily.

As for a good padlock that uses a key, there are many. And as for pick resistant (aka pick proof), there are actually quite a few nowadays. If you want the widest range of sizes and styles, and best possible price range as well, I'd recommend sticking to the two largest makers, Master and American. Both can be had in a variety of tubular keyways. These are considerably difficult to pick (requiring special picks and lots of training as opposed to standard keyways) and come in a wide range of sizes and styles. This includes many shrouded shackle designs that will make it both pick and tool resistant.

If that doesn't meet your needs and true pickproof design is a must, there are quite a few of those too. Also size becomes a serious question. If money was no object, and you were protecting something valuable enough to justify the costs, padlocks go near the $800.00 mark for the top dog. On the lower more reasonable end, you can get a shrouded shackle, pick proof padlock for about $75.00 if you shop well.

Personally I would look into a padlock designed to accept a commercial (interchangeable) core of some type that also has the shrouded shackle and is heavy enough duty to take a decent beating before falling apart.

My personal preference would be Schlage. With the interchangable high security core, it would probably run near the $150.00 mark perhaps. You'd have to call a local supplier and get prices. Knowing the local locksmiths the way I do, I'd recommend going to Henley's. If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask. Karl.

[Ah Pook]

Thanks Karl! Do you have an addy for Henley's?

Tom

Nevermind, Google is your friend. :)