Padlocks - You Choose Your Security Level
Not all locks are created equal and that holds true for Padlocks. You can purchase padlocks from $1.50 all the way up to $150.00 per lock. So what is the difference? In the example above the padlocks will range from mechanical to electronic and from small to large.
There are many other considerations when choosing a padlock such as; what is the padlock size, how large is the shackle, what material is the padlock body and shackle made of, and what type of lock cylinder does the padlock have. The first three concern the physical security of the padlock. The last item, the lock cylinder, is one of the most important yet one of the most overlooked.
If the lock cylinder is not secure it could be subject to picking, pulling or other forms of attack. CobraLock has come up with a very unique and patented padlock that allows the user to choose their level of security. This was accomplished by manufacturing a padlock body that accepts standard cam locks or vending locks. As the security level of the lock cylinder increases so does the price of the padlock.
Lock Cylinders:
Some of the lock cylinders that the CobraLock Padlock accepts are Cobra7, CobraMatic7, Abloy and Medeco. All of these are protected by U.S. Patents and when combined with the CobraLock Padlock the complete Padlock becomes patented.
When choosing a padlock lock cylinder consider the following:
Where will the padlock be used (the shed in your backyard or the back of a delivery truck)? What will the padlock secure (lawn equipment or a truck full of electronics)? Will the padlock be indoors or outdoors? Type of "Key Control" that you require?
When buying padlocks you should consider the following:
Where will the padlock be used (indoors or outdoors)? What size should the padlock be? What should the padlock body and shackle be made of? What size (length and diameter) should the shackle be? What type of lock cylinder should be used?
When you walk into the "Big Box Stores" to purchase a padlock you will be given a wide choice of different size padlocks. You will be able to go through the list above and find a padlock to meet your needs, that is everything except the most important, the lock cylinder. You will have a limited choice of different key codes to choose from. There is a very good chance that many people will have the same key to open the brand new padlock you just purchased. So remember, when purchasing a padlock, think about the lock cylinder, without YOU controlling the key codes you can't control your security.
Resources: http://www.llavesjml.com http://ezinearticles.com/?Padlocks---YouChoose-Your-Security-Level&id=7670081
Thank you for reading!