The 4 Best Padlocks by Level of Security

IMPORTANT! We no longer recommend the Master 1177 combination padlock. See our Video on the ABUS 190cs/60 combination padlock to learn why we've changed out tune.

Need a padlock? Which one is best for your depends on what you're going to do with it. From basic to high-security, we're talking padlocks.

Padlocks are a deterrent. We discuss those we like at a specific price point. No $10 padlock will be pick proof, nor is is meant to be, but there is an application for them.

Best low-cost, low-end padlock. Master Lock Commercial Grade Padlocks:

Best Easy-to-use Padlock. The Abus 83/45 series padlock.

For Schlage House Keys:

For Kwikset House Keys:

Our New Best Combination Padlock: the ABUS 190cs/60:

Strongest Padlock Using a Regular Key: Abus "Rock" 83/80

Best High Security Padlock: Go with any by Mul-t-lock

Abus Chain

Related Video

Related Article:

The three criteria we used in determining our favorite padlock were weight, shackle strength and shackle guard.

Our favorite low cost solution is the Master Lock Laminated Body Commercial padlock. Here you want to make sure to get the lock labeled "Commercial" since it has features you wont' get otherwise and the price point is still very affordable.

Our locksmith recommended easy to use padlock is the Abus 83/45 series. This padlock can be ordered up with a kwikset or schlage keyway so that it can be rekeyed to match your existing house key. No keys to keep track of that way.

Moving up a notch in level of security is the Master Lock 1177D. This lock has a hexagon shackle making it more difficult to cut. It also comes with a shackle guard and a 4-digit-coded entry so there are no keys to keep track of.

Our locksmith recommended strongest padlock would be the Abus 83/80. This is a massive 3 lb padlock with a 1/2 inch shackle. It can also be ordered in a variety of business keys so that it can be made to match your business (or house) key.

And lastly, we lock the Mul-t-lock C-series padlock as an all around best padlock with a high-security key that can't be copied. The addition of the high security key makes it unpickable, unbumpable and very tough to drill. Keys cannot be duplicated by your employees for complete protection of your business.

00:00 IntroThe 4 best padlocks by level of security
00:14 What Makes a Good Padlock
01:02 Inexpensive Padlock Option
01:40 Abus 83/45 Padlock - Uses House Key
03:40 Abus Rock Features High-Grade Security
04:09 Abus High Security Chains for Padlocks
04:40 Mul-T-Lock High Security Padlock
05:32 Summary

[arroe]

There are videos here on YouTube that show that the Master Lock ProSeries combo lock can be decoded in seconds. If you can decode the combo that quickly it doesn't matter how tough that shackle is to break.

[troywilliams]

We have master locks on 450 pieces of heavy equipment, fuel caps and battery boxs for 40 years never seen one yet conquered and the gate to our shop.master lock been good to us.

[DaviddeBergerac]

Man the lockpicking vs padlock fandom is weird

[learnshareevolve]

Great video! You went way beyond anything available at the big box stores, but also gave relevant information on those options.

[timjon]

I have always considered the American Lock 5200 to be the best low security general use padlock. I agree with ABUS and Mul-T-Lock as higher security options.

[adamgilligan]

I think I would just keep the Abus rock on my desk and use it to beat anyone trying to break in.

[bluracer]

Heavier is usually stronger but not always, the Abus Granit 37/55 weighs under 1 lb. but is one of the strongest locks available.

[the_rubbish_bin]

I really like the American Lock 1100 series for the case of "just keeping honest people honest"

[iks_.]

Good list, only thing I disagree is the commercial master lock, you can buy an american 1100 for the same price and substantially higher security, but except that good choices!

[TequilaDave]

The type of Mul-T-Lock core makes a big difference too as some like Garrisons and 7x7s are very easy to pick.

[nidhogg]

3:47 that s the kind of lock you install, and the thief will try to rob just the lock, because it looks so fancy ... xD What a nice looking lock, love it.

[ranger]

would be nice if you mentioned approximate price levels of the various security levels locks and chains.

[SamuelColvin-qx]

There are other beefy padlocks like the Squire Stronghold SS100CS and other Squire padlocks.

[bunnylou]

Do you recommend the master 1177d for a Penske moving truck?

[JS-yjrb]

Unfortunately a shackle guard doesn’t work. If you can fit the thickness of a cutting wheel between the lock then everything is gone. Thats what happened with my lock at a storage unit. Thickness doesn’t matter the wheel slips in between the lock and what the lock secured to it’s over regardless of your key type. That lock has to be in a Thick lock box.

[CopperMurdoch]

I'm amazed at how many commenters expect non-destructive methods to be common among thieves. I would expect the destructive attacks to be much more common with smashing and cutting being most common. Correct me if you have stats.

There also seems to be a lack of understanding that security is a sliding scale i.e. better protection costs more and you take into account the value of what you are protecting. I'm not going to spend $200 on a lock to protect $100 worth of goods.

Further, a lock is just one part of a system and criminals will attack the weakest part of a system. A high-end lock won't do much good if criminals can break down a door, break a window, etc. The system is only as secure as the weakest link. You should buy a lock that doesn't turn out to be the the system's weakest link. Spending more money might make you feel safer, but it is false security. Every other part of the system needs to at least as secure as that fancy lock to make the lock worth it.

I also assume these commenters only use locks that have yet to be picked or bypassed. Surely once someone picks or bypasses their high-security locks they replace them all with a more secure option. /s

[PROTEUS_SEER-OF-EONS]

I just bury my items in the desert. If you find them, you worked very hard for them and deserve them.

[DonziGT]

Those combination locks can be opened with a piece of metal way faster than using the combination. Most of the key locks can be opened about as fast as using the key, except that last one.

[jabojr]

Appreciate the recommendations, but you might want to remove the Masterlock with the numbers on the bottom, you can pick that lock with no tools and it's all over the internet.

[michaelkulman]

I'm not that concerned about lock picking and I want a good reasonably priced lock that's better than average, better than most hardware stores sell, so I
like the ABUS Diskus 20/70 at around $40.
I think it's the best compromise lock.
Good for the price and better than what the hardware store has.
Sure I might buy a bigger heavier expensive ABUS as shown for some things but it's not my default go to.
Just an opinion...