Are you searching for the best high security padlock?
In this article I have reviewed the most popular options available on the market today. After reading this article you will know my picks for the top security padlocks.
Check out the quick list below for price and customer reviews for my picks if you are in a hurry. Or read on for the full reviews:
- Abus 20/70 Diskus Stainless Steel Padlock
- FJM Security SPSA80-KA 3 1/8″ Triple Chrome Plated D Shaped Security Padlock
- Abus 37/80 Granit Alloy Steel Padlock Keyed Different
- Master Lock High Security Pro Series Padlock Set of 4 Keyed Alike
- Master Lock Stainless Steel Diskus Padlock 2 3/4″ Wide
Securing your home or business with high quality security padlocks is an important part of a total security system. Never rely on easy to break locks.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best High Security Padlock
When comparing high security padlocks, you need to consider how you are going to use your padlock.
Make sure that you have enough space for the lock itself and that you will be able to easily reach it.
Larger locks, while they may offer additional security, can be difficult to unlock in tight spaces.
Make sure that you take into consideration not only the size of the shackle, but also its construction material.
The shackle length will play a huge role in where you can use your lock, and there are many sizes for you to choose from.
It’s also important that you consider the shape of the lock that you’re going to buy, as different shapes have different features and benefits.
Disc padlocks are round and are a great option for securing doors or for use with chains or security cables.
Shutter locks are great for securing external security roller shutters, but they can also be used on security chains or parking posts.
Probably the most common and well-recognized padlock shape is the conventional style padlock.
These can be used for applications like locking your toolbox to securing a factory gate.
They come in many different sizes, with different size shackles, and are available in a number of different materials as well.
High Security Padlock Advantages
A high security padlock is a great way to help protect items that you don’t want to have stolen.
Thieves are opportunists. If they discover you are utilizing cheap locks, they will break in.
While some people think that they don’t need to worry about the quality of lock that they buy, I believe that you want to spend a little bit more sometimes to make sure that you get the best one for your needs.
Remember that high security padlocks are going to have additional safety features, such as anti-pick pins and larger shoulder shrouds.
Together these features are designed to help you keep your belongings safe from theft.
What to Look for in a High Security Lock
There are a few important things for you to consider when you go shopping for a new security padlock.
First you will want to consider is the material that the lock is made of.
This will have a huge impact on how durable and strong your new padlock is.
Alloy steel and carbide are your best options, as they are much less likely to be damaged by someone trying to break your lock.
You also need to take into consideration the number of pins that the key has.
A key that has more pins is going to be much more secure than a key that has a fewer number of pins.
While this isn’t the most important factor to consider, it is one that I think you need to be aware of.
Additionally, look for an anti-drill plate.
These hardened plates do a wonderful job at helping prevent a drill bit from being able to break through the lock.
While they are not always available on all padlocks, they are a good feature and one that I think you need to consider.
In this YouTube video from Bosnianbill, you can easily see as they compare different security locks.
Considerations
It’s very important to choose a padlock that is not only the right size for your intended use, but can be used for your application.
I know of some people who have bought padlocks, only to find out that they are not designed for outdoor use or that by using their new padlock near salt water it was ruined.
Look for a padlock that was created for use in your specific area.
You also need to make sure that you have an extra key on hand so that if you lose your padlock key that you will be able to open it.
Unfortunately, all of the safety features that work so well to protect your belongings from theft can also make it very difficult for you to cut through and open your lock if you lose your key.
Finally, one more problem that you can encounter is choosing a lock that isn’t strong enough for the job.
I think that if you have the money and the space, it is always best to opt for a high quality security padlock.
High Security Padlock
This disc lock has many advantages, making it a great option for people who are worried about the lock being forced open. Since there is only a very small opening in the lock’s shackle, it’s incredibly difficult for people to tamper with this lock.
Pros
● Both the inside and outside are made from stainless steel
● Anti-cut plate adds additional security to the lock
● Provides high level of protection against the lock being manipulated
● Offers high number of different key variations
● Designed to resist pulling and drilling
Cons
● Key tends to get stuck in the lock and can break off
● Keys are made of a thin material and can break if care isn’t taken
Made from hardened steel and durable chrome plating, it’s easy to see how this lock can stand up to the elements, as well as to tampering without breaking or being damaged. This is a good option if you need multiple keys to the lock.
Pros
● Triple chrome plated to ensure that it can stand up to marine and other outdoor locations
● “D” shape makes it ideal to secure storage units, gates, and containers
● Comes with 4 unique keys
● Keys can only be removed from the lock when the lock is in the locked position
● There aren’t weak spots on the lock, so it can’t be easily cut or sawed
Cons
● Picking resistance is low due to the discs not containing false gates
These padlocks are considered some of the most secure padlocks in the world, making them great if you need to make an area completely secure. Thanks to the black coating on the outside, these locks can stand up to corrosion and will withstand all types of weather without being damaged or showing signs of wear and tear.
Pros
● Offers 25,000 pounds of tensile strength
● Has a 65 Rockwell core-hardened shackle and lock body
● Is key retaining
● Provides optimum pull and drill resistance due to the design
● Hardened steel bottom protects against physical attacks
● Can be rekeyed with proper tools and pins
Cons
● Priced higher than other locks on the market
● Shank is very large and won’t fit in all locations
Complete with BumpStop Advanced Cylinder Technology, which helps to prevent someone from bumping the lock and forcing the cylinder to rotate, you won’t have to worry about this lock coming undone. With 4 locks to use, you can easily secure gates or buildings around your home or office without worrying about having enough locks or keys for the purpose.
Pros
● Great option if you need multiple locks at an affordable price
● 4 locks come with 8 keys
● Locks are all keyed alike
● Hardened steel body is solid and designed for commercial use
● Long shackle makes it easy to fit the lock in most places
● Can withstand use in marine environments without being damaged
● Chrome rustproofing helps to prolong the life of these locks
Cons
● Long shaft may get in the way
Not the best option, but for the money this is a decent choice. The durable body and shaft of this lock will help you to keep unauthorized people from accessing private areas of your yard and can help you prevent theft. Because there are two keys included with the lock you won’t have to worry accidentally losing one and not being able to open your lock in the future.
Pros
● Affordable option
● Designed for both indoor and outdoor use
● Stainless steel construction and the hardened steel shackle provide plenty of strength and security
● 4-pin cylinder helps to prevent picking
● Comes with a pair of keys
● Is key retaining
● Dual locking levers help protect against hammering and prying
Cons
● Keys are thin and tend to break easily
● Lock struggles to open after a few uses
● Can easily be opened with a lock pick if you are skilled
No matter the application, there is a high quality security padlock to fit the bill.
My overall pick for best high security padlock is the Abus 20/70 Diskus Stainless Steel Padlock. It is incredibly durable and small enough to fit the tightest of spaces. The diskus design is difficult to cut by would be thieves and can withstand outdoor use.
No matter which of the above high security padlocks you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Let me know in the comments below which one you chose.
Fred is the Ready Zeal owner and editor. He has been passionately pursuing all things emergency preparation since working alongside his grandfather as a boy growing up in the Midwest. When not working on the family homestead he can be found brewing coffee and reading a good book or backpacking in the wilderness. Contact Fred at fred@readyzeal.com