PROJECT: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELECTING THE RIGHT PADLOCK
- Anthony Boucher
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
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Choosing an effective padlock goes beyond simply locking something shut.
Whether it is securing a gate, storage unit, or valuable assets,
the right padlock ensures peace of mind and resilience against threats.
1. PICK THE RIGHT SHACKLE DESIGN:
OPEN SHACKLE:
Common and versatile, but the exposed shackle makes it vulnerable to bolt-cutter and saw attacks.
Suitable only for low to medium-risk applications such as school lockers or toolboxes.
CLOSED OR SHROUDED SHACKLE (e.g., Discus Design):
Offers superior resistance to cutting and prying by shielding the shackle within the lock body.
Shrouded shackles are often recommended by insurers for gates, roller shutters, and storage units.
2. CHOOSE DURABLE MATERIALS:
HARDENED STEEL:
Provides excellent resistance against bolt cutters and forceful attacks.
This is the material of choice for high-risk areas such as warehouses, security gates, and perimeter fencing.
BRASS:
Resistant to corrosion and affordable, making it a popular option for residential use in low to medium-risk areas.
STAINLESS STEEL OR MARINE GRADE:
Best suited for coastal areas like Durban or Cape Town, where rust is a major issue.
Marine-grade padlocks prevent saltwater corrosion and are a must for boats, outdoor gates, and beachfront properties.
3. ENSURE APPROPRIATE SIZE AND FIT:
SHACKLE THICKNESS:
7 mm – Low security, basic use.
8–10 mm – Medium security, suitable for residential gates and tool storage.
Above 10 mm – High security, recommended for industrial, commercial, and insurance-approved applications.
CLEARANCE:
Always check vertical and horizontal clearance so the shackle can fit through the locking point (e.g., chain link, gate eyelets).
4. PRIORITISE ROBUST LOCK MECHANISMS:
KEYED OPTIONS:
Strong protection, especially those with multi-pin cylinders, anti-pick features, and double-ball locking.
South African brands like CISA, ABUS, Master Lock, and Yale all offer SABS-approved models.
COMBINATION LOCKS:
Convenient and keyless, but generally not accepted by insurers for high-risk applications.
Best for schools, lockers, and gym bags.
SMART OR BIOMETRIC LOCKS:
Increasingly available in South Africa, offering modern convenience, but insurers are slow to accept them as they rely on batteries and can be vulnerable to electronic interference.
5. LOOK FOR SECURITY CERTIFICATIONS:
In South Africa, always choose padlocks that carry SABS approval in line with SANS standards, as this ensures compliance with local testing for strength and tamper resistance.
For added assurance, you can also look for internationally recognised ratings such as CEN (Grades 1–6), ANSI, or Sold Secure, which provide further benchmarks of durability and resistance to attacks.
6. INSIST ON ANTI-TAMPER FEATURES:
High-security padlocks available in South Africa often include:
Double-ball locking (prevents twisting or pulling attacks).
Anti-drill plates.
Anti-pick pins.
Some specialist models integrate alarms that trigger if tampering is detected.
Insurers typically require double-locking mechanisms and hardened shackles for policy compliance in high-value risks.
7. MATCH TO APPLICATION AND ENVIRONMENT:
RESIDENTIAL USE:
Weather-resistant brass or stainless-steel locks for gates, garages, and tool sheds.
COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL USE:
Heavy-duty, closed-shackle, SABS-approved padlocks are strongly recommended.
Some insurers specify particular models or minimum shackle diameters for warehouses, delivery trucks, or perimeter gates.
MULTIPLE ACCESS CONTROL:
Where several padlocks are required (e.g., business premises or farm gates), consider “keyed alike” systems or a master-key system, both available from South African locksmiths and hardware suppliers.
When selecting a padlock in South Africa, prioritise SABS-approved, closed-shackle,
hardened steel locks with anti-tamper features, especially if your insurer requires compliance.
Match the padlock to the environment (residential, coastal, commercial) and
always confirm with your insurance provider what standards are necessary for claim validity.
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