Padlocks are the quintessential portable lock. The best padlocks have a few different qualifications. Some important things are pick resistance, forced entry resistance, versatility and value. The ranking will be based on these factors. There really is no such thing as an ‘unpick-able’ lock, but some are certainly better than others at security.
10. Stanley Hardened Steel Padlock
The Stanley is a good start for high security locks. The lock has a changeable core, and it’s under $50, which is a plus. This lock can be upgraded with a Schlage high security inner core, which is a big improvement. Offers pretty good security for a widely accessible lock.
9. Best Access Systems 21B
This lock earned its spot because it has seven pins and a master key system. This lock is popular with industrial companies because it is good at restricting illegal access. You can also change the inner core for one of another lock brand if you so please. If the core gets damaged, this is a good choice as well.
8. Medeco M3 Shrouded Padlock
Next on the list is the Medeco M3 Shrouded Padlock. This lock is made of hardened steel, as well as a steel shackle. Some people have found ways to compromise these locks, but it takes a very deep understanding of its inner workings to do so. This product of Medeco had most of these weaknesses resolved in manufacturing after 2011, so you should be good to go. This lock is particularly useful as an outdoor lock. It resists rust and is great for use in industrial environments. To most, this lock will appear virtually unbreakable – they won’t even try it.
7. Abus Granit
The Granit lock will provide great protection as well as many different models to choose from. The price will vary depending on the model that you choose. Granit locks are manufactured in Germany, and are claimed to have a tensile strength of six tons. Now that’s power right there. The core is very resistant to lock picking and uses disk detainees rather than pin tumblers. This makes the lock much more difficult to compromise. This lock covers all of the bases, and should be a top padlock on anyone’s list.
6. Mul-T-Lock MT5+ #13 C Series
The Granit lock will provide great protection as well as many different models to choose from. The price will vary depending on the model that you choose. Granit locks are manufactured in Germany, and are claimed to have a tensile strength of six tons. Now that’s power right there. The core is very resistant to lock picking and uses disk detainees rather than pin tumblers. This makes the lock much more difficult to compromise. This lock covers all of the bases, and should be a top padlock on anyone’s list.
5. Abloy PL 362
The disk detainee on this lock has up to two billion possible key combinations. This lock has not yet been picked in its entirety, and the keyway is pushed very far back into the shell, making picking even more difficult. These locks are one of the largest on the list in size, and the body is made of hardened steel, tougher than most drill bits. This prevents drilling, and really makes the lock well worth $270.
4. EVVA MCS
The cylinder of the Evva MCS has yet to be picked! That alone makes it a top contender in these rankings. The lock utilizes a magnetic key system, and the lock has only been decoded by observing the rightful key. Imagine using his lock too secure your belongings on the go! Now that’s worry free traveling in a composite alloy package.
3. Hi-Shear Padlock
This is the only padlock made by High Shear and they did it right. The standard core is a Medeco which makes picking pretty difficult. This lock can be picked if the cylinder is removed, which means the security of this lock really depends on the lock body. The lock body is solid – it’s even in use by the military . It can be hard to get your hands on these, but you can purchase one on Ebay without the keys and have your own cut for you by a professional key cutter.
2. Ingersoll 10
Ingersoll 700 series claim that their lock core is impregnable. That’s a pretty bold statement, but one can say such things when describing a lock with this performance. The locking system utilizes ten levers and is comparable to the security of a car key rather than a padlock. A thief would need to go through a lot of trouble to break through one of these, having to cut through both sides of the lock in order to access the shackle. You can find these on Amazon for aa little over $200, and they are well worth the price.
1. Sargent & Greenleaf 951C
Finally, lock number one. The S&G 951 retails for nearly $3000, so there better be a good reason why. There is. The lock is secure and the inner core is interchangeable. Don’t like the standard Medeco? Switch it out with your core of choice. This lock is easily serviced and can be taken apart for maintenance. You’re getting military level security with the 951, along with patented technology designed to endure severe physical beat downs. The lock is protected from cutting by ceramic inserts, and the anti-drill shield will probably break the bit before it even makes a dent. In short, there’s no other accessible lock out there that offers security. Like in most things, you get what you pay for.
High Security Padlock Features
Shackle – A high-security shackle should incorporate ball bearings and should release on both sides to deter cutting.
Shroud – The shackle cover or shroud should be made of multiple layers of strong metal. These extra layers of protection will force the thief to cut through them, buying time.
Core – The core of a high security lock is a pivotal piece. The pins should be made of a strong material, and it’s a plus if the core can be removed and modified with a stronger one of your personal preference. A high security lock should have multiple mechanisms that resist the lock being compromised.
Anti Drill Plate – An anti-drill plate prevents drills from boring into the metal of your lock. There are many different ways that a plate can do this, but overall the drill bit either needs to be deflected or of a metal too soft to penetrate.
Metal – Of course, the better the metal that goes into a lock, the better the security will be. If only we could afford locks made of diamonds – security would never be an issue! The thickness of the metal matters too. You can get a lot more strength out of an alloy, and the thicker the better.
Conclusion
The range of prices is pretty wide on this list. Of course you get more by spending more money. However, there are some pretty good contenders all across this list. Do a little research.
